[98uk]

I have 4GB of RAM in my laptop, but Windows reports it as only 3.74GB available. Is this normal (similar to how HDD's have less space than advertised)?

Cheers

 

[charlie97]

perfectly normal, the Operating system always reserves a few Mega Bytes to start itself up and to run vital boot processes.

 

[hokeyplyr48]

I've had a couple 64 bit computers that are only showing 3.74GB usable. I've found that it's because the video card is not dedicated and is sharing some of the RAM. So you have 4GB of RAM installed, but 225MB of it is going to the graphics card. You can typically adjust how much in the BIOS.

 

[xPwn]

Go in bios and enable "memory remap feature" if you cant find it go to
msconfig-boot tab-advanced options-and uncheck "max memory"

 

[98uk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie97 perfectly normal, the Operating system always reserves a few Mega Bytes to start itself up and to run vital boot processes.

Ah cool. I had not seen it before

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokeyplyr48 I've had a couple 64 bit computers that are only showing 3.74GB usable. I've found that it's because the video card is not dedicated and is sharing some of the RAM. So you have 4GB of RAM installed, but 225MB of it is going to the graphics card. You can typically adjust how much in the BIOS.

Yeah, apparently this laptop has an Nvidia GTX420... so maybe that is why.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuStIn871 Go in bios and enable "memory remap feature" if you cant find it go to msconfig-boot tab-advanced options-and uncheck "max memory"

I'll have a look for memory remap... but you realise the boot tab is just a diagnostics option for booting, it makes no difference to use in Windows :/

 

[mott555]

That's normal on laptops, it's your graphics card. Many laptops (especially with integrated graphics) don't have dedicated VRAM and so they reserve a couple hundred megabytes from your system RAM. This RAM doesn't show up as available to the OS because your GPU claimed it.

 

[98uk]

I'm amazed my laptop has a GPU. For £400, I got an i3, 4GB RAM and a GTX420. Seems like too good a deal to me :/

 

[Boyboyd]

I can't believe you got a Dell XPS for £400. lol

 

[98uk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyboyd I can't believe you got a Dell XPS for £400. lol

Yar, I want to post some pics, but I have no cable to connect my phone to my laptop D:

 

[98uk]

Actually, one other question... why do I appear to have 2 graphics chip? It says I have:

Intel HD Graphics
Nvidia GeForce GT420M

Am I meant to switch between them or what?

 

[dklimitless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98uk;13075906
Actually, one other question... why do I appear to have 2 graphics chip? It says I have:

Intel HD Graphics
Nvidia GeForce GT420M

Am I meant to switch between them or what?

hybrid? Could you list the model so we can look up full specs? (or just update your sig rig, etc. ). Looks like its the hybrid type where you can switch between the dedicated GPU and Integrated one to save power

EDIT: never mind, just noticed your model is an LX501x. lemmie see what I find

 

[Code Geass]

It's because you're laptop has got switch-able graphics card function. It uses Intel HD graphics for say power saving state and switches to the 420 when gaming or the like.

If you go to the NVIDIA Control Panel, the Manage 3D Settings allows you to choose which is your default video card, either integrated Intel HD or NVIDIA graphics card. There you can also specify which programs will use which graphics chip. I might be wrong with this but this is based on my dad's Dell XPS L701X.

 

[dklimitless]

Yeah, its for the hybrid GPU option. Verified.

 

[maxextz]

goto start/run and type msconfig.in system configuration goto boot then advanced options and uncheck maxmem.

you might have to reboot,then it should show all your mem.

 

[98uk]

Oh right... is the GPU a seperate chip or part of the CPU? I haven't really kept up with PC technology so I literally have no idea

I didn't realise cheap laptops came with GPU's

 

[Code Geass]

Yes, it has a discrete graphics card. It uses the Intel HD for less graphics intensive programs switches to the discrete graphics when needed.

 

[98uk]

Coolio. I will give out some rep+ to all who reply tomorrow after work

Thanks!