Retail Vista Computers, Is there 3gb or 4gb of RAM inside?

Windows 32 bit will only see 3 gig of memory

thou more is actually being used by hidden files and some is also lost to very fundamental files inaccessible to most users.

What is the name and model number of the PC your looking at and we can tell you how much memory comes with it or you can, by going to the manufactures web site and search for it within the support section.

E.g.(see memory):

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01570958&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3828977

You're probably right, but I still wish I could take the side panel off some of them just to check. Can anyone confirm this?

Oddly I just purchased a slimline HP computer that was advertised to have 3gig of ram, when I got it home and looked under system in control panel it said it has 4, when I checked the specs it lists 2x2GIG installed which is the max it can have, in looking in the paper work that came with the computer it has a disclaimer sheet stating "Note about systems configured with 4GB of memory - Above 3GB, all memory may not be available because of system resourse requirements. This limitation is not limited to HP and Compaq systems. The memory above 3GB is used for system resourses." It goes on to tell you how to check in BOIS the total memory installed. I am running Vista Premium 32 bit.

if you want to see more needs windows 64 bit windows.

Not quite true... But I think you're confusing seeing with using. It will see the RAM just fine, however it won't use more than about 3.2GB.

Intel procedssors usually employ dual channel functionality on the memory, installing it in 2 banks of 2 slots each. In this configuration, you install the memory in matched pairs with the proper slots (usually color coded) on the sys board.
In the AMD environment, many sys boards have only 3 slots for memory and you can vary the capacity of each module, holding to the same speed of the module, with the largest in capacity in the slot closest to the processor.
Hope this helps with the original question, there could actually be a case for the 3 GB reported, particularly if processor is AMD.

I have a Gateway GT5438 pc with a 320gig hd, it came with 2x1 memory. It has 4 slots so I bought 2 more 1gig modules. It came with vista home premium.
It showed 2218mb or some such memory in system specs. I put the new sticks in; it shows 3318.
When I had svc pack 1 it showed 4048mb or so
Right now (without sp1 and with 4 1gb sticks) it shows 3318mb in system spec.
The system seems to be a little snapier, but from what I've been told far and wide is that the system only is able access about 3.25gb of the 4gb of memory available. Ok with me.
My big question is: can excessive heat generated in the case cause the ram to be erratic????????

I've been running it without the cover for 3or 4 hrs. I've also run the vista memory diagnostic tool several times, most recently just completed about 30minuts ago with no errors. It still freezes occasionaly. Sometimes .the tool turns up errors, sometimes it don't.Don't have a clue. It seems to freeze when changing web pages etc.
Thanks Bob

That's a "failure." This means that occasionally it may lock up. For another test, remove the new ram and see if the lockups stop.
Bob

When I try to access my Yahoo account.I can't even sign in to that account on this computer, but it works ok on my other computer. The gremlins are early. It's apparently working ok but doesn't seem to like yahoo. I've tried it with 2 or 3 or 4 modules installed and it works the same. Earlier the diagnostic was reporting a memory fault, that's one thing that made me think it might be heat related, also, when I run a dvd or cd, they are pretty hot (the discs)when I take them out of the tray??

When I install my DVDRW drives I leave a blank area between them so they run cooler. Your choice here.
Bob

seems to be working now. I deleted all the stored cookies that had to do with yahoo, and that seems to have corrected that problem. Now to see how long the pos will run without crashing!
Thanks again Bob.
GRR

And easy to sort out once you learn about Intel x86 architecture. http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000811.html and many other articles are available for your reading.
Bob

I thank you both, R. Proffitt and Jimmy, for the excellent information. It all makes sense now. You don't know that you are missing the RAM until get to the point of needing it. That is if I'm understanding you correctly.

Take Care!

The short version is that a few bits out of the 32-bits available on x86 are reserved for system functions, and this results in the loss of the last 0.8GB. It only becomes an issue when you are trying to utilize the full amount of RAM. It's sort of like a speed governor on your car. If it's set at say 80mph, you don't notice that it's there until you start approaching 80mph.

Using that analogy, a 64-bit platform just sets a higher top speed on the governor. Instead of 80mph, it's now something like 120mph.

You can of course get a much more detailed answer if you start researching the x86 platform. This has been a known limitation since the first 386 CPUs rolled out ushering in the brave new world of 32-bit processing for the masses. However, back in the days of the 386, 3.2GB would have seemed like an unimaginable amount of RAM. In those days, most systems came with 2-4MB of RAM, and if you wanted to add more, it was around $100/MB or more. The thought of having 4GB in a system was just inconceivable. And it has taken us the better part of two decades to get here. In 1991 when Linux was first unleashed unto the world, requiring a 386DX CPU with 4MB of RAM, people were outraged at these massive requirements. That was a very top of the line system, and way too expensive for most people to have in their homes.

So, it's been a known limitation since Intel's first 32-bit CPU the 386, but until just recently it was always this point off in the distant horizon.

Hello Jimmy. I wasn't trying to be rude when I replied to you both in #22 above. I should have sent you a separate reply.

Thanks!