Hardware allocated memory issue

[soneX]

I upgraded the RAM on my HP Pavilion - 15-ec0012nt computer due to lack of ram and increased it from 8 to 12, but after I removed it, the RAM allocated to the hardware also increased. While it was 8GB, it was 3GB allocated to the hardware, now it has increased to 6.1GB and no matter what I did, I could not fix this. As I upgrade the RAM, the RAM allocated to the hardware increases and there is not enough RAM for games.

[NonSequitur777]

@soneX,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

The increase in hardware reserved RAM after upgrading to 12GB (specifically on an 

HP Pavilion 15-ec0012nt) is likely due to mismatched RAM sticks or integrated GPU allocation. When mixing different RAM sizes (like your 4GB and 8GB setup), the system may fail to map the extra memory correctly or automatically increase the allocation for the onboard graphics.

Immediate Software Fixes:

Before opening the laptop, try these standard troubleshooting steps:

• Disable Memory Limits in Windows:
  1. Press Win + R, type: msconfig, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the Boot tab and click Advanced options.
  3. Ensure Maximum memory is unchecked. If it is already unchecked, check it, set it to your full RAM amount (12288), restart, and then uncheck it again to "reset" the setting.

• Update BIOS and Drivers: Check the HP Support site (here) for the latest BIOS update for your model, which is Version F.19 Rev.A released on January 16th, 2024. BIOS updates often include fixes for memory handling and mapping bugs.
• AMD Memory Optimizer (If applicable): If your model uses an AMD processor with Radeon graphics, open the AMD Adrenalin software. Look under Tuning or System for a Memory Optimizer setting and change it to "Productivity" to reduce hardware reservation. 

Hardware and BIOS Checks:

If software settings don't work, the issue is likely physical or deeply rooted in the BIOS:

• Check Integrated GPU (iGPU) Settings: Restart and tap F10 to enter the BIOS. Look for UMA Frame Buffer Size or Video RAM settings under the "Advanced" or "Chipset" tabs. If it is set to a high value (like 4GB or "Auto"), try setting it to a lower fixed value like 1GB or 2GB.
• Reseat the RAM: Power off the laptop, open the back cover, and carefully remove and re-insert both RAM modules. Improperly seated sticks can lead to high hardware reservation because the system "sees" the stick but cannot fully communicate with it.
• Test Single Channel: Try booting with only the new 8GB stick. if the hardware reserved RAM drops significantly, the issue is the incompatibility between the original 4GB stick and the new 8GB stick.

I would strongly recommend adding an additional 8GB RAM stick -matching the original 8GB RAM stick, preferably the same brand and model.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[soneX]

Thank you for your attention, my msconfig settings are in the latest version of the bios and before upgrading the ram, I had the same problem. The ram installed in one slot is completely reserved for the hardware. I did ram tests, but there was no problem. All the settings you mentioned are complete, but the normal slot installed in one slot is completely reserved for the hardware and I do not have access to advanced options in the bios.

[NonSequitur777]

@soneX,

Since the msconfig settings and BIOS updates have been ruled out, this points to a technical hardware or firmware limitation common in the HP Pavilion 15-ec series. Here are solutions to address these specific roadblocks:

1. The "Ghost Slot" Issue (Hardware):

Because one slot is reserved, the system likely sees the RAM (SPD data) but cannot utilize it. This is typically a failing memory channel or a "dirty" connection in that specific slot.

• Swap Slots: Move the 8GB stick to the slot that was holding the 4GB stick. If the problem stays with the slot (whichever stick is in slot B gets reserved), it is likely a motherboard or CPU memory controller fault.
• Deep Clean: Use compressed air to blow out the RAM slots. A tiny piece of dust can prevent the "handshake" required to map the memory.

2. Unlocking "Advanced" Settings (Firmware):

HP consumer BIOS is often locked. Since UMA Frame Buffer settings are hidden, try these combinations while inside the BIOS menu to see if the Advanced tab appears:

• Combination A: Press Ctrl + F10 or Ctrl + F11.
• Combination B: Hold Fn and press Tab three times, then restart.
• Combination C: Press A while holding Ctrl.

3. Reducing the iGPU "Tax" (Software):

If BIOS settings remain locked, force a reduction via the AMD Adrenalin Software (if installed):

1. Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
2. Go to Performance > Tuning.
3. Look for System or Memory Optimizer.
4. Change the setting from "Gaming" to "Productivity" and restart. This often lowers the hardware reserve for the integrated graphics.

4. The Last Resort: BIOS Reset:

A "stuck" memory map can sometimes be cleared by a hard CMOS reset:

• Turn off the laptop.
• Press and hold Windows + V while pressing the power button for 3 seconds.
• This forces the BIOS to re-scan and re-allocate all hardware resources.

Recommendation: Check if the "Hardware Reserved" amount changes when swapping the sticks between slots. If the same slot always reserves the RAM regardless of which stick is in it, it is likely a physical hardware limitation.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[soneX]

I did it all, I did it before but it doesn't work.

[NonSequitur777]

@soneX,

This is based on my own (anecdotal) experience, but I think you'll have better luck using 2 x 8GB RAM sticks rather than using different capacity RAM sticks.

Kind Regards.

NonSequitur777