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    Vista detect 4 gb but motherboard detect 3 gb

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by 5584_user, Dec 22, 2009.

  1. 5584_user

    5584_user Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello everyone,

    I have a problem. My laptop is Aspire 5584 WXMi. Have 4 gb ram but my BIOS only detect 3 gb. Somehow Vista can detect 4 gb in Computer > Properties.

    I have 32 bit Vista and I'm thinking to upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit but I'm not sure to proceed or not because the RAM thingy.. :eek:

    Thanks in advance.
     
    5584_user, Dec 22, 2009
    #1
  2. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Do you have the latest BIOS version?

    And what chipset do you have?
     
    moral hazard, Dec 22, 2009
    #2
  3. Kdawgca

    Kdawgca rotaredoM repudrepuS RBN

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    Vista SP1 and later tells you how much memory is installed, not how much is usable. Task manager should confirm that only 3GB is only usable.

    A quick search sees that your laptop has a Intel® 945(GM) chipset so Windows 7 64(or any 64bit OS) will only give you access to ~3GB(hardware limitation).
     
    Kdawgca, Dec 22, 2009
    #3
  4. 5584_user

    5584_user Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks for your reply guys!. it turns out its a chipset problem. I already have the latest BIOS but BIOS still read 3 gb.

    http://blog.venthur.de/2007/05/14/4gb-ram-on-a-t60/
     
    5584_user, Dec 22, 2009
    #4
  5. Kfactor

    Kfactor Notebook Consultant

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    Problem solved?
     
    Kfactor, Dec 23, 2009
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  6. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    Since the BIOS could only see 3GB, even if he had Vista 64 bit, the usable RAM available for the OS would still be 3GB. The BIOS is the master. It is the final decision maker.
     
    hendra, Dec 23, 2009
    #6
  7. weinter

    weinter /dev/null

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    If Vista can detect 4GB then install 64bit will allow access to them all.
    For Vista to detect 4GB, BIOS must be able to initialize them all.
     
    weinter, Dec 23, 2009
    #7