Improper amount of RAM being reported. Please help.

[kompulsive]

This is an anomaly that is driving me insane.

I have two kits of G. Skill F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ (2x3GB) RAM installed into a P6T Deluxe motherboard running Windows 7 Professional. Instead of 12GB of RAM, 8GB of RAM is being reported in my BIOS, Windows properties, the task manager, and Prime95. However, CPU-Z and Speccy are reporting 12GB of RAM. Speccy is even reporting 12GB running in triple channel.

I've attached a screenshot. This is mind-boggling. I think I'm going insane. Both kits are F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ. I've read the guide on i4memory.com and tried the settings to no avail. Does anyone have any clue what could be causing this?

 

[Morbus]

:EDIT:
forget what I said, I have no idea what's going on.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

It seems to be saying 8Mb of Cache memory (= correct size of L3, I assume), NOT 8Gb of main memory.

Mb = Million <> (!= Not equal to) Gb = Giga

(Sometimes 1 million actually is 1024 x 1024, but I'm NOT going into such details here).

EDIT: Sorry, I'm mistaken.
I failed to scroll the image to the far right.
I see the problem now, 8 Gb of main ram reported.

Internet searches produces the following similar problem (with possible solution)...

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1677684/12gb-ram-installed-8gb-showing-windows-ultimate-x64.html

 

[denis280]

what mobo is it.and is your bios up to date

 

[saratoga172]

Yep check bios on the mobo. May need to be updated to support the ram amount. Though that would be odd that it would limit itself to 8gb since it's been a while since it was below a max of 16.

 

[coffeejunkee]

I've heard about this problem on X58. It was caused by an improperly seated cpu.

Now I'm not sure if in that case cpu-z did report the correct amount of memory. One explanation could be cpu-z reads right from the ram slots while task manager reports from the memory controller in the cpu.

Anyway, before reseating I'd do a little more searching for the same problem.

 

[VirtualLarry]

[redacted]
quoted for posterity

Oy, don't quote the spam...
-ViRGE

 

[kompulsive]

what mobo is it.and is your bios up to date

All of the information you requested is in my signature. I've tried swapping all the sticks around, two sticks at a time, three sticks, at a time, four sticks, reset the CMOS, I feel like I've tried everything. It just will not detect 12GB in the BIOS. It baffles me further than CPU-Z and Speccy are detecting 12GB.

This just isn't making any sense. I used a device I have and tested the power supply also so I know that isn't the issue.

 

[kompulsive]

Yep check bios on the mobo. May need to be updated to support the ram amount. Though that would be odd that it would limit itself to 8gb since it's been a while since it was below a max of 16.

I'm using the latest BIOS.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

I've just had another look, and it seems to say (on the motherboard website), that you are limited to 8Gb for those RAM modules, that you have used, as ONLY 4 of them, out of the 6 slots, will actually be used.

It is hard to read and follow, so I am HAPPY to be proved wrong!

But many other memory modules, WILL go to 12Gb with that motherboard (according to the website).

To try and point a finger at the problem, please try and look for the *D column, on the websites ram memory compatibility.

Unfortunately, YOUR ram modules, only go from *A .. *C, i.e. you CAN'T use all 6 slots, successfully, with that memory type. (Or I have MISUNDERSTOOD it!).

Information source HERE:

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1366/P6T_Deluxe/P6T-Deluxe-DDR3-QVL-list_20091019.zip

6 Dimm :
&#8226; A*: Supports two (2) modules inserted into slot A1 and B1 as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration
&#8226; B*: Supports three (3) modules inserted into the orange slots (A1, B1 and C1) as one set of Triple-channel memory configuration
&#8226; C*: Supports four (4) modules inserted into the orange slots (A1, B1 and C1) and the black slot A2 as one set of Triple-channel memory configuration
&#8226; D*: Supports six (6) modules inserted into both the orange slots and the black slots as two set of Triple-channel memory configuration.

 

[kompulsive]

I've just had another look, and it seems to say (on the motherboard website), that you are limited to 8Gb for those RAM modules, that you have used, as ONLY 4 of them, out of the 6 slots, will actually be used.

It is hard to read and follow, so I am HAPPY to be proved wrong!

But many other memory modules, WILL go to 12Gb with that motherboard (according to the website).

To try and point a finger at the problem, please try and look for the *D column, on the websites ram memory compatibility.

Unfortunately, YOUR ram modules, only go from *A .. *C, i.e. you CAN'T use all 6 slots, successfully, with that memory type. (Or I have MISUNDERSTOOD it!).

Information source HERE:

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1366/P6T_Deluxe/P6T-Deluxe-DDR3-QVL-list_20091019.zip

That document doesn't reference my specific RAM kit at all. I'm going round and round in here. I've posted to numerous forums and everyone seems to be dumbfounded.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

That document doesn't reference my specific RAM kit at all. I'm going round and round in here. I've posted to numerous forums and everyone seems to be dumbfounded.

It seems to be working CORRECTLY to me, as I though I was explaining.
It SHOULD be showing 8Gb, as that is ALL you have fitted!

(The bios CAN'T use all the 12Gb, as you have used the WRONG memory type, apparently).

Programs that read the slots INDIVIDUALLY, may read all 12Gb (cpu-z), but it MUST be registered in the bios, in order for it to be usable, I think.

Using COMPATIBLE ram (Type *D in the motherboard manufacture's list, NOT *A .. *C), should solve your problem, and make all 12Gb present in windows, etc.

 

[Makaveli]

I have version 2 of this motherboard.

If you reset your bios to stock do you see all 12GB's of memory?

Sometimes overclocking will cause this on these boards.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

Using memory NOT on the motherboard's compatibility list, sometimes works, and sometimes does not.

I tried searching to see if anyone with your same memory and motherboard, got it too work, and eventually they DID (12Gb). But initially they only had 8Gb working.

http://www.gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=10154

 

[kompulsive]

I have version 2 of this motherboard.

If you reset your bios to stock do you see all 12GB's of memory?

Sometimes overclocking will cause this on these boards.

I've set everything to stock and even went to so far as to rest the CMOS. This is such an odd issue. I've been working on machines for decades and I've never seen anything like this before. I'm taking the machine into a friend's shop tomorrow to see what he thinks.

Also, keep in mind that the list you referenced has been updated numerous times since its initial release the the board and there seems to be loads of users with my configuration who are either A) Having all 12GB of RAM recognized with no issue at all, or B) Completely ignorant to the fact that they're system is only detecting 8GB of RAM.

 

[Makaveli]

I've set everything to stock and even went to so far as to rest the CMOS. This is such an odd issue. I've been working on machines for decades and I've never seen anything like this before. I'm taking the machine into a friend's shop tomorrow to see what he thinks.

Also, keep in mind that the list you referenced has been updated numerous times since its initial release the the board and there seems to be loads of users with my configuration who are either A) Having all 12GB of RAM recognized with no issue at all, or B) Completely ignorant to the fact that they're system is only detecting 8GB of RAM.

What list??

 

[JoeRambo]

I had a vanilla P6T 1st rev with 32GB of ram (in 4x8GB) and it was really SENSITIVE to memory timings and clocks. The symptoms were exactly the same you are having - 4 sticks, but not all detected, yet shown by CPU-Z and co. A stick or 3 would simply dissapear, yet the system was perfectly stable.

What i did is usual memory OC stabilization work - tuning mem/imc voltages, relaxing timings and clocks. In the end all 32GB were shown, even if MB was supposedly supporting 24GB max and not officially supporting 8GB sticks at all. X58 is stuff of legends

 

[Makaveli]

I had a vanilla P6T 1st rev with 32GB of ram (in 4x8GB) and it was really SENSITIVE to memory timings and clocks. The symptoms were exactly the same you are having - 4 sticks, but not all detected, yet shown by CPU-Z and co. A stick or 3 would simply dissapear, yet the system was perfectly stable.

What i did is usual memory OC stabilization work - tuning mem/imc voltages, relaxing timings and clocks. In the end all 32GB were shown, even if MB was supposedly supporting 24GB max and not officially supporting 8GB sticks at all. X58 is stuff of legends

Someone on this forum got 48GB of ram working on the X58 chipset

So not surprised by your result.

 

[JoeRambo]

Someone on this forum got 48GB of ram working on the X58 chipset

Yeah i know, but mine was on vanilla P6T with rather old BIOS, i think 8GB modules were novelty when it was released

 

[kompulsive]

What list??

The Asus QVL (Qualified Vendor List), is a list of vendors and RAM models that they've supposedly tested and recommend for end users. Problem is, the most up to do date QVL for my P6T Deluxe is from 2009 so I suppose it's just a guessing game.

I'm trying this kit....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231358

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 12GB (3 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-12GBRL

This way I know it is all one kit coming at the same time. If it doesn't work, I guess I'll just concede defeat and live with 4GB of RAM on this machine until I can afford to build a new gaming rig. I don't know what else to do. I could try to contact ASUS support and see what kit I need to run 12GB of RAM in triple channel? They're probably all legacy at this point and cost a fortune if you can even find them anywhere.

 

[Makaveli]

The Asus QVL (Qualified Vendor List), is a list of vendors and RAM models that they've supposedly tested and recommend for end users. Problem is, the most up to do date QVL for my P6T Deluxe is from 2009 so I suppose it's just a guessing game.

I'm trying this kit....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231358

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 12GB (3 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-12GBRL

This way I know it is all one kit coming at the same time. If it doesn't work, I guess I'll just concede defeat and live with 4GB of RAM on this machine until I can afford to build a new gaming rig. I don't know what else to do. I could try to contact ASUS support and see what kit I need to run 12GB of RAM in triple channel? They're probably all legacy at this point and cost a fortune if you can even find them anywhere.

I know of this list but the person that told you about it wasn't me.

Yet you quoted me and started talking about this list.

 

[coffeejunkee]

It's a lot but maybe this will help: http://i4memory.com/f54/asus-x58-6-...g-detecting-less-memory-than-installed-19200/

I mentioned reseating cpu but it could also be that there's too much pressure from the cooler.

 

[kompulsive]

Using memory NOT on the motherboard's compatibility list, sometimes works, and sometimes does not.

I tried searching to see if anyone with your same memory and motherboard, got it too work, and eventually they DID (12Gb). But initially they only had 8Gb working.

http://www.gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=10154

Saw that thread already. In his case, it was a faulty RAM stick. Lucky him, all he had to do was RMA the RAM and it fixed the problem. I snapped and ordered like 2 more triple channel kits last night so we're going to get to the bottom of this nightmare once and for all tomorrow probably.

In the meantime, I guess I'll try switching to XMP mode but I've seen nothing but posts advising against it.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

Saw that thread already. In his case, it was a faulty RAM stick. Lucky him, all he had to do was RMA the RAM and it fixed the problem. I snapped and ordered like 2 more triple channel kits last night so we're going to get to the bottom of this nightmare once and for all tomorrow probably.

In the meantime, I guess I'll try switching to XMP mode but I've seen nothing but posts advising against it.

They're probably all legacy at this point and cost a fortune if you can even find them anywhere.

Apparently they are still available, at reasonable prices, example here:

Example of QUALIFIED on the list sets, currently available, others may also be available

And it fits on ONLY 3 slots.