2003 Server only detects half memory 1

[MockY]

I have 8 gig of RAM memory installed along with 4 processors, but only 4 gigs is detected in Windows. Is this issue windows not being able to show it all, or am I restricted to what ever is show and therefore not utilizing it all?

 

[itsp1965]

If your system doesn't support hot-memory add-on (Windows 2003) then this is by design.. To enable Windows to see more follow the instructions in this MS KB

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283037

 

[dberg35]

If you are running only Standard Edition then it will only detect 4 gigs max. Enterprise will see more and 64Bit standard edition will see 8 gigs.

 

[MockY]

So is only 4 gig utilized in Standard Edition or is it just not shown? Or do I have to purchase enterprise edition in order to utilize the rest of the RAM?

So right now I have 4 gigs of additional RAM that is not in use?

 

[Cstorms]

Pretty much, you can look into the /PAE switch in the boot.ini to see if that will suit your needs but from my understanding of it, its specific to applications using Windowing Address Extensions, and I am not sure what that all includes.

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/server/pae/default.mspx

 

[Zelandakh]

32 bit Windows 2003 can only address 4GB so the rest is ignored (unless your board supported RAM mirroring in which case all 8GB is used, 4 is seen).

64 bit is the way to go, otherwise remove the RAM and redeploy.

 

[MockY]

The board supports RAM mirroring

http://reviews.cnet.com/motherboards/tyan-thunder-n3600r-s2912wg2nr/4505-3049_7-32304784.html

 

[crobin1]

32-Bit Windows Server 2003 Enterprise can support more than 4GB of RAM, though not all applications can take advantage of it. See edition comparison at

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsserver/evaluate/features/compare.mspx