Just to start off with, I already know that 32-bit systems can only utilize 4GB of RAM and that when you install 4GB, you don't get all of it available.
That being said, I'm curious why my motherboard doesn't recognize all the ram?
I just upgraded my [older] system from 1GB (512MBx2) of crappy Ultra DDR400 ram to 4GB (1GBx4) of OCZ High Performance Dual-Channel ram. I boot up Windows and I see 3.37GB of RAM. I expected that. What I was wondering about was why when the motherboard boots up it says there's only ~3500MB of ram. Even if it can't be used, shouldn't I be able to see the full amount there? The board is a ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe.
Also, kind of related, Windows XP has been acting a little screwy since the upgrade. It has seemed to straighten out for the most part but I'm still getting some Windows failed to start due to a recent change in software or hardware. Should I just do a clean install of Windows XP? I also added a SATA (first time I actually used a SATA connection, and I bought the board in 2004 :eek2 DVD-Burner at the same time, if that makes any difference.
That being said, I'm curious why my motherboard doesn't recognize all the ram?
I just upgraded my [older] system from 1GB (512MBx2) of crappy Ultra DDR400 ram to 4GB (1GBx4) of OCZ High Performance Dual-Channel ram. I boot up Windows and I see 3.37GB of RAM. I expected that. What I was wondering about was why when the motherboard boots up it says there's only ~3500MB of ram. Even if it can't be used, shouldn't I be able to see the full amount there? The board is a ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe.
Also, kind of related, Windows XP has been acting a little screwy since the upgrade. It has seemed to straighten out for the most part but I'm still getting some Windows failed to start due to a recent change in software or hardware. Should I just do a clean install of Windows XP? I also added a SATA (first time I actually used a SATA connection, and I bought the board in 2004 :eek2 DVD-Burner at the same time, if that makes any difference.