It can be frustrating when watching a video or playing games, your suddenly shuts down, opening apps takes more time than usual or your files frequently becomes corrupted. This results from low RAM capacity. Let us know ‘Why Is Only Half My Ram Usable?’.
Certain persons who purchased a device with a large RAM finalized that their device does not function to its full capacity but uses half of its RAM usable and this may be true.
In this article, I have explained all the possible causes of this issue and the various actions you can take to rectify them. Read on till the end.
Random Access memory( RAM) is a very important part of computers, phones, and laptops. It is a storage area for data so they can be easily accessed.
The RAM determines the performance, speed of your device, and ability to multitask. To do this, they give your CPU easy access to important data without having to go through your entire storage.
To perform complex activities, you would need a large RAM as a small RAM is limited. However, some individuals complain that they are only capable of using half of the RAM installed on their devices. Many factors can cause this, to find out the causes and solutions, read on!
Why Is Only Half My RAM Usable?
Sometimes, your computer only recognizes half of the RAM installed. Let’s go through the reasons.
1. System Type Issue
For those who have little knowledge about the mode of operation of computers and the RAM capacity.
Generally, two systems are run on Windows, the 32-bit and the 64-bit. If your RAM capacity is 32-bit, you will be limited to 4GB of it but if your system is 64-bit, you have access to 128GB.
2. Limited Memory
In Windows, there is a setting that limits your access to the RAM capacity of your device. Some part of your RAM is reserved for the booting process. This setting is not important, you can change it manually.
Open the windows dialog bar, search for “System Configuration” and click on the application.
Open the Boot tab and tap Advanced Options.
A heading showing the maximum heading would appear with a check box close to it.
If it is marked, unmark it and tap OK.
Reboot your computer so that this change can take place. Now your device has full access to the available RAM.
3. Registry Editor
Before you change anything In the Registry Editor, first export or backup it up, so you can restore the original settings if you make any mistake.
To open the Registry Editor, click on the dialog box and type in ‘Registry Editor’. Search for the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE on the left menu, under it, find system, next currentControlSet, under it find Control next, find Session manager. Under the session manager, find the Memory Management folder.
In the Memory Management Folder, find the ClearPageFileAtShutdown section from the right-hand table.
When you open it, you would see the value name, value data, and base options.
Change the value data to 1 if it is 0.
If it reads 1, don’t change it.
Save the changes made.
Reboot your device.
4. Outdated BIOS
If your BIOS is an outdated version, it can limit your access to the RAM. To change this, you have to update the BIOS to the recent version. The method used for updating the BIOS varies for different manufacturers, search for yours and install it.
5. Outdated Windows
Your inability to use half of your system’s RAM can also be caused by outdated windows. RAM connectivity issues can also result from outdated windows. To update to the latest version of Windows, open the settings app, click on the update and security section and tap the check for updates button. Install the latest window and reboot your system.
6. Outdated Drivers
Drivers connect the hardware and software of your system. Outdated Drivers can also cause RAM connectivity issues. Update to the latest drivers to access the full RAM capacity of your device.
7. Faulty RAM Hardware
If your motherboard is faulty, it makes it difficult for windows to access your RAM. Also, check the RAM port if there is dirt and clean it.
If the RAM sticks or their slots are damaged, it affects the windows causing it not to identify the RAM capacity. To correct this;
If your desktop is the one with the issue, open the cases side panel,
If it’s your laptop, open up the back
On the motherboard close to the CPU heatsink fan, there are 2-4 RAM slots with clips at the sides.
Switch the clips to bring out the RAM sticks.
Now, observe the stick for dirt or debris.
If it is dirty, use a brush or compressed air to clean it.
How To Know If Your RAM Requires Upgrade?
If your RAM is running out of capacity, here are the signs;
1. Decrease In Performance
Normally, when you first boot your computer, it works fine. If you notice Overtime that it begins to slow down, your Ram’s capacity is now lower. For example, if you cannot use more than one altogether, your device takes more time to boot, opening apps takes more time, and web pages and programs do not open fully.
If you notice all these, you have to upgrade your RAM.
In some devices, the RAM slots have specific arrangements, refer to your device’s user guide or manual, arrange the RAM sticks in their modules properly and lock them.
2. Random Lags And Crashes
If typing or watching videos takes more time than normal, or Apps and programs crash randomly, your RAM is faulty.
3. Files Corruption
If your files regularly get corrupted, your RAM might be faulty.
4. System Crashing
If your system automatically crashes or your apps suddenly stop responding without warning, you have to upgrade your RAM.
5. Low Memory Warnings
If your computer sends you warnings like “Out of Memory,” “Insufficient Memory,” or “Insufficient System Resources”, you need an upgrade.
6. Blue Screen Of Death
Blue Screen of death is a situation whereby a blue screen is displayed by Windows with a code in white text. This indicates a faulty RAM.
How To Check The Windows System Type?
To check the type of Windows System used by your device follow these steps;
Right-click on the icon’ This PC’.
Tap Properties.
navigate to device specifications and find the System type under it.
Check your computer’s System type.
You would see the RAM capacity of your device close to the System type.
What RAM Is Compatible With My Device?
If your RAM is compatible with your motherboard, it is compatible with your device. To check what RAM is compatible with your motherboard, go through these factors.
Form factor: Dual in-line module (DIMM) RAM is accepted by Desktop motherboards, and small outline dual in-line memory module (SO-DIMM) RAM is accepted by laptops. DIMMs consume more space than SO-DIMMs.
DDR generation: four types of RAM are known, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 one cannot be replaced with the other. DDR4 RAM is best for new computers while DDR3 RAM is best for older motherboards or computers.
Storage capacity: The RAM capacity of some devices is limited by the motherboards.
Speed: A fast RAM clock makes your computer function faster. Your motherboard would accept RAM that is faster than it.
Internal clearance: The design and height of your RAM modules and the size and location of your CPU cooler should also be considered.
Conclusion
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a storage area used in phones, computers, and, laptops to make information easily accessible. Lags and crashes are common experiences and causes of complaints from individuals. This problem is generally caused by half of the RAM usable being used.
The causes of this annoying problem are. System type issue, limited memory, registry editor, outdated BIOS, outdated Drivers, outdated windows, faulty RAM hardware.
I have explained how to find out if your RAM is faulty, the possible causes and their solutions in this article.
FAQs
1. What is Hardware Reserved Memory?
Hardware Reserved RAM is a special part of the device’s memory reserved for the proper functioning of the device. This space cannot be accessed for other activities like gaming or saving videos. It is used by the CPU and other parts of the system like graphics cards, keyboards, etc. It is part of the vRAM( graphics memory).
2. Why Is Task Manager Showing Only Half Of RAM?
If your task manager is showing only half RAM usable, it is probably because your RAM is not properly connected, try removing the RAM sticks, cleaning the RAM port, and fixing the RAM again. This confirms of the RAM is faulty. If the RAM sticks are broken, try replacing them with new ones.
3. How Long Does RAM Last?
Physically, RAMs are not designed with fragile parts so they can last a very long time or even forever. However, you can upgrade to a newer and faster one as the speed of the RAM decreases with time.
