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54175
February 7th, 2011 15:00
Vostro 3500/Nvidia GeForce 310M shared memory
We just received a Vostro 3500 with an i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce 310M video card. The problem is that this card is using shared system memory, and won't let me tell it otherwise. It's using well over a gigabyte of memory that I would rather Windows 7 had.
The System information shows Installed Memory (RAM): 4.00 GB (2.68 GB usable)
Resource Monitor shows Hardware Reserved of 1354 MB.
NVIDIA control panel, System Information section, shows Dedicated video memory: 512MB and also Total available graphics ... 1627MB.
The BIOS (A10) gives me no options to adjust the amount of shared video memory. Nor does the Nvidia control panel let me alter it. Nvidia's drivers won't install, and their detection tool tells me to get the video driver from the manufacturer, or which I have the latest.
This IS 32-bit Windows, and I know that it can't see the full 4GB. But it should see closer to 3.5GB, certainly more than the 2.68GB it's getting.
I've spent the last few hours searching the web, and haven't found anything that helps. Other than what I've already mentioned, the the other common suggestion is to go into MSCONFIG and clear the Maximum memory option under the Boot tab, Advanced options. This option was already cleared, and fiddling around with various values changed nothing.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I would be embarrassed to give this laptop to a user and tell them they're only getting a little over 2.5GB for Windows.
leandrocr
7 Posts
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February 15th, 2011 02:00
I don't want to format my computer to have the full memory available, how can i remove memory from the graphics card and give it to Windows?
MisterSleep
2 Posts
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March 7th, 2011 22:00
I have a similar issue with a Vostro 3700 w/ nvidia GT330M on Win7x32.
The BIOS recognizes all 4 gigs of system memory and 1 gig of graphics memory. There is no mention of shared memory on the system, nor should there be. In Windows it shows 4.00 GB memory (2.68 usable). It seems that there is nothing I can do to change that.
I would also hate to give this machine to a client and not be able to give them an answer about why they only can use a little more than half of the memory they have. Especially because I recommended that they purchased 4 gig instead of 3. Any help?
Cheers.
MisterSleep
2 Posts
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March 7th, 2011 22:00
I have a similar issue with a Vostro 3700 w/ nvidia GT330M on Win7x32.
The BIOS recognizes all 4 gigs of system memory and 1 gig of graphics memory. There is no mention of shared memory on the system, nor should there be. In Windows it shows 4.00 GB memory (2.68 usable). It seems that there is nothing I can do to change that.
I would also hate to give this machine to a client and not be able to give them an answer about why they only can use a little more than half of the memory they have. Especially because I recommended that they purchased 4 gig instead of 3. Any help?
Cheers.
Smudger82
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3 Posts
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March 10th, 2011 03:00
Same issue here, very annoying. The spec doesn't mention that the video card steals a gig of memory. Not sure if I should return the machine to Dell?
Anyone found an answer?
leandrocr
7 Posts
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March 10th, 2011 05:00
The problem is with the Windows 7 Home Premium - 32 bits. I don't know why he shares 1GB with the video card.
I had to install a 64 bit system to be able to use the hole 4GB.
You guys can try downloading the Ubuntu x64bits for free (www.ubuntu.com) then start the system using the CD (don't need to install) and check the system properties. There will be a value really close to 4GB available to use.
JerSully
2 Posts
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March 10th, 2011 05:00
The inability of 32 bit Windows to see a full 4GB is understood and well documented. But as I've explained in the top post, the video card is taking a slice of the ~3.5GB RAM that should be available to 32 bit Windows.
Unfortunately this is a business laptop and Ubuntu isn't an option. I have no problems with Linux. I use it myself sometimes. But this user needs Windows.
leandrocr
7 Posts
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March 10th, 2011 07:00
I suggested the Ubuntu x64 for testing issues.
I used to have the same problem with memory untill i installed a Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bits with all the drivers up to date and now i have almost 4GB available to use, no memory for the video card.
nitin0505
1 Message
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March 20th, 2011 05:00
Jer, Did you find any solution. I'm in a similar boat (Vostro 3400, 4GB 2.7 GB usable RAM, Win 32 bit, NVidea 310M) and have been trying to find a solution to 'usable memory' issue for a week now. Don't know whether there is any solution at all or is it worth all the research. I'm planning to call up Dell Support but I doubt they will have anything that I would like to hear. As others suggested, I have tried checking BIOS for memory map, tried max memory approach in msconfig, checked NVidea settings, etc. but nothing helps.I'm still not sure whether upgrading to Win 64 bit will do any good. I don't think for my usage I anyway need anything more than 4GB (I was perfectly fine with my last XPS with 3GB)... if I do get almost all of it.
Please post anything you might have found to fix this issue.
leandrocr
7 Posts
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March 20th, 2011 06:00
nitin0505,
I assure you that the Win64 will do the job! 2.7 vs 3.8GB is a lot of difference!
Smudger82
1 Rookie
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3 Posts
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March 20th, 2011 17:00
I called Dell and entered 'Dell Hell'.
The Asia-based guy I spoke to in 'Technical Support' didn't have a clue. He just kept blaming Windows 7, 32 bit. I explained that I have a friend with a Dell laptop, 4gb installed, running 32 bit - he can see 3.2GB. I asked why I can only see 2.7GB and he kept saying that although the Windows system profile only shows 2.7GB, the laptop is using 4GB and he denied there being a sharing issue with the video card!
I had an Acer before my first Dell, needless to say my next laptop will be an Acer!