Win7 on mac: only 2.18GB ram of 4Gb is usable

dear fellow mac users,
A macbook pro with the following spec:
- CPU: 2.4Ghz core i5
- RAM: 4GB
- HDD: 320GB
- screen: 15.4 inch
- intel HD graphic
- NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics processor
i have installed a windows 7 ultimate edition along with mac oS 10.6.3. when i boot into mac, i can see the system can utilize the 4GB of ram.
the problem is when i boot into windows 7, checking the system property, it shows "RAM 4Gb (2.18 usable)". when i check the resource monitor tool, i find out that over 1Gb of RAM is reserved for hardware. why so much memory is reserved for hardwhare, how can i use make the whole 4GB available for use?
please note that both mac OS X and windows 7 are newly installed, no third party app has been installed yet.
I've attached both the system screenshot and the resource monitor screenshot for reference.
http://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2010/07_w30/329093/screenshot.jpg

Hi and welcome to Discussions,
unless you use the 64-bit version of Windows 7 (or XP or Vista as well) you will never be able to get the full 4GB RAM for your 'own useage'.
It's a limitation of 32-bit WIndows.
Have a look at these articles:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929605/
http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3034
http://www.bing.com/search?q=32-bitoperatingsystem
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/hiltonl/archive/2007/04/13/the-3gb-not-4gb-ram-problem.a spx
Regards
Stefan

Similar Messages

  • Mac mini (mid 2010) RAM upgrade 4GB or 8GB

    I have a mid 2010 Mac mini with 2GB of RAM. My question is - Should I upgrade the RAM to 4GB or 8GB?
    Thank you, DZetko

    It's is better to go for the full 8GB upgrade now,
    that way you will not have to upgrade again when OS X and your personal usage demand more. 

  • My mac only has 1gb ram. is there any way to get osx mountain or lion?

    I have an '07 macbook and it has 1GB of ram. my mac currently runs on 10.6.8. I would like to update to osx mountain lion or even lion but my mac doesnot have 2GB of ram and i do not want to upgrade it. Is there any way i might be able to get mountain lion or just lion without upgrading my ram?

    These are good online stores for Mac compatible RAM
    OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/DDR2/ - They offer Mac tested RAM at very good prices.
    Crucial Memory http://www.crucial.com/ - good place to buy RAM from all over the world. They also have an excellent memory selector that allows you to choose memory based on your computer's model
    Data Memory Systems http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-memory.asp - another good, cheap place to buying RAM if you live in the U.S.
    Here are instructions on replacing RAM in a MacBook with a removable battery. http://homeoffice.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=44404
    If you don’t have the tools to open up the MacBook OWC has a set for $5.
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMHD/
    You can put two 2gb RAM sticks in your model 2,1 but it can only use 3,3gb. This is a hardware limitation and cannot be changed.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_GB_barrier
    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/faq/macbook-pro-core-2-duo-3-g b-memory-limitation-details.html
    OWC tests have found that there is a slight speed increase with having two 2gb sticks in rather than one 1gb and one 2gb. Your model is in the gray lines at the bottom of the graph. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Memory_Benchmark/Apple_MacBook/

  • P67A-C45 hangs with Core i5-2300 and Win7 sees only 8 Gb RAM (of 16 total)

    Hi guys, I have a problem.
    My config is:
    OS: Windows 7 Pro х64
    MoBo: Socket1155 MSI "P67A-C45"
    CPU: Intel "Core i5-2300"
    Ram 4 dimms * 4Gb DDR3 SDRAM Kingston "ValueRAM" KVR1333D3N9/4G (PC10600, 1333МГц, CL9)
    Video: PCI-E 1024МБ Sapphire "Radeon HD 5670" 11168-05 (Radeon HD 5670, DDR5, DVI, HDMI, DP)
    Problem #1:
    Windows shows only 8 Gb RAM in system properties. CPU-Z shows all 16 GB.
    Problem #2:
    Computer hangs several times per day (no blue screen, everithing just becomes frozen).
    After flashing BIOS to 1,7 both problem disappeared for 2 days, but after todays hang both problems have returned.
    No overclocking, Turbo boost disabled, EIST disabled, RAM voltage 1,5V.
    Any ideas? Maybe new BIOS version?..

    I have Carsair 650W PSU, it works fine (worked in my previous computer).
    Also 3 SATA HDD installed (Segate 1 Tb and 2*Seagate 1,5 Tb).
    I've raisen DIMM voltage to 1,65 V and system doesn't freeze anymore.
    But windows still sees 8 GB memory (of 16 installed).
    I think this is BIOS bug....

  • I am going to buy either a Mac Air or Mac Pro Retina 8GB RAM and 256GB. And as I have to still run Windows I will install Parallels 9. As the Mac are both 64bit machines does that mean I need to install Windows 7 64bit ? And office pro 2013 64 bit too?

    I am going to buy either a Mac Air or Mac Pro Retina 8GB RAM and 256GB. And as I have to still run Windows programs I will install Parallels 9. As the Mac are both 64bit machines does that mean I need to install Windows 7 64bit or just install 32 bit? (Going with Win7 as I hate Win8). And I will install Office Pro 2013 64 bit too or 32 bit or is that automatically selected by the underlying OS (I use Word, Excel and Access mainly for a membership database of a local club) ? I am not a power user so would appreciate advice on way to go

    Again thank you.  If I only use word, excel and access in the Win environment and Mac OS for email and safari for internet do I need anti virus software . Ie my connection to the world is mac only and I use office pro only to ruin the club, newsletters, membership database etc. and of course anything I do there can drag/drop to the mac environ to email.  That's my understanding anyway.  Next will my existing .pst file copy directly into mac mail or do I have to runs translator  as I recall reading something about that ages ago when I started thinking Mac

  • 2010 macbookpro + 32bit Windows7Ultimate - only 2.18GB available

    I bought a 17" 2010 Macbook pro with an i7+8MB of RAM. In bootcamp, Windows 7 ultimate 32-bit shows that it has only 2.18GB available. Why so little? I would expect 3 to 3.5GB. How can I get it back?
    I also found that the generic PnP monitor and nVida display reportts:
    Adapter string: Geforce GT 330M
    Bios Information: Version 70.16.58.4.0
    Total available Graphics memory: 1370 MB
    Dedicated Video Memory: 512MB
    System Video memory: 0 MB
    Shared system memory: 858 MB
    hmmm. What? 1.37GB ????? Did I miss something? Whats up? Is this the cause?
    Skip

    The win7 32bit only recognizes 3Gb and part of it is shared with the on board intel video card. If you want to use all the ram then you'll have to get the a win7 64bit.

  • I want to upgrade to Lightroom 5, but I'm concerned about compatibility with my 2008 intel Core 2 Duo iMac with only 4G of Ram.  Will I be able to run Lighroom 5 if I upgrade from Snow Leopard to Lion?

    I want to upgrade to Lightroom 5, but I'm concerned about compatibility with my 2008 intel Core 2 Duo iMac with only 4G of Ram.  Will I be able to run Lightroom 5 okay if I upgrade from Snow Leopard to Lion?  What will happen to the applications that aren't 64-bit compatible?  Also the Eye-one Display 2 colorimeter to calibrate the monitor will not run on Lion, so that will be an expensive upgrade to an i1DisplayPro. Is the upgrade important enough to offset the expense?  I have an Epson R2000 printer.  Will there be problems with the drivers if I upgrade to Lion?  It would be great to hear from other mac users who are also photographers and who print their own photos.    

    Before upgrading to Lion be sure to read this link:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6271
    Adobe lists these requirements:
    http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom/tech-specs.html
    Looking at http://www.everymac.com/ even the earliest 2008 iMac was fully 64 bit, even though Boot Camp doesn't support 64 bit Windows on that machine.

  • Data recovery house tainted my Mac-only files: help!

    I sent a failed ext. FW drive (clicking sound, wouldn’t mount) to a fairly-well-known data recovery specialist that advertised PC and Mac formats. The drive contained numerous Mac-only files, including Sound Designer II audio files (.sd2), Final Cut Pro (.fcp), and Digital Performer files (native, no suffix), to name a few.
    After said specialist started working on the drive, it became frighteningly apparent that they were not up to speed on Mac systems. To make a long story short, after a couple of weeks I received a hard drive formatted FAT32, and every Mac-only file showed up in Finder as a Unix Executable file.
    My first thought was they were using Windows-based software and had corrupted all my Mac-only files beyond repair. Forging ahead and knowing nothing about scripts, I used a 3rd party program called Super Get Info and was able to change the Type and Author of the Digital Performer files, and got them to open. So far, so good. But changing the Type and Author of the .sd2 files didn’t yield the same results; Finder sees the type, size, etc. but no audio program (DP, Peak, Jam) will open them.
    Thinking I was screwed, I opened another project in DP that contained audio files which were still recognized in Finder as Unix Executables, and they played! I have no idea why this works---no other program will open them independently---but it shows if I can get an app to recognize them, they are still valid files.
    Is there a way to dig deeper, besides just changing the Type and Author, to essentially get back all the header(?) information that was originally there in the .sd2 files (before the "data recovery") so an audio program can see that these are indeed valid files and legit to operate on? Something in Developer Tools, 3rd party, etc.?
    Thanks,
    Roger
    G5 2.3gHz Dual Power Core   Mac OS X (10.4.4)   2.5 GB RAM, multiple FW drives
    G5 2.3gHz Dual Power Core   Mac OS X (10.4.4)   2.5 GB RAM, multiple FW drives

    Extern firewire drives often come formatted as FAT32 - so unless you reformatted it yourself that may have been the way it was. When Mactintosh files are saved to a FAT32 file system, the resource information is written to a file with a ._ added to the front of the file name. If you go to a terminal window and cd to your extern drive, "ls -A" will show if the resource information is there. For a file call "file.s2d", you should see a hidden file call "._file.s2d". Some utilites have trouble creating resource forks on FAT32 drives - so your utility may not be working. Try moving some of your files back to your main drive and correct the Creator and file type there - may be that will work.

  • The memory on my MAC is full. It holds 4GB of RAM of which 79GB are photos. I would like to back up my photos to an external drive but just don not know how. I do not wish to use time machine. How do I back up my photo library, then delete the them t

    The memory on my MAC is full. It holds 4GB of RAM of which 79GB are photos. I would like to back up my photos to an external drive but just do not know how. I do not wish to use time machine. How do I back up my photo library, then delete them from my MAC to free up that 79GB? Thank you.

    Hi
    Just to clarify a couple of points in your post.
    RAM (memory) is different from hard drive space. You have 4GB of RAM, but that has no bearing on the amount of drive space you have, of which we know that 79GB are photos.
    If those photos are in iPhoto, you should be able to move the entire iPhoto Library, from the Pictures folder, to your external hard drive. You can just drag and drop. Do not have iPhoto open while you're doing this. Once it's done, you can double-click on the moved iPhoto Library file to associate it with iPhoto, so that the app remembers where the library is for next time.
    One more thing. When you move a file to a different location, and then delete the original, you don't have a backup. You still only have one copy. So if that external drive dies, you will lose all your photos. Time Machine is a very good way to prevent this from happening. You should dedicate a different drive for Time Machine backups.
    Matt

  • Mac Mini shows one ram card slot empty?

    Hi
    I have a mac mini 2.3 i5 purchased in 2012. It came with 2gb of ram. I exchanged the 2 1gb cards for 2 4gb cards as per instructions.
    It seemed to be a bit slower than I expected all along. I recently checked the system info and it shows only 4gb total ram. 4gb in 1 socket and the second sockets shows EMPTY.
    I reversed the cards and it made no difference. I put the old cards back in and it still showed one slot EMPTY?
    Is there any option that I should be choosing to turn the other socket on?  Does this indicate a problem with the unit?
    Thanks Much!

    Try pushing the bottom module firmly into it's slot
    and swing it down into the clips,
    then do the same with a module in the top slot.
    Now if none of the modules are working in one of the slots > Contact Apple Support

  • Yosemite - Only half the RAM being detected

    Hi All
    I have a iMac (24-inch, Early 2008) 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo.
    About 4 years ago I  installed additional RAM ( 2x 4gb) giving me 8gb in total.
    Since upgrading to Yosemite My system Information State I only now have 2 x 2gb or RAM and my mac is running slow.
    Ive check the RAM installation and all is fine.
    Has anyone else experience this problem, if so have you found a fix.

    Try resetting the SMC: Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) - Apple Support

  • HT201364 i have all the requirements except 8gb of available space. my mac only has 4gb capacity.is there any way to get a smaller version of the mavericks software?

    I have all the requirements except8gb of available space. my mac only has 4gb capacity.is there any way to get a smaller version of the mavericks software?

    That refers to free disk space, not RAM. If your computer has 4GB of RAM, that's enough. If it only has 4GB of free disk space, you need to delete content from the internal drive; for best results, free up at least 20GB.
    (97356)

  • CS6 - Will I notice a difference in speed/performance with only 512MB video RAM?

    With regard to PS CS6: I'm specifically interested in CS6's ability to utilize video memory to make PS faster, more powerful; but will I notice a difference in speed/performance with only 512MB video RAM?
    Currently running PS CS5 on an iMac (Duo-Core, 8GB RAM, 512MB Video RAM).
    Was hoping Apple was going to release new Mac Pro (been saving dough for a few years now). Since that didn't happen, sticking with current Mac setup for at least another year, and this includes a video card that only has 512MB memory.
    Is it worth it for me to upgrade to CS6 with regard to speed/performace?
    Any input would be appreciated.

    You need at least 1Gb video memory to make use of the new GPU accelerated features in CS6
    From http://www.adobe.com/nz/products/photoshop/tech-specs.html
    Mac OS
    Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
    Mac OS X v10.6.8 or v10.7
    1GB of RAM
    2GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)
    1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 256MB (512MB recommended) of VRAM
    OpenGL 2.0–capable system
    DVD-ROM drive
    This software will not operate without activation. Broadband Internet connection and registration are required for software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.† Phone activation is not available.
    * Some GPU-enabled features are not supported on Windows XP.
    † This product may integrate with or allow access to certain Adobe or third-party hosted online services ("Online Services"). Online Services are available only to users 13 and older and require agreement to additional terms of use and Adobe's online privacy policy. Online Services are not available in all countries or languages, may require user registration, and may be discontinued or modified in whole or in part without notice. Additional fees or subscription charges may apply.

  • I have an early 2008 Mac Pro, 8 gb ram with a Dell 27" display and a 42" LG TV. I am thinking about upgrading the stock ATI Radeon 2600 graphics card for better resolution, preferring 2 dvi outputs. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best card?

    I have an early 2008 Mac Pro, 8 gb ram with a Dell 27” display and a 42” LG TV. I am thinking about upgrading the stock ATI Radeon 2600 graphics card for better resolution, preferring 2 dvi outputs or 1 dvi and 1 vga vs 1 dvi and a mini. I don't do a lot of Final Cut Pro, gaming, etc. I am interested in best value for the graphics card.
    Does anyone have any suggestions on the best graphics card for these larger displays for the best value?
    Thanks,
    Kevin

    I recommend you install nothing older than the Apple-firware 5770, about US$250.
    RE: Mac Pro Replacement Graphics cards
    1) Apple brand cards,
    2) "sold in the Apple store" cards, and
    3) "Mac Edition" cards ...
    ... show all the screens, including Boot up screens, Safe Mode, Installer, Recovery, debug screens, and Alt/Option boot screens. At this writing, these choices include:
    1) Apple brand cards:
    • Apple-firmware 5770, about US$250** works near full speed in every model Mac Pro, Drivers in 10.6.5
    • Apple-firmware 5870, about US$450
    2) "sold in the Apple store" cards
    • NVIDIA Quadro 4000, about US$1200
    • NVIDIA Quadro 5000, about US$2500
    3) "Mac Edition" cards -- REQUIRE 10.8.3 or later:
    • SAPPHIRE HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 MAC Edition, about US$480** Vendor recommends Mac Pro 4,1
    • EVGA GTX 680 Mac Edition, about US$600
    The cards above require no more than the provided two 6-pin aux power connectors provided in the Mac Pro through 2012 model. Aux cables may not be provided for third-party cards, but are readily available.
    If you are Meet ALL of these:
    • running 10.8.3 or later AND
    • don't care about "no boot screens" etc AND
    • can re-wire or otherwise "work out" the power cabling, THEN:
    You can use many more cards, even most "PC-only cards"

  • Why does closing all open windows (15) and leaving only one drop ram usage from 1.5 to 1.4Gb and not more.

    Why does closing all open windows (15) and leaving only one drop ram usage by only 100mb from 1.5 to 1.4Gb.
    What is in this 1.4 gb ?
    I don't care much about ram, It's just that cpu usage spike like crazy by the end.
    ''Edited to remove swearing - TonyE''

    Hi musicfan,<br />Sorry you are having problems with Firefox. Maybe you should have asked earlier and we could have fixed it.
    Reading your comments I do not see that rolling back to an insecure Firefox 22 will actually help you much. You are probably best using IE, unless you have also damaged that.
    *[[Export bookmarks to Internet Explorer]]
    You should not use old versions they are insecure. Security fixes are publicised and exploitable.
    * [[Install an older version of Firefox]]
    * https://www.mozilla.org/security/known-vulnerabilities/firefox.html
    Most others will not be having such problems. We are now able to say that with confidence because after developers missed a regression in Firefox 4 telemetry was introduced so that data was obtained. It may be an idea to turn on your telemetry, if you have not already done so, and decide to stick with Firefox.
    *[[Send performance data to Mozilla to help improve Firefox]]
    Trying safe mode takes seconds. Unfortunatly if you are not willing to do even rudimentary troubleshooting there is not anything we can do to help you.
    *[[Troubleshoot Firefox issues using Safe Mode]]

Maybe you are looking for