Put additional RAM, the computer does not see. The computer does not see the RAM: possible causes, diagnostics, instructions and tips to fix the problem

RAM is the most important component of a desktop computer and is also the fastest and easiest to upgrade. The operation of modern memory modules is very straightforward, so the process of installing them often goes smoothly, but still, any troubles are extremely annoying. If several new memory modules have been purchased, but the computer or operating system does not recognize them, then the following steps must be taken to determine the cause of the problem.

First step: Checking the nest

Installing memory into the computer is not difficult: you need to bend back both clips on the memory socket, and then push the memory board straight down with force. Insertion pressure will cause the clips to lock into place with an audible click, but they often need to be pushed back on the DIMM. If the memory board isn't exactly perpendicular to the connector and motherboard, or if the clips can't be locked in place, it's not firmly seated. You should remove the memory and try to insert it again.

The design of the laptop is clearly more complicated. If it provides access to the memory slot (many new compact models don't), then the memory module is inserted at an angle and then pushed down towards the laptop case until it snaps into place. Even a properly inserted memory card may not be fully secured; sufficient pressure must be applied to the board, but in such a way as to avoid the risk of damaging its electrical circuits.

Second step: Checking motherboard compatibility

Standard RAM modules for both desktops and laptops can only be inserted in one direction. Desktop and laptop memory cards are not interchangeable, and different generations of memory cannot be inserted into the wrong socket (in principle, it is impossible to insert DDR3 into a motherboard with DDR4 support).

Occasionally, even the right type of memory is incompatible with a particular motherboard. Despite this, faster memory (with higher frequency and lower timings) can work well on a motherboard that only supports a lower frequency. The memory will just run slower than it could.

The motherboard has a limit on the amount of supported memory, covering all the connectors for it on the board taken together. Their number varies from two to eight, but most full-sized motherboards are equipped with four. This means that a motherboard with a maximum of 16GB of RAM and four memory slots can "take on board" no more than 4GB in each slot. When you insert an 8GB DIMM into the slot, that module will not be detected.

You should check the manual for the motherboard in order to specifications find out the optimal type and amount of RAM.

Step Three: Diagnose with Memtest86

If, after performing the above steps, the reason for not detecting memory is still unclear, then the explanation may lie in a malfunction in the RAM bar itself. Windows has a built-in Memtest86 utility that can be launched by holding F8 while starting the computer.

If it returns the detected errors, then the memory module is probably defective, that is, you will have to replace it by returning it to the store or manufacturer (with the warranty period not expired).

Fourth step: Cleaning contacts

If the memory shows errors or is not detected, then it is worth checking if dirt has accumulated on the contacts and if they are damaged. It is recommended to clean the contacts with a piece of cotton cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Do not use conventional cleaning agents, as the chemical compounds they contain can cause corrosion.

It will be necessary to wait for the final evaporation of alcohol, and then re-examine the contacts for the presence of dust residues and cotton fibers on them. If you have a cylinder of compressed air at hand, you should blow it with short pulses on both sides of the bar, then reinsert it into the system board and try to boot.

Fifth step: Testing on other systems

Even if memory diagnostics don't show any results, the problem may be more serious. The motherboard may be faulty, the replacement of which will cost much more. The following actions cannot be taken without additional equipment. In this case, you will have to turn to friends or colleagues for help.

Try to get a working computer with the same memory requirements as yours (same DDR version and sockets accepting the same amount of RAM). Next, move the potentially faulty memory to a second computer and see if the same symptoms of the problem appear. If during the boot process the computer detects new memory, then this means that the root of the problem lies in another part of the system, and not in memory.

Now test in reverse. Install another DIMM in your computer in the same slot, making sure it is compatible with your motherboard. If the computer finds memory during boot, it means that your old memory module is broken - you will have to change it.

In theory, installing RAM memory consists in inserting memory cards into the appropriate slots on the computer's motherboard and turning it on. In fact, various problems often occur in which Windows does not see RAM. These problems can be caused by both hardware and software problems. In this article, we will look at the most common causes, causing a situation where Windows 7 or Windows 8 does not see the entire amount of RAM.

You are using a 32 bit version of Windows 7 or Windows 8

The maximum amount of RAM that 32-bit versions of Windows can "see" is 4 GB. Thus, if you have more RAM, you should install the 64-bit version to take advantage of this memory. To find out what version of Windows is installed on your computer, open the "System" item in the control panel (or right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties").

In addition to the bitness of the operating system, the amount of visible memory is also affected by which edition of Windows you are using. For example, if your computer is running Windows 7 Home, then the maximum available RAM is 2GB, not 4. Users of Windows 7 Home Basic have only 8GB of RAM available, even if they are running a 64-bit version of the OS . There are similar limits for latest version- Windows 8.

Some users continue to ask why they have, for example, 8 GB of RAM, but the system sees only 4 GB, and maybe even less. The answer to the question is very simple - this happens only with 32-bit systems. Whether you have Windows XP, Windows 7 or the current "ten", but with a 32-bit architecture, it will not see more than 4 GB.

Even less available RAM can be seen when viewing system properties, why is this happening? The answer is simple, part of the so-called address space goes to servicing connected peripherals. The video card turned out to be the most consumer. Although some devices do not even use the RAM. The amount of address space depends on the chipset and other parameters, such as BIOS, computer configuration.

The system does not see part of the RAM

The only way to get rid of this problem is to reinstall the OS to the 64-bit version. Then more than 4 GB will be available to you.

There is also one feature of the system. Press Win + R and enter the command msconfig. Next, the System Configuration window opens. Go to the "Download" tab and click on the "Advanced options" button there.

Uncheck the item "Maximum Memory".

Solution number number 2

It happens that devices take part of the memory to the computer configuration, but not very much. Therefore, you should not worry about this.

Another option is to make sure which one is supported by the motherboard. But this applies more to older technologies.

You also need to enable the function in the BIOS Memory Remap Feature(also named: Memory Hole Remapping, H/W Mem Remap and H/W memory hole Remapping). After that, we install a 64-bit system. Sometimes these options are already enabled automatically on modern boards, so you can only make sure.

If you actually have less than 4 GB of RAM on a 64-bit system, then the Memory Remap Feature parameter must be disabled anyway. Not only can the available volume become even smaller because of this, but also some devices will freeze, which especially affects the modeling and gameplay.

It happens that the BIOS does not see the required amount of RAM, then it should be updated. This is a risky business and should be approached carefully and carefully. You can always find the update instructions on the official website of the motherboard.

More materials:

If the BIOS installed modules are defined, but not in Windows, then you should check the manual for the motherboard. It usually says about connecting specific RAM modules, for example, which mode is better - single-channel or dual-channel. On the official website, you can find out about the models that may suit you and the connection option.

If the system does not see the RAM, then this may be due to an incorrectly set power value, as well as due to faulty modules. Moreover, if one of the bars fails, then the system may not start at all, then you need to get rid of it.

Summing up

So, we figured out why the computer does not see the RAM, as well as some specific amount of it. I’ll write down the points on what needs to be done if this happens:

1. Reinstall OS to 64-bit version;
2. In the System Configuration, uncheck the box "Maximum memory";
3. Check the maximum amount of RAM on the motherboard;
4. Check the health of the RAM modules;
5. Rearrange the RAM sticks in places;
6. - instructions on the official websites of motherboards;

You can also clean your computer from dust and dirt. Wipe the contacts on the RAM modules, and clean the slots. Hope this article helps you!

Updated: 01.01.2020 Published: 15.06.2018

Description

The system detects less RAM than is installed in the computer.

Or not all memory is available to the system:

Also, not all of its volume may be determined in the BIOS (more often, only half).

Cause

1. Part of the memory is taken by the video card.
2. The edition or bit depth limit of the operating system.
3. software limitation.
4. System memory reservation.
5. RAM failure.
6. Processor limitation.
7. BIOS error or the need to update it.
8. The maximum volume limit that the motherboard supports.
9. The motherboard does not support one of the memory modules.

Solution

1. Using the built-in graphics card

This problem is characterized by a slight allocation of memory for the operation of the video adapter. In this case, we will observe a slight decrease in available memory, for example:

Any video card integrated into the motherboard consumes system memory, as it does not have its own resources.

To understand which video card is used, you can go to the device manager (command devmgmt.msc) and expand the section Video adapters:

Typically, NVIDIA and AMD adapters are discrete (not built-in), while Intel adapters are integrated.

If we want the integrated video card to consume less memory, we go into BIOS / UEFI and find one of the parameters:

• Share Memory Size
• Onboard VGA Frame Buffer
• Display Cache Window Size
• On-Chip Video Window Size
• Onboard Video Memory Size
• Internal Graphic Mode Select
• Integrated Graphics Share Memory

* in different BIOS versions, they may be called differently. It is also possible that other parameters can be used - in this case, you need to study the documentation for the motherboard or use a search engine.

After we change the amount of memory reservation for the necessary video systems:

2. Software limitation

The limit can be set in the system. To remove it, open a command prompt and enter the command msconfig- the "System Configuration" window will open (you can also use the Windows search by the name of the window).

In the window that opens, go to the tab and click on Extra options:

Verify that the checkbox is not checked. Maximum Memory or not worth a value less than the volume. Otherwise, just uncheck the box:

3. Operating system limits

Various editions Windows systems have a limit on the maximum amount of memory used.

a) All 32-bit versions can use a maximum of 3.25 GB of RAM. This architectural limitation is the limit that a 32-bit system is capable of. The picture will look something like this:

To use more than 3 GB of memory, you need to reinstall the system to the 64-bit version.

b) Windows editions also have limitations. For example, Windows 10 Home 64 bit will allow you to use 128 GB, and Windows 10 Pro x64 - 512 GB. With Windows 7, the situation is worse - the home basic edition will allow you to use only 8 GB, and the initial one, only 2 GB.

More details in the tables:

OS	Limit, GB
	32-bit	64-bit
Windows 10 Home	4	128
Windows 10 Pro	4	512
Windows 8	4	128
Windows 8 Enterprise	2	512
Windows 8 Professional	4	512
Windows 7 Starter	2	2
Windows 7 Home Basic	4	8
Windows 7 Home Premium	4	16
Windows 7 Professional	4	192
Windows 7 Enterprise	4	192
Windows 7 Ultimate	4	192

If our problem is related to the edition limit, we need to update the system or reinstall it.

4. Setting up the basic I/O system

In order for the computer to use all the memory, in some cases, BIOS / UEFI settings may be required:

5. Checking the fastening of modules or rearrangement of memory strips

The memory stick may not be connected tightly enough to the slot on the motherboard, which is why it will not be used by the computer. In this case, we will observe the lack of a large amount of memory (per module). We try to insert it more tightly into the connector. When properly installed, the module should make a click.

Sometimes, swapping memory modules helps. We just disassemble the computer, pull out the modules and swap them.

In some cases, the slot on the motherboard may be faulty. If there are free connectors, you can try to use them. It is necessary to use slots of the same color.

6. The maximum volume that the motherboard supports

It is necessary to check what is the maximum volume that the motherboard itself can see. To do this, you should use the instructions - it comes with the kit, and it can also be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Also, similar information can be found on some online stores:

Some hardware (usually already obsolete) basically does not support large amounts of memory. For example, the ASUS K50 notebook supports 4 GB by specification, however, official technical support states that it will only see 3 GB.

7. Problem with BIOS / UEFI

Since BIOS / UEFI is responsible for collecting information about the computer, the problem may occur on initial stage turning on the PC.

First, let's try to reset the settings. To do this, disconnect the computer from the power source and pull out the battery for 20 minutes (the first time you can try, for 10 seconds). If this does not help, update the BIOS.

8. Memory module failure

In the event of a memory failure, the system and BIOS will not display its entire volume (usually only half). For example, if 16 GB (2 sticks of 8 GB each) are inserted into the computer, we will see only 8.

In this case, you can try to pull out and insert the memory sticks back (you can blow them a little from dust). Also, the boards can be swapped. You can also try cleaning the contacts (a regular eraser will do). Some laptops or monoblocks have a separate plug, opening which you can get to the memory modules, otherwise you need to disassemble the computer completely.

If this does not help, perform a memory test. In the case when the test also shows part of the memory, we try to pull out both bars and insert them one at a time - if the computer does not turn on with one of them, this faulty bar must be replaced, if the computer starts up with all the bars, we may be dealing with a problem BIOS (step below).

9. Discrete graphics card

Above, it was already indicated that the built-in video card takes up part of the memory for its work. A discrete card, in some cases, can also take system memory as so-called "swap memory". This happens at a time when its own memory is not enough for it (most often, after overclocking or running demanding games / applications).

To solve the problem, try the following:

• If the card was overclocked, we return the old parameters.
• Reinstall the video card driver.

Also, some laptops can use two video cards - built-in and discrete. If the application is not demanding on the graphics adapter, then the laptop will work from the built-in video card, taking up memory resources. Alternatively, in the BIOS settings, you can enable the priority of using a discrete video card.

10. Processor Limits

Each processor has its own limit on supporting the maximum amount of RAM. You need to go to the official website of the developer and check the maximum volume supported by our processor.

11. Module support from the motherboard side

If the memory was purchased in addition, and it differs from the second bracket, you need to make sure that the motherboard supports the new module.

This can be done on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer - go to the support section and find the compatibility sheet. Among the list of equipment, you need to find the purchased memory.

12. Cleaning modules with an eraser

If the problem appeared by itself, you can try to pull the memory modules out of the motherboard and clean their contacts with an eraser. After we blow through the connectors on the motherboard and insert the memory into place.

13. Installing the chipset driver

Updating or reinstalling the driver may also help resolve the issue. To do this, we determine the manufacturer and model of the motherboard, go to the manufacturer's website, find the page for a specific model and download the driver for the chipset. Install the downloaded driver and restart the computer.

Also, the driver can be installed in semi-automatic mode using the DriverHub program.

14. Adjusting timings

If brackets with different timings are installed in the computer, the memory controller automatically adjusts the necessary parameters, as a rule, focusing on the performance of the slowest of them. But it happens that the controller cannot find the optimal settings. This leads to the fact that one of the modules does not work correctly and its memory capacity is not used.

To set the timings, go to BIOS / UEFI and find the memory settings option. Depending on the availability of the firmware type, version and manufacturer, these settings may vary greatly. You need to find the instructions for the BIOS / UEFI version used to change the timings and set those that correspond to the slowest memory module.

15. Disable virtualization

In some cases, the enabled virtualization technology may have an impact on maximum memory support. To check this option, we try to disable it.

Virtualization support is disabled in the BIOS in a section with a name similar to CPU or CPU Configuration. This section is usually located in the subsection Advanced. Depending on the processor used, the virtualization support option is called differently:

• for Intel processors we translate the option Intel Virtualization Technology(or Intel VT) to position Disabled.
• for AMD processors we translate the option SVM Mode into position Disabled.

We save the settings and check the amount of memory.

16. Windows License Restriction

The systems that come with computers have a strict licensing policy that restricts hardware replacements. This can lead to a situation where, when adding memory, it will not be recognized all.

In this case, you need to reinstall the system. In this case, a simple reinstallation over the existing system will not help - only a complete formatting of the system partition with the installation of a new Windows.

Random access memory is one of the most important parts of the memory of a personal computer. While the user is interacting with the device, this device stores the currently running programs in real time. In addition, "RAM" is also responsible for storing the data that is processed by the central processor. The main feature of RAM is that if the power supply to its board is completely turned off, all temporarily contained memory will be eliminated or partially destroyed.

"Windows" completely or partially does not see the RAM - reasons

The most annoying and frequently encountered problem is the situation when the user's PC does not detect the pre-installed "RAM". There may also be cases of "partial" shutdown, or displaying only some part of the installed memory.

The main prerequisites and causes of such problems can be:

• using an operating system that does not allow the use of a large amount of memory;
• there are some restrictions on a certain amount of memory involved;
• allocation of RAM is carried out to ensure the operability of integrated or other equipment;
• the motherboard of the device has the ability to support only a limited amount of "RAM";
• incorrect installation of the board with this memory;
• failure of the "plate" of RAM itself.

Each of these reasons can appear both separately and in combination with others. Therefore, each user is advised to have the necessary knowledge and skills to troubleshoot such problems, which greatly affect the performance of the entire device.

"Windows" does not see all the "RAM". Solution

If you encounter this problem, then the first thing to do is to carefully check the "input", that is, the nest. To do this, you must perform the following algorithm of actions:

On a note! In some cases, reconnecting the board allows you to resume its functionality.

Checking contacts for dirt

Another reason for partial or total absence Display of the necessary hardware in the PC may be contaminated contacts. To check and clean them, you must:

On a note! If necessary, you can "shuffling" the slats. This action can lead to the fact that an obsessive and unpleasant problem is solved. To do this, the "RAM" modules must be connected several times to different sockets.

The system does not "see" the "RAM" part

The reason that the installed OS does not detect a part of all available "RAM" may be the use of an integrated type of video card. It looks like this.

In order to set a smaller amount of memory allocated to the integrated video card, you must:

Restriction by the system program

Among other things, the limitation on the use of such important memory can be adjusted using the System Configuration program. To successfully eliminate it, you must:

Limitation in the motherboard itself

The motherboard module may also have a restriction on the use of "RAM". To find out reliable information about how much memory a given critical board can support, you must first know it.

There are several ways to define the MP model:

If you do not want to install such software, you can use the standard Windows software package. For this you need:

Reference! In addition, some online stores also post this information, but they are not 100% reliable.

The use of RAM in an incomplete amount can lead to “slowdowns” of the system, the appearance of failures and non-optimal operation of the entire PC. Therefore, it is desirable to resort to using the maximum amount of "RAM". In addition, the amount of supported memory directly depends on the bitness of the operating system.

The maximum possible amount of memory in "Windows 8" and other versions

As you know, different Operating Systems from Microsoft can support vastly different amounts of RAM. In this case, in order not to get into an unpleasant situation with installing too many modules that simply turn out to be useless, you need to know about the capabilities of your own system. Table with necessary detailed information.

Video - Windows does not see all the RAM, how to fix it?