Memory Loss?

[Misch868]

I just built a new system with a XFX nForce 680i LT mobo and 4GB of PNY DDR2 667MHz, but only 2.75 GB of memory shows up in Windows.

I know some loss of memory is to be expected, but losing that much seems excessive. Is anything going wrong or am I just overreacting?

 

[SNGX1275]

You are running a 32bit OS. It won't show you 4gigs unless you are running a 64bit OS. I briefly searched for your issue but came up blank, its been asked lots of times before here, I'm sure someone will give you a 'real' explanation soon.

Edit: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605
or http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888137/en-us

 

[Misch868]

Waste?

Thanks for those articles. I read those and a couple others but I'm still unsure of a few things.

Since only 2.75 GB of 4GB is shown, is that missing 1.25 GB just completely wasted? If so would it just be better for me to take out one of the 1GB sticks and have 3 GB?

And the sole solution to my situation would be upgrading to a 64-bit OS?

 

[Daveskater]

the only way to make your 4gb's show up would be to install a 64 bit OS

usually the most you can get out of a 32 bit OS is 3.2gb but that depends on other hardware and settings in your computer