Installed 12GB of RAM into my PC: Only 3GB is being used.

I have 3 RAM cards.

2x4GB RAM cards, and a single 8GB RAM card.
I installed all three, but they aren't being used?
My memory keeps maxing out because of this.
Any ideas? I installed it properly.
Thanks

 

What operating system are you using and is it 32 or 64 bit?

 

no way to answer this without knowing the exact model of your computer and/or motherboard and knowing what operating system is installed and if it is 32 or 64 bit.

 

Oh sorry @above; That was a simple miscalculation. I have a 32-bit system. If I upgrade to 64-bit, would my current programs be lost? I do have the CD for 64-bit; I had no idea if my motherboard supported it, till now.

edit1;
I did a quick scan with the suggested .exe file from above to simplify a few things, so here you are.

Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.2
OS Version: Microsoft Windows 8.1, 32 bit
Processor: AMD FX(tm)-4350 Quad-Core Processor, x64 Family 21 Model 2 Stepping 0
Processor Count: 4
RAM: 3036 Mb
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640, -2048 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 953766 MB, Free - 871965 MB;
Motherboard: MSI, 970 GAMING (MS-7693)
Antivirus: Windows Defender, Disabled

 

if you have 32 bit installed, then that is why you only see three. if you install the 64 bit os, it will have to be a clean install and all programs will have to be reinstalled.

 

Thank you so much @renegade600. I have some questions about running a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1 now. [I have windows 8.1, by the way P:]

1. I have 16GB of RAM and only 3GB is being used with my 32-bit system; How much could I be limited to by running a 64-bit system?

2. How do I install it when I already have an install of Windows8.1 32-bit? A link to a notably easy guide would be great.

That's all, and thank you!

 

all you have installed would be available for use. there are several ways to go about installing the 64 bit everyone has their own way of doing it. All I would do is to insert the disk, boot to it, make sure your boot order is for the dvd and install it. It should wipe the drive and install the new os.

before you do it make sure you have all keys and registration info for all your installed software. make sure you make a backup of all files you cannot afford to lose.

 

Good information, Renegade. Thanks.
Lets just hope my computer doesn't get blown away by a tornado; we're having some serious storms rn. Lol