8 GB installed only 2.74 usable?

[networkcommand]

hi everyone-im new, and im not really sure if im doing this right! so i have an HP probook 6455b laptop running win 7 32 bit. I installed the max amount of memory today which is 2x4GB (8GB) and what does it say? it says 8GB installed but only 2.74 usable! can anyone help me get my lost ram?

 

[johnb35]

32 bit windows will only see and use about 3.25gb of memory. It's an OS limitation. You need 64 bit windows in order to use all 8gb of memory.

 

[tech savvy]

It's actually supposed to be 4GB(3.99GB usable), but yeah, you need 64bit.

 

[voyagerfan99]

It's actually supposed to be 4GB(3.99GB usable), but yeah, you need 64bit.

Each machine is different with the amount of RAM it sees with 32-bit Windows.

 

[MMM]

It's actually supposed to be 4GB(3.99GB usable), but yeah, you need 64bit.

Never seen a 32 bit Microsoft OS use more than 3 GB ram.
Think johnb35 quote would be the max you ever get.

 

[Cromewell]

Never seen a 32 bit Microsoft OS use more than 3 GB ram.
Think johnb35 quote would be the max you ever get.

I believe the docs say up to 3.5GB but realistically, something around 2.5-3 is what you can expect.

If your system is 64 bit already (unlikely as if it were you should see a lot more than 2.75GB), it could be a BIOS limitation with MMIO.

 

[networkcommand]

thank you for the input- i wish i knew that before i went out and bought the ram-oh well you live and you learn!