Bad OCZ RAM

[TheWayForward]

I have just bought 4GB new OCZ RAM and added it to my custom build. The motherboard manual lists the RAM as being compatible. I started with both 2GB modules on the board and attempted a boot. The board booted and cut out several times and then froze on the POST. I attempted boot again and the board again froze during POST at a different point. Sometimes when I boot, the board's special memory checking function reports a fault with the RAM as shown by the continuous red LED. I pressed the RAM auto-tuning button and the board failed to find a workable configuration for the RAM and gave up. I then tried using the DIMMs one at a time. One of the modules works fine and the other will cause the system to randomly freeze or reset and will not get past the full POST. I have tried used the good module to get into the BIOS and change configuration, but the BIOS automiatically sets up the correct config and no other will make the board work with the bad module. With the good one I have no problems; I can boot into windows and run applications, when I take the good one out and swap it for the bad one...No boot. I have tried all variations of slots, etc.
I sent this message to OCUK support, who took a whole day to reply and told me to download MemTest 86+ and use it to scan the module to see if it is faulty!!!!! How they expect me to scan a DIMM that stops the system from getting past the POST is a mystery to me.

Whats your opinions on this? RAM needs to go back? There is nothing else I can try...I have tried all safe BIOS configs and slots on the board, etc...If one module works on its own and the other won't, this must be a clear sign that the RAM is faulty?

I have had OCZ RAM on a previous build and have always been happy with it, but I have read a lot of customer reviews saying how its often faulty.

Motherboard: Asus P8P67
Motherboard BIOS: 0701
CPU: Core I5 2500K
Memory: 2x2GB OCZ 1333MHz OCZ3G1333LV4GK
Memory Latency: 9-9-9
PSU: Antec 650W
Storage: 60GB Vertex 2E SSD, 320GB Seagate 7200, 2x1TB Seagate 7200
Graphics: BFG 8800GTS OC2
Sound Card: M-Audio Delta 44
Operating system: Windows 7 64-bit
Changes prior to problem: Inserted new RAM

 

[1Day]

Remove all the power connectors from your PSU.
Hard drives, graphic cards every thing that has a power connector.
Remove the battery.
Clear CMOS
Let the board stand for 30mins.

Put back together.

Place the stick of ram that does work in slot 1.

Use the good stick to go into BIOS.


Select the profile 1 of the ram and set it as your ram option.

F10 and enter.

Add the other stick of ram.

Now your system should boot.

What we have just done is let the ram select what is its best setting based on the factory SPD. The default voltages for the P67 is 1.50 volts for ram. Most of the ram we buy has a default of 1.65. You can see the problem...

Your ram can and could be faulty. But at least now you can find out.

I hope.

 

[95thrifles]

OCZ do have bad rep ATM, but you can get a faulty stick with and manufacturer to be fair, memtest doesnt need to boot, if you read around it youll see the process but youre right if its refusing to boot its pretty much guaranteed dead, OcUK just advising you to do this cos if you return it to them and they test it and find no fault then you have to pay to ship it to them, for them to send it back, and youre without RAM and therefore PC for a week whilst they sort it, the other thing is have you tried swapping the RAM in different DIMM slots to make sure its not one of the DIMM slots thats faulty? unfortunately youll have to RMA both sticks of RAM and once tested and found to be faulty theyll then send you new set

 

[SylverFyre]

I had a 3 stick triple channel kit of OCZ RAM and 2 sticks were faulty, 1 was fine.

If the PC works normally with just the good stick as you said, but constantly hangs or crashes with the bad one in then get an RMA and swap them out. I preferred to get a refund on the OCZ and bought some Patriot Viper instead - that works a treat