FZ190 Memory Question

Just received my new FZ190 and I ordered it with 4GB of memory. The box it came with had a inventory sticker/list that stated that it shipped with 4GB. Well I was looking in the "Control Panel" and it only shows 3GB of memory. While customizing my initial order from Sony Style I read that memory over 3GB installed may or may not be recognized by the operating system. Is there another way I can verify how much memory is installed? I already contacted customer service and was able to receive a return order shipping label to have it returned and another one built with the correct amount of memory installed. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

Only the 64 bit versions of Windows can see 4GB of memory.

 

ZaZ,

How can I confirm that I in fact have 4gigs, besides opening it up? Can this be verified in the bios?

 

You can pretty much assume that there is 4gb installed for the simple fact that it's showing 3gb in the control panel. You know it has more than 3gb because no manufacturer preinstalls 3gb, only 2gb or 4gb.

Now, a 32bit will only see 3gb and won't ever see or utilize that other gb. There's no way around it, end of story. Your laptop was built correctly.

 

Why doesn't 32 bit windows use 4GB ram, I read that max limit for 32 bit OS is 4GB.

 

how many memory slots does the FZ series have? cause I just bought a 2GB one and have a couple of idle 1GB from the old laptop ... is it possible to add them?

Thanks

 

32bit Windows reads up to 3gb.

 

In order to see what kind of memory you have and how much of it, just use CPUZ. It will also show you your processor info.

 

Th FZ has 2 slots. Depends on your configuration of the 2 gb unit (is it 1x2gb or 2x1gb?) you might be able to ues your other 1 gb stick. Make sure that the 1 gb stick is the same speed (pc5300 - 667mhz).

 

I also thought 32-bit system read up to 4GB, but actually it reads like 3GB or technically around 3.2/3.3 GB. I think you are fine, your laptop was built correctly. If you ever go for say, Vista Ultimate x64, then it should recognize all 4GB.

 

As someone else stated, you could use CPUZ or another utility to check, but in all likelihood, the full 4 gb is there.

There are some more exotic methods that would also tell you for sure

1)Intall a 64bit OS
2) Open up the slot at the bottom (you just have to unscrew it on the bottom, it's really easy; check your manual) and take out one of the DIMMs, see if it reads 2gb, then put it back and take out the other, see if tha treads 2gb as well...

 

Ok - Thank you! As soon as I open the box I'll check it out!

 

Man, I wish I knew that before I ordered my FZ190 with 4GB! Now I feel like I wasted some money...what would the advantage be to update to the Vista 64bit OS? Also any cons! Thanks!

 

you did waste money, 4gigs from sony is almost 2-3X as much as if you installed it yourself. It takes all of 2 minutes to install it too.

 

Driver support is not as good on the 64 bit machines.

 

You are the MASTER of understatement!

Gary