asked on

Memory Issue

Hello,

Today we upgraded one of our Windows 2003 servers from 2GB of memory to 4GB of memory. The server is running on an Intel S875WP1-E Motherboard with a 3GHz/800MHz/1MB processor. We are using Kingston KVR400X72C3A/1G memory.

In the bios, everything shows up properly as 4GB of memory.

However, in System Properties, we are only showing 3.31 GB of RAM. Is this something I should be concerned about (I guess I already am otherwize I wouldn't be posting)

Thanks for any assistance.

Aubrey

supportsolutions

are you using the /pae switch?

"Large memory support is available in Windows Server 2003 and in Windows 2000"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283037

arhame

ASKER

I am running Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition. I was under the impression that the /pae switch was only for advanced or datacenter. Is this not correct?

Thanks for the response

supportsolutions

I thought it was for all versions of Server 2003, however that article only states it applies to datacenter edition and enterprise edition,

Ahah,
This article states its for all these versions:
APPLIES TO
•      Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
•      Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
•      Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Standard Edition
•      Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition
•      Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
•      Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
•      Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
•      Microsoft Windows XP Professional
•      Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)

"A description of the 4 GB RAM Tuning feature and the Physical Address Extension switch"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291988

supportsolutions

or wait a second sorry

The /3GB and /PAE switches in the Boot.ini file are to be used with the following products:
•      Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
•      Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
•      Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
•      Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
•      Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003

arhame

ASKER

Any other ideas?

oldhammbc

One thing id sujest doing is reinstalling the server with the 64 bit version of windows, the 32bit will really struggle with 4GB.
From the spec of your CPU it should support 64 bit!!
you can run a program called cpu - z from http://www.cpuid.com/ which will tell you what extensions your processor will support and if it supports 64 you will be fine!! :)

arhame

ASKER

We are sticking with the 32 bit version of windows. Windows 2003 Server standard edition supports 4 GB of memory, and our processor doesn't support 64 bit.

I would think this would be something simple such as either there is a known issue with Windows not reporting the correct amount of memory installed and/or there is some specif switch to use in the boot.ini.

I'm kinda lost now.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

oldhammbc

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

arhame

ASKER

That's what I was thinking also, but wanted a 2nd opinion. I read a few articles that stated something about servers with 4 GB or more of memory sometimes will allocate a certain amount of memory for PCI cache or something like that. I was up late reading and didn't retain all of the info 100%.

Thanks again for the info