PC only showing 50% of installed memory

[GuyMartin]

the heading pretty much says it all!

I just built this PC from existing bits and pieces and everything is up and running perfectly, apart from windows is showing only 512mb ram when I have 1gb ram installed.

The ram is a single stick salvaged from a working PC and according to both kingston & crucial memory checkers is suitable for my mobo

its a stick of generic PC3200 ddr400 RAM and the motherbaord is a MSI KT8 NEO-FIS2R (MS-6702)

and Im running Windows XP pro (with SP3)

any advice gladly received, thanks in advance

p.s. if I should have given any other info let me know to!

[Tootech]

Hi,

 

Where are you looking to check its capacity - Windows or the BIOS?

 

Have you tried fitting it in a different memory slot?

[Plastic Nev]

Just on the off chance, while it was in storage before fitting to the new build have any of the contacts been damaged both on the motherboard socket or the RAM stick, if they look straight and not damaged, simply plugging it in and removing it a few times might clear off any oxide or dirt on the contacts.

[GuyMartin]

thanks for the quick responses,

well I saw in "System Properties" the RAM is being reported as being only 512mb rather than the 1gb that the stick is, and to be honest Im not to sure how to see what the BIOS is reporting it as, I will have to get the mobo manual downloaded and have a look see.

As for the possibility of the RAM being damaged, its possible but I think very unlikely due to the fact I havent had it stored, I literally turned off 1 PC and took the RAM straight out to put in the new PC. I have learned my lesson with regards to the delicate nature of PC components and took all precaustions, earthing strap and being very delicate in removal and placement, I havent tried it in another slot but will give that a try tomorrow

again thanks for you advice...........I will let you know how I get on :)

I should add that I often use "pcpitstop" to run what Im sure is a very basic system check on PC's I put together to find any obvious faults and they say there is 1gb of RAM!? So now Im a bit confused LOL

[GuyMartin]

been investigating further.............and have found myself in the murky world of low/high density memory modules!

it seems low density are the worlds friend and are pretty much plug & play with any system you want to use them in. high density it appears are only compatible with 10% of systems, and ALSO its often the true ammount of the Ram is often incorrectly reported (ie. 1GB reported as only 512MB!!)

add this to the fact that High Density is usually slower than Low and really are designed to be used in servers!

I shall investigate further and let you know what I have!