Can you return RAM if it's not compatible even if it should be?

morguk · 21 Jan 2016 at 20:32

My cousin bought some 1866MHz DDR3 RAM (2x8GB) and we tried different frequencies/voltages/timings and it just wouldn't boot. His motherboard supports 1866MHz and has the latest BIOS.

The RAM on paper is compatible, yet in real life it isn't and just won't boot.

He tried to return it to switch to a different brand but the retailer has stated that as it's not on the 'compatible memory list' of the motherboard that he has no right to send the RAM back.

Who's right or wrong here? I understand their point of view, there is probably nothing wrong with the RAM and it could very well work in someone else's system. However my cousin bought it for his system, to the right technical spec and it doesn't work.

Opinions please..

RJC · 21 Jan 2016 at 20:38

What are the system specs of your cousins system?

He could have returned the ram under the consumer rights act which gives you two weeks to return the item (assuming he was still inside this)

morguk · 21 Jan 2016 at 20:53

RJC said:
What are the system specs of your cousins system?

He could have returned the ram under the consumer rights act which gives you two weeks to return the item (assuming he was still inside this)

Motherboard is a GA-Z68AP-D3 Rev 2.0.

His old RAM that he has now put back in is a mix of Crucial Sport 1600MHz and Corsair Vengeance 1333MHz. Ironically both sticks work at 1866MHz and all different voltages/timings etc. P.S With the new RAM I also tried single sticks and different ports, no luck.

He is outside of the 14 days because he is lazy and didn't return it when I said lol. He is still within the 28 days faulty returns though.

RJC · 21 Jan 2016 at 21:10

Just to back track a little, does the ram boot with a BIOS reset when the ram will be running at 1333mhz ~

morguk · 21 Jan 2016 at 21:14

RJC said:
Just to back track a little, does the ram boot with a BIOS reset when the ram will be running at 1333mhz ~

Nope. Tried 1333/1600/1866, 1.5v/1.55v/1.6v, CL10/11 other timings higher/auto. None of it would boot, just kept trying to boot every 5 secs. Tried resetting BIOS too.

Obviously to change these settings each time I had to put the old stuff in, save, shutdown, install, try and boot.. repeat.

The only time I got it to briefly goto the BIOS was to mix 1 stick of OLD with 1 stick of NEW. It went into the BIOS for a few seconds then froze.

The new RAM that isn't working is Kingston Hyperx Fury.

RJC · 21 Jan 2016 at 21:24

Its starting to sound like faulty memory, as the ram wont boot at default settings. Most of the time the system will boot the ram at default speeds and you need to either manually setup the speeds or load the XMP profile.

Can you try the ram in another system?

morguk · 21 Jan 2016 at 21:28

RJC said:
Its starting to sound like faulty memory, as the ram will boot at default settings. Most of the time the system will boot the ram at default speeds and you need to either manually setup the speeds or load the XMP profile.

Can you try the ram in another system?

To be clear, it won't boot at default settings. (unless that's what you meant to say - meant this

).

I could try it in mine, I'll see if I can pick it up soon and try it.

RJC · 21 Jan 2016 at 21:33

I meant wont boot

Least if you test it another system give you more ammunition

morguk · 21 Jan 2016 at 21:35

RJC said:
I meant wont boot

Least if you test it another system give you more ammunition

Yeah good point. Wouldn't be surprised if it does boot.

From looking online it might be due to low density and high density RAM and the one being less compatible than the other.

cadmunkey · 22 Jan 2016 at 00:14

Did you buy it online? You have the right to a refund for up to 14 days from purchase. Doesn't matter what the retailer says.

Threepwood · 22 Jan 2016 at 05:20

cadmunkey said:
Did you buy it online? You have the right to a refund for up to 14 days from purchase. Doesn't matter what the retailer says.

morguk said:
He is outside of the 14 days because he is lazy and didn't return it when I said lol.

Read thread much?

Op, tell your mate this is what happens when you are lazy and do not listen to friends. Oh and that he deserves to lie in the bed he made

But, I wish you luck that they are actually faulty.

morguk · 22 Jan 2016 at 11:18

Threepwood said:
Read thread much?

Op, tell your mate this is what happens when you are lazy and do not listen to friends. Oh and that he deserves to lie in the bed he made

But, I wish you luck that they are actually faulty.

Haha thank you. Will update thread when I test them.

morguk · 26 Jan 2016 at 15:04

Update..

The ram worked in my PC fine. Closest we got in my cousins PC in the end was 1 stick working by copying the exact timings from mine, but 2 sticks was a no go. So that's a warning you peeps with the GA-Z68AP-D3!

Orcvader · 30 Jan 2016 at 00:33

Which RAM set is it? And what CPU? As the memory controller is on the CPU and not motherboard.

morguk · 30 Jan 2016 at 12:22

It was an i5 3570, and only shows 1600MHz on the website, but that doesn't mean much as mine is a 4460 and it also only lists 1600MHz, yet it worked fine at 1866. Also his 3570 worked fine with his old RAM briefly at 1866MHz.

cadmunkey · 30 Jan 2016 at 12:40

morguk said:
Update..

The ram worked in my PC fine. Closest we got in my cousins PC in the end was 1 stick working by copying the exact timings from mine, but 2 sticks was a no go. So that's a warning you peeps with the GA-Z68AP-D3!

This is also why its best to only buy RAM thats on the motherboard manufacturers guaranteed compatibility list. DDR4 is even worse, just so you know