8GB RAM only shows as 4GB on Server

sasllc
sasllc used Ask the Experts™
on
The user has an app that said it would run better with 8GB vs. the 4GB they had.  They have an IBM 4363EBU, which is supposed to accept up to 8GB RAM.  I purchased the correct type of RAM and installed it, and now when I look at the BIOS system info, it does show 8GB.  It also checks the 8192MB RAM during startup.

But once logged into their Win Server 2003 R2 system, if I go to computer "properties", it shows this near the bottom of the screen:

1.87Ghz, 4.00GB of RAM
Physical Address Extension

Why is it showing only 4GB?  Is this is a constraint in Win 2003 Server, where it does not recognize or utilize more than 4GB?  Or, does it just display the wrong info...or what is really going on here?  TIA
Comment
Watch Question

Do more with

Expert Office
EXPERT OFFICE® is a registered trademark of EXPERTS EXCHANGE®
View Solutions Only
Co-Owner
Top Expert 2011
Commented:
Unless the server is running a 64-bit version of the OS, then it will only be able to see and use 4Gb of RAM irrespective of how much RAM is installed in the server.

32-Bit servers can only address 4Gb of memory max.

Alan
pgm554
Commented:
Unless the OS is 64 bit ,you will not see the extra ram in the properties.

Some apps will use something called PAE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Address_Extension

to use the extra memory,but the app needs to be written to use that memory.

Do more with

Expert Office
Submit tech questions to Ask the Experts™ at any time to receive solutions, advice, and new ideas from leading industry professionals.

Start 7-Day Free Trial