1024 MB RAM being read as 768 MB

I upgraded my Hewlett-Packard a710e from 512 MB to 1 GB of RAM by adding another 512 stick. The computer read it correctly for a while but then it just started reading it as 768MB. I have updated the BIOS through HP and the RAM is still being read incorrectly.

- I am using PC3200 although HP says it takes PC2700 (the original stick was PC3200…)

-The Bios and Windows both read it as 768 MB of RAM but using Sandra or CPU-Z both sticks are read as 512 MB (1024 MB total)

-Because it’s an HP most of the BIOS settings are locked out. ASUS does not have a BIOS version for this particular mobo since its been modified by HP. (I’ve also never messed with a BIOS before this so I wouldn’t know what to change)

Is it:
-the mobo/BIOS
-the RAM module
-Malware
-or something else

Thanks in advanced.

Mainboard (ASUS: A7N8X-LA)
Manufacturer : ASUSTek Computer INC.
MP Support : 1 Processor(s)
MPS Version : 1.40
Model : Kelut
Version : 2.02
Serial Number : MB-1234567890
System BIOS : 06/06/2005-KM400A-8237-6A6LYA0E-00
Chipset : VIA KT400/A, KT600

System Memory Controller
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : None
Number of Memory Slots : 2
Maximum Installable Memory : 2GB
Bank0/1 - A0 : None None None None DIMM DDR-SDRAM 512MB/64
Bank2/3 - A1 : None None None None DIMM DDR-SDRAM 256MB/64


Logical/Chipset 1 Memory Banks
Bank 0 : 256MB DDR-SDRAM 3.0-3-3-7 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS) CR2
Bank 1 : 256MB DDR-SDRAM 3.0-3-3-7 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS) CR2
Bank 2 : 256MB DDR-SDRAM 3.0-3-3-7 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS) CR2
Bank Interleave : 4-way
Speed : 2x 167MHz (334MHz data rate)
Multiplier : 1/1x
Width : 64-bit
Memory Controller in Processor : No
Power Save Mode : No
Fixed Hole Present : No

Memory Module 1
Manufacturer : Hyundai Electronics
Model : HYMD264 646B8J-D43
Serial Number : D4312874
Type : 512MB DDR-SDRAM
Technology : 16x(32Mx8)
Speed : PC3200U
Standard Timings : 3.0-3-3-8 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Date of Manufacture : Thursday, December 16, 2004
Set Timing @ 200MHz : 3.0-3-3-8 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Set Timing @ 167MHz : 2.5-3-3-7 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Set Timing @ 133MHz : 2.0-2-2-5 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)

Memory Module 2
Model : IITG18TVC 512MB
Extended Information : CENTON
Type : 512MB DDR-SDRAM
Technology : 16x(32Mx8)
Speed : PC3200U
Standard Timings : 3.0-3-3-8 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Date of Manufacture : Saturday, December 25, 1999
Set Timing @ 200MHz : 3.0-3-3-8 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Set Timing @ 167MHz : 2.5-3-3-7 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Set Timing @ 133MHz : 2.0-2-2-5 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)

CPU-Z: The only difference between the two slots is that the new one has a “yes” next to EPP while the old one does not.

 

Probably this:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...tIndex&product=437987&dlc=en&docname=bph04502

Looks like 256MB gets allocated to video memory when you have 1GB installed.

 

Im currently using:

Video Adapter
Model : NVIDIA GeForce FX 5100
Chipset : GeForce FX 5100
RAMDAC : Integrated RAMDAC
Video BIOS : Version 4.34.20.59.19
VGA Compatible : No
Total Memory : 64MB (60MB Video) (64MB System)
Texture Memory : 127MB
Supports DIME Texturing : Yes

I checked the BIOS anyways and the only option i had was "Primary Video Adapter" PCI or AGP/Onboard. Nothing about Video memory.

 

Your system has an onboard video adapter, yes? The article referenced says that, depending on which onboard video you have-- Intel or ATI-- 256MB of installed RAM is could be allocated to onboard video when 1GB is installed..

 

onboard = integrated?, if it does, then no. I have an NVIDIA graphics card which should be using its own 64MB of memory (unless I am mistaken).

 

Onboard = integrated. Look on the back of the machine for a 15-pin blue connector, number 9 in Fig. 3 here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...page=documentIndex&product=437987&dlc=en#N846

If it's there, you have onboard video.

And is your NVIDIA card PCI or AGP?

 

That connector is actually covered with a piece of black plastic. The connection for my monitor is further down the case next to two other connections (S-out and AV-out). That should be the AGP Graphics card.

 

It looks like your computer is allocating memory for the onboard video even though you are not using it.

You should be able to go into your BIOS and set the onboard video to 'disabled'. This should free up all 1Gb of your RAM.

 

I'll go check the BIOS again, but I don't think I had any option to change any onboard video settings. The only option that was similar was
Primary Video Adapter
PCI (option 1)
AGP/onboard (option 2)

It was set to PCI first but since my card is AGP I switched it. Either option still gives me 768 MB System RAM.

EDIT: The following are options in the BIOS that I have no idea what they do, I don't think they involve the video card but I can't say for sure:
Onboard 1394
Local Bus IDE Adapter
I/O Device Configuration

 

I'd try just having one RAM module installed at a time. And try each one in both memory slots. If you get 512MB every time ( 4 possibilities ) then its most likely nothing is wrong with your memory modules and its a MOBO configuration error. If one of the modules only shows as 256mb in either slot, it looks like a faulty module. If both modules give 512MB in one slot and 256MB in the other, then it looks like a MOBO fault

 

About the only device that will use exactly 256mb of ram is video, using just one stick as the above post says, should tell you if that number changes. ed

 

The new stick was read as 256 MB on both slots, so its faulty ><. Im going to be replacing it but I have a question, is getting a 1GB stick ok or will that run slower because its not two modules of the same size. Once again, thanks for the help.