Only Using Half My Memory

[Paratus]

I've build a new system using a GIGABYTE GA-Z68AP-D3 Intel Z68 Motherboard with this here set of RAM:

Buy the VisionTek 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1866MHz Perf Memory Kit at TigerDirect.ca

When the system posts, it shows only 4GB of RAM. Looking inside the BIOS also reveals only 4GB RAM. I'm not at the PC at the moment, but the status page showing all four slots shows two 4GB modules but then below that it has 2048 for the active amount. When I boot into Windows 7 x64 it shows 8GB but only 4GB usable.

What I've tried so far:

• I'm running the latest BIOS so that's not the issue (at least not an issue updating would fix).
• I've tried moving the modules to different slots.. same issue. I've even tried them in different channels (ie: slots 1-2 and 1-3).
• If I remove one module it displays half again.. only 4GB with 2GB usable. Both modules do this.
• I've removed the CPU and modules and reseated them.

I'm really running out of ideas here.. any help?

[Acebmxer]

Is this a brand new build? If so remove the cpu and look at the cpu socket and inspect of bent pins. If you have a camera please post links to pics of the socket. If the camera has macro mode please use that.

If this is a existing build can you please post your current bios settings. (F12 key in bios should take screen shots). You may need to increase qpi/vtt (vcciso voltage)

[Paratus]

I'll take pictures of the socket once I get back home. I inspected it briefly and didn't notice any bent pins, though. It's possible I missed it, I guess, so I'll check again.

[Lsdmeasap]

Be careful when checking so that you don't accidentally bend any pins!!

[Paratus]

I've checked the socket and everything seems OK.

My next guess is the RAM.. could it be an incompatibility issue? Not sure if it's more likely the RAM or the motherboard at fault.

Excuse the photo quality as my cell phone was the only camera I had with me.

[Chike]

Would it always show half with any single module in any slot?

EDIT: can you also attach a CPU-Z text report (CPU-Z -> About tab -> Save Report (.TXT)) and a screen capture of task manager performance tab (Alt + PrintScreen to capture front atctive window only)

[Lsdmeasap]

Ya, I think there is an incompatibility issue, because if it was a short or bent pins then when using one module it would fail to boot on certain slots.

With bent pins or a short, it wouldn't show half memory when using a single stick as that only can happen with two modules or more. If a single module shows less than it should, in any socket, then it's a compatibility issue with the BIOS/memory.

Pic of socket is not good enough if you wanted us to check that, but I think this isn't the issue, sorry I totally missed you pointed out single stick did similar earlier.