Re: RAM values not matching

From: Ron Martell (ron_at_onlinehelp.bc.ca)
Date: 03/29/04 

Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 23:08:36 GMT

"Kevin" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I have 640megs of RAM installed (2 sticks, 512 and a
>128). BIOS correctly identifies the amount. Windows XP
>system properties page correctly sees 640megs but the
>systems information page on Microsoft Office and
>Microsoft's RAM test utility only shows 312megs. Also the
>RAM test utility finds 3 stick when only 2 are installed.
>Windows system monitor also shows 312megs. The RAM test
>utility shows no problems found. My system is working
>fine but I would like the larger amount of memory. Any
>ideas?
>MOBO is ECS P4VXAS with Intel P4 1.9 CPU. I have a
>seperate video card with 64megs of memory on it.
>Thanks

There is a known bug in the System Information utility in Windows XP
that does result in it reporting an incorrect amount of RAM in some
instances where there are multiple RAM modules installed and
especially when the modules are of different sizes (e.g. 2 pcs of 128
mb plus 1 of 256 mb for 512 mb total).

So long as the System Properties window reports the correct RAM amount
this is purely a cosmetic issue and it will have no effect on
performance or memory usage. I do not know if this bug is being
fixed as part of the pending Service Pack 2 updates for Windows XP.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada 

-- 
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

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