Memory Upgrade to 32GB RAM - Unable to Access Total Installed Physical Memory

Chris Rose said:
@JasonM
https://ibb.co/V3jvyPs
https://ibb.co/BtpqCrp

All the memory threads on the SPD are basically the same
Click to expand...

Something is wrong here.

1) Your running single channel, you should be in dual channel.

2) Slot 1 is showing as 8GB, it should be showing as 16GB (as you have 2 x 16GB).

Can you get a screen shot of the other memory DIMM, I want to see what's reported for that, and also what slot that other memory is installed in.

How many slots does your motherboard have? Does it have 2 slots, or 4 slots?
 
Chris,

I got confused for a moment, I thought you were running 2 x 16GB, but your running 4 x 8GB, so this is all fine.

However you should still be in dual channel, not single.

By upgrading the ram you have 2 banks of 2 * 8GB, and each bank is a separate channel, so you have 2 separate banks (so dual channel)

https://ibb.co/V3jvyPs

The clue to what's probably wrong is your running single channel, this indicates to me it's something hardware related, however at the moment I'm not sure what.

EDIT.

This could be a memory capability issue in the BIOS. Can you install LiveUpdate from MSI, and see if it offers you an updated BIOS?

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/970A-G43-PLUS.html#down-driver&Win10 64

** Small disclaimer, updating BIOS can sometimes fail and cause a motherboard not to boot, however if this was my computer I would be trying this next. Just check if LiveUpdate offers a BIOS update, the software correctly detects your motherboard before updating.
 
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I've just downloaded your motherboard manual, see if I can see anything in BIOS settings.

EDIT.

I can't see anything in there, my thoughts at the moment.

When the computer first posts, the screen will indicate memory installed, and it should say if memory is dual channel or single channel. I would be interesting to see if this matched what CPU-Z is reporting.

The only other thing I can think of, is reset the BIOS to all defaults. Just in case a setting has been changed that has upset something.
 
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Chris Rose said:
@JasonM BIOS is set to default Standard Mode - no overclocking or anything out of the ordinary.... (you can only reply 15 times in 24hrs in the forum) -
Click to expand...

I did not know about the 15 times in 24 hrs limit.

Did setting the BIOS to default make any difference. Is the full 32GB now useable? Can you check in CPU-Z if memory is showing as single or dual channel.
 
Something for you to try if you haven't already: take out your old RAM and just have the new RAM installed.

And just to check, you have your old RAM in slots 1 and 3 and the new RAM in slots 2 and 4 or vice versa?
 
@JasonM yes I tried every combination of RAM except old RAM 1 and 3 and New RAM in 2 and 4 and vice versa ---- this is only because I found the RAM in slots 1 and 2 which is wrong for this MB to work in Dual mode but I did not change anything as it was working and proceeded to swop those RAM over 2 by 2 - I will give it a go putting the old and new RAM in original dual position to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for reminding me
 
Chris, have you tried the new memory in slots 2 and 4.

In other words, identical to what your have now, just swap the old memory with the new memory.

If your still seeing the same, then it's likely either a motherboard issue, or a CPU issue.

However if problem goes away, then you know there was an issue with your older memory.
 
@JasonM you are not going to believe it... please double check this to make sure Im not seeing something...
https://ibb.co/ZVjR6Pq
I rebooted with the 16GB in dual mode then switched off, I then Added another 16GB and rebooted
Looks like to me 32GB RAM is now working?
Still looks a little light on useable RAM...
 
Chris, can you do a screen shot from resource monitor

Go Task Manager --> Performance Tab --> Open Resource Monitor (bottom of screen)

Then Resource Monitor --> Memory Tab, screen shot the entire memory bar.
 
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Chris Rose said:
@JasonM https://ibb.co/7gmGCGw
Click to expand...

I just added up the numbers in the memory bar, it's 32,768, so that's perfect.

The only thing left to check is that CPU-Z is still reporting dual channel memory.

For extra completeness you could also run another memory test.

What I guess has happened. I think there is dirt / grease that's on either the motherboard or memory contacts. When you moved the DIMM's around the dirt has been dislodged.

When a computer is left running with DIMM slots empty, over time dirt can get deposited in those slots.

If you have memory issues in future, you need to clean both the gold contacts on the memory, and also spray the DIMM slots on the motherboard. The best stuff to use is Servisol Aero-Klene 50. When you clean the memory, you hold memory on it's side over paper, spray the top part of gold contacts and let fluid run down washing any dirt away. Then of course let anything dry for about 15 mins before refitting memory.

Other than this, think we can call this a success, and it looks like everything is working :).
 
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