Upgraded from 256MB to 512MB but only 504MB shows up...

[jhoover]

In my new X40, when I was checking out the system information, it showed that I only had 504MB or memory when I had upgraded to 512MB from 256MB.

Is this because there is 8MB of shared VRAM on the X40? My T41 showed the full 512MB -- mebbe because of the different video config?

[jhoover]

UPDATE: I'm on the phone with IBM support. They say it's an inconsistency with Microsoft's software that causes the RAM numbers to be off. Can this be true or just a "blow-off" answer?

I just noticed another discrepancy: under the "ADVANCED" tab of IBM Access Connections' system information (not through CONTROL PANEL) the physical memory shows up as 512MB. Although in the regular portion of sys info it shows 504MB.

Hmm...What do your guys' computer system information show as your lappy's RAM when you check SYSTEM INFORMATION through CONTROL PANEL versus when you check it through IBM ACCESS CONNECTIONS?

Thanks.

[ibmuser]

The 8 megs you're missig might be shared ram. This is usually due to an onboard video card, but I doubt that the case with an X40. Strange, I have an X31 - memory shows up fine.

[eriqesque]

The 8 megs you're missig might be shared ram. This is usually due to an onboard video card, but I doubt that the case with an X40. Strange, I have an X31 - memory shows up fine.

This is exactly the reason why.
The shared memory.

[jhoover]

Excellent help. While the IBM support operator was kind enough to stay on the line with me for at least 45 minutes while he tried to solve this dilemma, his answer was not as satisfactory. Moreover, I checked the BIOS memory reading and it said 512MB. I also went back and checked the specs of the X40 23716FU on IBM.com and it showed "--/--" next to the video ram entry. Hence, it makes sense for the 8MB of VRAM to be the difference between the 504 and the 512.

You guys rock! Thanks again so much.