Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Showing Incomplete RAM

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit have reported that their devices are displaying only 6.3GB of usable RAM instead of the expected 8GB. This issue has been observed during various stages, including initial setup and while running applications.

Symptoms and Context

• Symptoms: Users see significantly less RAM available than specified, with outputs from commands like sudo tegrastats showing values such as 1229/7337MB.

• Context: The problem occurs right after the installation of the official SD card image or when using pre-production units that may not have the latest software updates.

• Hardware/Software Specifications: Users have mentioned using SD cards for system storage and noted differences in results based on whether they are using a module with or without an SD card slot.

• Frequency: This issue appears to be relatively common among users who have recently acquired the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.

• Impact: The reduced RAM availability can hinder performance, particularly for memory-intensive applications, leading to a frustrating user experience.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Some users may have received pre-production units that do not reflect the final specifications.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The factory-installed software might not be stable, leading to incorrect RAM reporting.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the boot control settings could result in memory misallocation.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers might cause discrepancies in memory detection.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues could affect overall system performance, although this is less likely to cause RAM reporting errors.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may not have followed the correct flashing procedures or configurations necessary for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check Current RAM Status:
   Run the following command to check the current RAM status:

   sudo tegrastats
   

2. Inspect Boot Configuration:
   Review your boot configuration settings by executing:

   cat /etc/nv_boot_control.conf
   

3. Identify Module Type:
   Confirm whether you are using an Orin Nano module with or without an SD card slot, as this can affect functionality.

4. Re-flash the System Image:

   • Use the Nvidia SDK Manager to perform a complete re-flash of your Jetson device. This will ensure you are using the latest production software.
   • Follow these steps:
     • Download and install the SDK Manager on a host x86 Ubuntu machine.
     • Connect your Jetson device via USB-C.
     • Select the appropriate options in SDK Manager to flash both the SD card and QSPI memory.

5. Manual Flashing (if SDK Manager is not an option):

   • If SDK Manager installation is impractical, consider downloading the Board Support Package (BSP) and using the flash.sh utility to manually flash your device.

6. Install Latest Bootloader Package:
   If you suspect issues with the bootloader, reinstall it using:

   sudo apt install --reinstall nvidia-l4t-bootloader
   

Recommended Solutions

• Many users reported success after re-flashing their systems using SDK Manager, which resolved their RAM reporting issues.

Best Practices

• Always ensure that you are using the latest software versions and firmware updates provided by Nvidia.

• Regularly check for updates from Nvidia’s repositories to avoid running outdated software that might lead to compatibility issues.

Unresolved Aspects

While many users have successfully resolved their issues through re-flashing, some still report problems with performance and memory allocation even after updating. Further investigation may be needed regarding firmware updates and potential hardware defects in specific units.