Maximum RAM Restrictions – Understanding Memory Limits

memorymotherboard

I have a eMachines ET1862 with an Intel i3-550 and 2GB DDR3 RAM. Since 2GB is wayyy too slow (quick look at task manger shows it's been running at ~80% RAM since boot) I want to upgrade the RAM.

Concerning the maximum amount of memory I can fit, I looked up the model of PC and found it could handle up to 4GB. The websites I looked at also said it had 2 RAM slots.

Then I opened up the case and found 1 stick of 2GB DDR3, along with three empty RAM slots. After looking up the motherboard (IT It said H57H-AM2 in a load of places so I figured that was the name) and it came up with four slots and 16GB max.

So now I'm confused: what limits the amount of RAM you can have on a motherboard? I know the OS is fine as I've got win7-64bit. Is there anything more than the motherboard and the OS influences this limit?

Best Answer

The Maximum amount of memory is also determined by OS, in your case depending of your Windows 7 Version:

Home Basic     : 8GB
Home Premium   : 16GB
Professional   : 192GB
Ultimate       : 192GB
Corporate      : 192GB

Comparison Chart Windows 7

Also is good to check what the brand says.

About ET1862 Here is the datasheet it says:

Maximum 4 GB

And is determined also for CPU:

Here is the datasheet of your CPU it says:

Maximum 16 GB

for your Motherboard Specifications too it says:

Maximum 16 GB

Here is a link for yours:

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