MacBook 4Gb RAM Upgrade, OS only sees 2.7Gb?

Hi,
I upgraded my macbook 2GHz aluminium today from 2Gb to 4Gb. I am running Windows Vista32.
I understand the limits of 32 bit addressable space, and the fact that video cards / chipsets etc will take away from the amout of memory that the OS can address, but losing 1.3Gb is excessive. Where has it all gone?
For comparison, I run other machines here (PC's) with Vista32 that have no problem seeing 3.3Gb of RAM, despite having much more video RAM, more PCI expansion cards etc to address from the 4Gb pool.
Any ideas?

JoeyR wrote:
Vista 32 bit will only see about 3.3GB to start with. Take away 256MB of shared RAM for your video card... and you're down to 2.7GB. That's it. You're not losing 1.3GB... you're not actually losing anything.
How does 3.3 - .256 = 2.7?
The amount of RAM that the OS can see is determined in the BIOS. So (minus the 256Mb for the video card) what is the BIOS allocating the other 1.05Gb to and can this be changed? IE, video card aperture can be changed in BIOS, can this be changed in EFI? There should be no reason to reserve this amount of address space on a relatively low spec machine.
+The PCI memory addresses starting down from 4 GB are used for things like the BIOS, IO cards, networking, PCI hubs, bus bridges, PCI-Express, and video/graphics cards. The BIOS takes up about 512 KB starting from the very top address. Then each of the other items mentioned are allocated address ranges below the BIOS range. The largest block of addresses is allocated for today’s high performance graphics cards which need addresses for at least the amount of memory on the graphics card. The net result is that a high performance x86-based computer may allocate 512 MB to more for the PCI memory address range before any RAM (physical user memory) addresses are allocated.+
http://h20331.www2.hp.com/Hpsub/downloads/RAM%20Allocation%20w-WinXP_HP%20MWP%20 x64%2003Nov05.doc

Similar Messages

Why is it that the new macbook pro processor upgrade option only offers up to 2.8 Ghz with Intel Dual Core i7, when back in Sep 12 I bought a 2.9 Ghz Intel Dual Core i7 Macbook, is the new one tuned to go much faster anyway?

Why is it that the new Macbook Pro processor upgrade option only offers up to 2.8 Ghz boosting to 3.3 Ghz with Intel Dual Core i7, when back in Sep 12 I bought a 2.9 Ghz boosting to 3.6 Ghz Intel Dual Core i7 Macbook, is the new one tuned somehow to go much faster anyway, or will the new one be slower in fact? Or does the solid state drive compensate for the lack of increased processor capacity?

The CPU's come from different Intel 'families'. The older ones are 'Ivy Bridge' and the newer ones are 'Haswell'. Numbers alone will not determine the efficiency of CPU.
Ciao.

My After Effects CS4 only sees 2.7GB. But my MBP has 8GB...

I'm running XP under Boot Camp on a 8GB Macbook Pro 5.1 (Intel duo 2009).
After Effects CS4 only sees 2.7GB.
What's the fix?
Cheers!

Ah, my bad entirely. I'd forgotten that XP limitation.
Would upgrading to Vista allow my system to see any more?
EDIT My bad again - reading the link above tells me I'd gain nothing.
Thanks for the info.

My After Effects CS4 only sees 2.7GB...

My After Effects CS4 only sees 2.7GB. But I have 8GB.
???

Ah, my bad. I thought that by posting in the Boot Camp forum... I should've said XP.
Fact is that I've since discovered it's a limitation both XP and AE CS4 share. http://forums.adobe.com/thread/457704
Bummer.

Why won't my macbook pro accept both 4gb Ram, It will only use a 4gb and a 2gb?

I have a mid 2009 2.6 Ghz 15" macbook pro, and recently purchased two samsund ddr3 4gb 1600hz 204 pin RAM. I removed my two 2gb standard Ram from my macbook pro, and inserted the two 4gb Ram. When I turned the computer one it began using its 3 beep sequence as if the Ram fail, so I removed one 4gb Ram and reinserted a 2gb Ram and the computer started. It said I had total 6 gb ram. I am wonderind why It won't accept both of the 4gb Ram.

Exactly what Kappy and Stedman1 states.
The RAM you purchased is way out of specs for what you need.
Go and return or exchange them for either a set of Crucial, Corsair, Mushkin or Kingston (non value) RAM.

Early 2008 MacBook Pro RAM upgrade limited to 3GB??

My brother in law has an early 2008 MBP, 2.4GHz, I'm pretty much sure we are talking about the one described in this Apple tech specs:
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP4
Now, it says that it supports up to 4GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM. He bought 2x2GB Kingston memory modules , but the shop sold him the 800Mhz ones. Still they do fit and if only one is present together with the old 1GB 667MHz one it works fine reporting a total of 3GB. With the 2x2GB together the MBP doesn't even start.
My understanding was that such a MBP could support up to 8GB of RAM with the new 4GB memory modules (well probably with SL at 64 bits, which works). Personally I have an early 2007 MacBook and I know there is a 3GB limit due to the GMA 950 (video chip) reserving higher addresses.
Is there a similar situation for the MBP? I thought the memory speed being higher shouldn't matter (and it works indeed with one 800MHz module). Or is that MBP really limited to 3GB maximum? Any idea?
Message was edited by: Michelasso

yes, he will bring everything here today. I think he didn't buy the KTA MB800 anyway (made for Apple by kingston). Just generic. They are too cheap. But I have to check. Reading around I've found out that only the Penryn MBP should have the problem with faster RAM. Here is a good guide:
http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/358184/a-guide-to-macbook-ram-upgrades/
Well, he's still on time to give the RAM back and get the refund. Thanks for your help anyway.

Macbook Pro RAM Upgrade Questions

I'm looking at getting a 13" Pro, 2.8Ghz, 750GB Hardrive and 4GB RAM. I'm just doing my research in regards to upgrading RAM and I have a few quick questions.
What is the Largest amount of RAM that a Pro will support?
What type do I need?
Is it easy to do?
Thanks in advance!

Pozzi93 wrote:
Forgive me if I am wrong but isn't that a Hardrive not RAM?
Yep. It sure is. Got confused as to what you were asking for . Crucial and OWC (macsales.com) are excellent vendors for RAM. The newest MacBook Pros can hold up to 16gb of RAM (2 slots with one 8gb module in each). 16gb is overkill for the average user. 8gb of ram is very affordable now at about $50 USD.

2 x 4GB RAM upgrade doesn't work

Hi :-)My touchsmart 600 pc has 2 x 2 GB RAM. I have tried to upgrade it with 2 x 4GB RAM but it's not working. I have tried to only use one 4GB in the pc and end with diffenrent scenaries. The first 4GB block the computer starts up and freeze at the windows startup screen.The second 4GB block the computer comes to windows screen and rebooting over and over.If I put both 4GB blocks in the computer starts up with the blue screen and start rebooting over and over again. It's these 2 x 4GB RAM I have brought:http://www.proshop.dk/RAM/Kingston-ValueRAM-SO-DDR3-1333-DC-8GB-2400944.html I'm running now with the 2 x 2GB RAM the computer came with and it's running fine. I have tried to run the diagnostic program at startup and it says passed to all the tests. What can I do to make this 2 x 4GB RAM working ? Best regards Carsten Smitt

If you are sure you have pushed the memory stick in firmly (and you really have to push), and you heard a click, then it is very likely the memory is defective and should be returned. Most companies have a lifetime guarantee on RAM and you should have no problem getting a new stick.

Installed 4GB ram, but comp only reading 3GB?

I just upgraded my 2.4ghz MBP from 2 to 4GB ram (Kingston DDR2-667 2x2GB cards). The computer reads all 4GB (in the system profiler), but when I open a program like AFTER EFFECTS, it's only using 3GB.
Any ideas why or how to fix the problem? Of course I got the extra ram specifically for programs like AFTER EFFECTS and FINAL CUT, so it'd be nice to know that i'm getting my money's worth!
thanks!

The computer reads all 4GB (in the system profiler)
So you DO have 4 GB RAM installed OK.
when I open a program like AFTER EFFECTS, it's only using 3GB.
Not all your RAM is available for an application to use; your video chip, for example, uses your system RAM.

Satellite A100-906 - BIOS see 4GB RAM but OS only 3GB

The [manual|http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=EU&PRODUCT_ID=1 20569&DISC_MODEL=1] says that the laptop supports 4 gigabytes of memory and the BIOS displays them, but the operating system (x86_64) sees only 3 gigabytes.
~$ cat /proc/meminfo
MemTotal: 3093996 kB
~$ uname -a
Linux satellite 2.6.32-5-amd64 #1 SMP Wed Jan 12 03:40:32 UTC 2011 x86_64 GNU/Linux
What me do?
Thanks.

> {quote:title=PauPau wrote:}{quote}
> Did you check this using Windows 64bit OS?
No, I do not use Windows.
I tested with different versions of the Linux operating system and Unix (opensolaris, openindiana).
> Fact is that BIOS has recognized the full 4GB RAM. The chipset seems to support the 4GB RAM as well.
Yes, even the technical documentation on the chipset is confirmed, but nevertheless, 1 gigabyte had disappeared. : (

Early 2011 13" i5 MacBook Pro - RAM Upgrade

I am thinking of upgrading my MacBook pro 4GB to 8GB I don't think I really need the extra RAM right at this point however I would like to just go ahead and do it to get it out of the way since next year I will be using the machine primarily for Adobe Photoshop CS5 and from what I hear that program is a memory hog? Also will be doing mild photo/video editing. I know a lot of people have done there RAM upgrades via crucial and I actually used them before to upgrade my old 2010 MBP, however when I went to there site today to order it says there are no compatible matches for my machine. Can anyone guide me in the right direction for a 8GB ram upgrade for my 13" i5 MBP. Thanks CJ

The actual capacity for the memory slots are 16GB.
If you decide to continue photo editing and video editing, i would recommend 16GB. Unfortunately it is quite a bit more expensive
If you do purchase 8GB, make sure that it is this type: 2x4GB - 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIM
I believe Crucial offer a warranty for their memory, so if there are any problems, contact them and they should resolve any issues!

Satellite L70-A-11C does not power on after 4GB RAM upgrade

Hello,
I wanted to add 4GB RAM and I've taken a DDR3 1600 MHz SoDimm from Corsair.
When the RAM is plugged alone or with the original RAM, the laptop does no start at all!
I tested this RAM with a other laptop and the RAM works perfectly.
I suppose that only the DDR3L type (1.35V) is accepted and not the DDR3 (1.5 V). Can you confirm?
Do you recommend a specific brand or a type of DDR3L which is for sure compatible with the Satellite L70-A-11C?
Thx in advance
CortX

Hi
As far as I know the compatible 4G RAM module from Toshiba has the part number +PA5104U-1M4G+
The Toshiba PA5104U-1M4G module is exactly the same like the module from Kingston +KTT-S3CL/4G+
The Kingston KTT-S3CL/4G supports *1.35V* and therefore I assume that you have to use the modules supporting the 1.35V and the 1.5V modules would cause the mentioned problems.
Hope this would help you to get the right RAM module.

Satellite C55-A-19N: 4GB RAM installed but only 2,39 is usable

Hello,
I have Toshiba satellite C55-A-19N with Windows 7 32-bit. It has 4 GB of installed memory, but only 2,39 is usable.
Bios is the last.
I can not find anywhere in the system the ability to change it.
My desktop with core i5-2500K can see 3.29Gb from 4Gb RAM, why toshiba cant see it?

The shared part depends on the RAM amount which is installed.
The notebook description and the NVIDIA GeForce 710M details says this:
Video card: up next to 3787 MB with 4 GB system memory installed
and up to 4,095 MB with 6 GB of system memory (64-bit Windows operating system only).
So the shared part seems to be bigger than 300MB.
By the way:
open msconfig using search
in msconfig click on boot
next inside boot click on advanced options
In boot advanced options click on maximum memory and increase the value
then click OK. Next click apply in msconfig and then restart your pc

07' Mac Mini 4GB Ram Upgrade Not Working.

I have a 2007 Mac Mini (Intel Core 2 Duo) which runs slow with 1GB ram. I purchased two 2GB sticks of ram and replaced the two stock ram sticks previously making 1GB ram - But my Mac Mini will not boot with 4GB ram in it. I tried taking one stick out, leaving one 2GB stick in with no luck, and so I have no other ideas. I was told that this would be no problem, and I installed it all correctly following every procedure necessary.
Can anyone help me?

Komputerbay ram is sketchy at best, and another user here:http://forums.macrumors.com had the same experience you are having with that memory, the Mac will not even boot.
The memory for Macs has to be very precise, 5300/5400 is not acceptable as a rule. It must be straight 5300. If you can, return the memory modules and buy some guaranteed to work with your Mac. Go to OWC, http://www.macsales.com or Crucial, http://www.crucial.com who guarantee their memory to work or your money back.

Santa rosa macbook+4gb ram PLZ HELPPPPP

i have a santa rosa macbook (on the box it says it supports up to 4gb) and i was trying to upgrade ram to 4gb from the default 1gb. So i bought 2X 2gb comstar ram from futureshop.
the problem is that when i try to put both of the new sticks for a total of 4 gb, the macbook will turn on but the screen will be black and the sleep indicator light on.
however, when i only put one 2gb in and leave the other slot filled with default 512mb stick for a total of 2.5gb, it will turn on properly and recognize it as 2.5 gb.
I've tried switching ram and slots numerously to determine if it's the slot or ram fault, but it doesn't work whever it's 4gb and works if it's 2.5gb.

Hello everybody,
Today unfortunately I got 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair low latency (VSA4GSDSKIT667C4) and I'm having the same problem as some of you, the system just handle up to 3GB. I tried many different combination but no luck at the moment. What is going on? Corsair is selling something that doesn't have any guarantee. I'm very disappointed and upset.
My MacBook specs:
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: *3 GB* (old module + 2GB corsair)
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB31.008E.B02
SMC Version: 1.24f2
Serial Number: W87503EHZ66
Chipset Model: GMA X3100
Good luck!

MacBook 4Gb RAM Upgrade, OS only sees 2.7Gb?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for