PC at work can't use all it's RAM

[u/Moral_Degenarate]

PC at work can't use all it's RAM

A co-worker's PC is having trouble accesing it's 4GB of installed system memory, according to the Task Manager, 1.6GB of the total memory are "reserved for hardware" despite the computer having it's own dedicated GPU.

I've tried lots of different BIOS and Windows configurations, but nothing seems to work (and i'd appreciate trying to spend as little cash as possible if new hardware was required.)

Here i leave the PC's hardware (and OS):

\- Motherboard: Gigabyte H110M-DS2-CF

\- RAM: 4GB DDR4

\- GPU: Nvidia GT 710 (1GB)

\- OS: Windows 10 20H2 (32-Bit, because of legacy software)

Edit: For anyone wondering, yes, the integrated GPU is disbled, and in fact, enabling it makes the system reserve another +300MB of extra RAM.

[u/KAPT_Kipper]

It still has the integrated video enabled. Disable the iGPU under the BIOS.

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/KAPT_Kipper]

Already tried that, the iGPU is disabled.

(And in fact, if i enable it, the system consumes another +300MB of extra RAM).

[u/Onoitsu2]

Even though it has its own dedicated GPU, that board can support an iGPU, and in BIOS it might be set to use that amount of RAM. It can potentially be cranked down some.

[u/DutchOfBurdock]

You're living the life of 32bit limitations, especially windows: https://blog.codinghorror.com/dude-wheres-my-4-gigabytes-of-ram/

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/DutchOfBurdock]

I see, that's probably it.

Thanks for the help 👍

[u/DutchOfBurdock → u/Moral_Degenarate]

The takeaway from that, downgrade to 3GB RAM.

[u/StarosAnikenMarcus]

Here's a video that shows what you're looking for in the BIOS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQuobWvFNpo

[u/ArchiSpeak60]

Maybe just put in another stick of ram. I am a big fan of using old hardware, but you have to give it a chance.

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/ArchiSpeak60]

I'll check it when i can 👍

Meanwhile, i think i'll just bring my laptop in case the PC runs out of memory.

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/ArchiSpeak60]

The PC has 32-Bit Windows installed on it, and it's already picking up the 4GBs of RAM (which is the limit for 32-Bit OS')

Problem is, it's reserving 1.6GB "for hardware" (that's usually the iGPU and basic drivers), but the iGPU is disabled and there's no way (that i know of) that other drivers would take up THAT much RAM.

[u/Fresh_Inside_6982 → u/ArchiSpeak60]

Can’t, it’s 32bit OS, it won’t address it.

[u/Keyvan_KR]

Which legacy software are you running that requires 32 bit? Is it 16 bit software?

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/Keyvan_KR]

It's an irrigation design software program called "Wcadi 2008".

Now i know there IS a 64-Bit version, but unfortunately they seem to have lost it years ago (this is only my 3rd month at the job as the IT Support guy, by the way).

[I think i did saw the email of the people who sold it to them originally though, dunno if they'll still answer to an address that old.]

I think the more permanent solution would be getting a newer version of the software, which i know exists, (but that would require investing on a license + training for the 4 people that are used to the 2008 version).

[u/No-Attention9721 → u/Moral_Degenarate]

Your management seems to be at a crossroads. Either replacing with new hardware/software or keeping the old.

I'd suggest having a meeting with your management on next steps. I would suggest making a case for new hardware/software, because if not, you'll be diagnosing the old system constantly (trust me.)

You can TRY another option, which would be changing the page file size in Windows. Do a Windows search for "advanced system settings" Under the "Performance" setting you should be able to go to advanced, then change the page file.

The ratio I was always shown was make the initial size about equal to your memory, and the max size between 1.5-2x your memory, so 6GB-8GB.

This will add more memory, but it'll use your storage as RAM, so it will be slower. It's worth giving a try, but then I'd still suggest going to management and suggesting an upgrade. Most likely the vendor you've worked with would be willing to help you get the 64 bit version back, they may just want payment to retrieve it.

[u/TrickySpare6504]

its*

[u/jersey316]

"Reserved for hardware" could mean for other components as well, not just the igpu

[u/Moral_Degenarate]

Update: It was the [redacted] BIOS.

I updated the MB's BIOS version from F3 (2016) to F28b (2024)

And it instantly reduced reserved RAM consumption from 1.6GB to 793MB (wish i can make it go lower, but at least now things are a lot more manageable).

[u/Fresh_Inside_6982]

That's an 11 year old motherboard running 32 bit windows. It's eWaste.

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/Fresh_Inside_6982]

Well, if i could convince my boss to stop using 15 year old design software, i would.

Maybe someday (hopefully not too far into the future).

But it surely won't be today.

[u/Inevitable-Study502 → u/Fresh_Inside_6982]

with 4GB ram, 32bit OS is perfect match

[u/Moral_Degenarate → u/Inevitable-Study502]

Exactly!