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    Windows 7 and HWiNFO64 Detect 12gb of RAM, but BIOS Doesn't

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Clearik, Jul 30, 2013.

  1. Clearik

    Clearik Notebook Enthusiast

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    In my Dell Alienware M15x, I have one 4gb stick of RAM and one stick of 8gb of RAM. Windows detects all 12gb, and HWiNFO64 detects 12gb, but BIOS only detects the 4gb. Is there anyway I can have my BIOS detect all 12gb of RAM? Will I have the performance of the 12gb, even though BIOS only detects the 4gb? Thanks in advance!

    P.S. Crucial Scan also detects each stick of RAM correctly.
     
    Clearik, Jul 30, 2013
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  2. H.A.L. 9000

    H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw

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    If Windows sees it, your BIOS does too. It's likely just a bug in the BIOS that's making it display the wrong amount.
     
    H.A.L. 9000, Jul 31, 2013
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  3. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Windows can detect the RAM - but is it actually using it?

    Check the task manager to be sure...
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jul 31, 2013
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  4. Clearik

    Clearik Notebook Enthusiast

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    Task Manager.jpg

    It would appear it is.
     
    Clearik, Jul 31, 2013
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  5. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    That is a good sign - now to make your BIOS show it properly...


    Is there any BIOS updates for your system?
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jul 31, 2013
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  6. Clearik

    Clearik Notebook Enthusiast

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    I currently have A08, and there is A09, however, I had difficulty installing it once, so never continued with it. I didn't see anything in the A09 BIOS updates notes regarding anything about RAM. The update states the following:

    "1. Fixed LFM state issue.
    2. Fixing Wrong key behavior.
    3. Fix media board OSD scancode incorrectly reported problem."
     
    Clearik, Jul 31, 2013
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  7. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Your call of course, but I would want the latest BIOS/firmware for the platform.

    Not all the 'fixes' are listed, btw - all manufacturers have this 'secrecy' with the actual improvements in their firmware/BIOS updates.


    If your system is using the RAM (and it seems it is), then maybe leave well enough alone?

    Is it possible to switch the RAM modules? Or are there more Sodimm slots available?

    Try changing the order of the Sodimms modules installed and this may 'fix' the issue.



    If you do try to update the BIOS - I would recommend to do it with only the original 4GB module installed (in the original location).


    Make sure you unplug the power adaptor and remove the battery if/when switching the memory Sodimms.


    Good luck.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jul 31, 2013
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