RAM info question (Windows XP)

I added memory to my thinkpad (took out the original 1GB, added 2GB x 2=4GB).
I read that for windows XP (my case) memory more than 3GB will not be recognized. Here is what I see from my computer:

From start menu - programs - accessories - system tools - system info:
Total physical memory: 4096 MB
Available physical memory: 2.47 GB

From My computer - Properties: 2.99 GB of RAM

As can be seen there is slight discrepency of 2.47 vs. 2.99 GB. What does that tell? Is the system recognizing one of these and actually using the other? Or what else?

 

Its using both modules in proper dual channel but XP 32 bit can't address more than 3gb, although the hardware might use some of the remaining gig of ram without you seeing it. I have same. Hope this helps

 

It's not that 32 bit can only address 3GB of RAM, it's that 32bit only has 2^32 = 4294967296 bits of addresses = 4GB. Some of this will be used for other things, usually leaving approximately 3GB of space for RAM. That doesn't answer your question, that's to clarify King's post.

Available physical memory is how much memory is usable but not being used. Which means you're using .52GB of memory for the OS and any other applications you have open.

 

Oh, thanks. Then the 4 GB seems to be completely recognized in the former (start menu- -... system info), since it says 4096 MB? (Though the "properties" of "my computer" only recognizes 2.99GB.)

 

It knows it's there, but it has only assigned addresses to 2.99GB of it.

 

I see. Thanks!

 

You don't have to worry about a thing as long as it knows your modules are there..