hardware reserved memory

[ahmedzribi21]

hello, so lately i was having issues with my laptop. I found out that the hardware reserved memory became 4.6GB just like that. after multiple tests its clear that the issue is with BIOS settings but i think the BIOS option is locked so i cant modify it. Can i get some help please. and no the issue isnt with Windows because i tested on ubuntu and it says the same

[Samrit26]

Hello,

Before I give you a resolution, I need a bit more information — because 4.6 GB being “Hardware Reserved” on a Pavilion Gaming 15-ec0003nk can come from several different causes, and BIOS-locked settings are only one of them.

To avoid sending you down the wrong path, I need you to confirm the following:

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I need these details first:

1. How much total RAM is installed?

(8 GB? 16 GB? 32 GB?)

2. Is it 1 stick or 2 sticks?

(1×8, 2×4, etc.)

3. Did you upgrade RAM recently?

If yes → what brand, speed, and voltage?

4. Does the BIOS show the full RAM amount?

Example: BIOS shows 8 GB but Windows/Ubuntu show 3.3 GB usable.

5. Have you ever used integrated graphics only (iGPU) mode?

Even though this laptop uses NVIDIA GTX 1650/1650Ti, the AMD APU can still reserve memory under certain conditions.

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Why I’m asking

4–5 GB of reserved memory usually points to one of these:

A. Mismatched RAM sticks

Common on Pavilion Gaming systems → BIOS can map a large chunk out.

B. Faulty RAM slot or RAM stick

The system sees the module but cannot map it fully → OS marks it as “reserved.”

C. iGPU memory reservation bug

On some AMD APU systems, BIOS allocates excessive UMA memory if a setting gets corrupted.
This cannot be changed directly because Pavilion BIOSes have locked advanced menus.

D. BIOS corruption requiring NVRAM reset

This is common and sometimes fixes the issue.

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Once you give me the info above, I’ll give you the direct steps.

If the RAM or the RAM slot is the issue, we’ll confirm it immediately.
If the BIOS memory mapping is corrupted, I’ll walk you through the correct reset sequence.

If it turns out to be a hardware failure, then the unit must be shipped to the repair center — but we won’t assume that until we confirm.