3.0GB showing as 2.75gb -Robbed of 256MB!

[Superluminal420]

Hi guys - first post here - hope someone can help...

 

Recently put together a rig as in my sig.

It originally started off with 2 x 1gb OCZP4001G running 2-3-2-5.

So far so good.

I then got an additional 1gb kit (2x512 OCZ4001024DCPER2-K).

The SLi-DR refused to recognise all sticks together...

(I know it's not good practise to mix modules of differing sizes, but I got 'em cheap)

 

A little bit of research uncovered that on the DFi SLi-DR, the programmed memory timings (coded on the module) have to be identical on all 4 sticks, and Ryder from OCZ helped me with the reprogramming so all sticks are flashed to 2.5-3-3-5 timings.

 

The board then decided to recognise all four modules, but reports the total memory as 2882496K, or 2.75gb. XP sees the same amount, but CPU-Z and 3DMark 200* see all 3gb.

 

I've tried all the usual settings in the Genie BIOS (1T disable, interleave disable, RAM by SPD, 1:1, 5:6, drive strength, and the memory remapping enabled) but none of these settings seem to let the board, and therefore XP, see all 3gb. I've tried swapping the pairs around in various combo's as well.

 

 

I also read that the NF4 chipset has form for gobbling up the tail-end of physical memory for some reason.

 

Can anyone shed any light on this. Is there something I'm missing?

 

In short, is there any way I can get XP to see all 3gb ???

 

Please throw any and all suggestions at me, cause there might be one there I haven't tried.

 

Thanks guys

[Guest thespin]

I think you are very lucky just to get those sticks to run together ... especially at those timings. Good job, OCZ ...

[Superluminal420]

I think you are very lucky just to get those sticks to run together ... especially at those timings. Good job, OCZ ...

 

 

Kinda thought that myself.

 

If I ever find myself needing that 256mb, then I'll panic...