How to tell if my new ram is working

[JeronStevens]

I installed a second stick of DDR3 1x8gb in my system. I opened up task manager and it detects 16gb of ram, but it only shows 8gb in use.

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Is this normal, or do I have to allow my computer to use all 16gb? Thank you

 

[Neemobeer]

For whatever reason your system is hardware reserving 8GB that's why you only have 8ish usable.

 

[Neemobeer]

Press windows key + r and type msconfig On the boot tab click 'Advanced Options' make sure 'Maximum Memory' has no checkmark. If it does clear it and apply the settings and reboot.

 

[JeronStevens]

It does not have a checkmark.

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[Neemobeer]

Check your computer manufacturer site for an update to the firmware (BIOS/UEFI)

 

[nmsuk]

How many memory slots are there and in what slots are the memory?

 

[JeronStevens]

I have 4 slots, both run duel memory, I currently have it in slot 2 and 4 running in duel channel. I tried to run it with and without duel memory.

I got it working now, I messed with BOIS settings, and clicked an option to overclock ram, and it worked after that. Its kinda weird since both ram sticks are identical.

 

[nmsuk]

So you've enabled XMP? If it's working I'd leave it at that. I'd probably do a full memtest though just to make sure.