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Why does the usable memory of my 32-bit XP T3400 decrease from 3.25 GB to 3 GB when I add RAM?
NOTE: This is not the question about the 3.25GB limit on 32-bit XP. But it might be related.
I had 4GB (2x2GB) in my Dell Precision T3400 desktop, and XP reported 3.25GB in the "My Computer" properties, as I would expect. I then added 2 more 2GB DIMMs to the remaining two DIMM slots, and now XP only reports 3GB, not 3.25GB.
I know 32-bit XP will never report more than 3.25GB, but I didn't expect it to lose usable memory if I added physical RAM.
All four DIMMS are the same RAM vendor, type, part number, everything (see below). The BIOS sees all 4 DIMMs. If I boot Win7 x64, it reports 8GB. So I'm almost certain the RAM itself is working, and valid for the system.
But XP seems to have "lost" 250MB of usable memory by adding RAM.
Can anyone please help me try to get it back?
System specs:
Operating System: MS Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 @ 3.00GHz (Conroe)
RAM: 8.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 399MHz (5-5-5-18)
Motherboard: Dell Inc. 0TP412 (CPU)
BIOS: A14
Each DIMM is Crucial CT25672AA80EA.M18F
- 2GB DDR2 PC2-6400
- ECC, unbuffered
- Frequency 400.0 MHz
- CAS# Latency 5.0
- RAS# To CAS# 5
- RAS# Precharge 5
- tRAS 18
- tRC 23
- Voltage 1.800 V
Dell-SreejithR
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October 28th, 2016 11:00
Thank you for your message.
This is due to the OS limitation on Windows XP.
Have you tried to revert to the initial memory size & check if the memory is back on 3.25?
Try to remove the upgraded memory & check in bios if the memory is on 3.25.
pfhunt68
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October 28th, 2016 13:00
Thanks very much for the quick response.
Yes, after reverting back to 4GB installed RAM, XP again reports 3.25GB usable memory in the "My Computer" properties.
I would like to have 8GB installed, however, as this is a dual-boot system, and I can use the additional RAM when I boot Win7 x64.
Can you explain why the system is reserving more memory when more RAM is installed? I have seen posts on other boards, about 32-bit XP reporting 3.25GB (not 3GB) of usable RAM when 8GB is installed in their (non-Dell) systems. What might the T3400 doing differently?