Corsair Memory Issue

[JDowny]

Hi, forgive me for using my first post to start a thread, but it's an urgent situation and I was recommended the OC forums as a way to help. I've searched and seen similar problems, but from my experience with different components it's not necessarily the same solution.

Basically I just finished building my first system and turned the power on and everything seemed to be running fine - the fans worked, the lights were on, it all seemed cool. However, on the POST code on the motherboard it keeps saying C1. As I understand it, this relates to a memory issue, namely:
-Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC
-Auto-detection of L2 cache (socket 7 or below)

The memory I've gone for is Corsair 2x 2GB DDR2 800MHz 1.8v. I've so far checked that they're in the correct slots (DIMM1 and 3), taken them out and put them back in and cleared the CMOS. Is it a memory issue or a motherboard issue? I've tried connecting it to a monitor but nothing shows up on the monitor.

As I said, this was my first system build so I don't have much idea what I'm doing beyond the guides, which only take you so far - just put the memory in and that will be it. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Motherboard: Abit IP35 Pro XE

 

[Plec]

Welcome to the forums.

Could you list your complete spec includung brands (in particular, your PSU and wattage and gfx)

Have you tried booting the system with just one stick installed?

If you haven't try this and see if you can get into the BIOS (be sure to try the other stick - if the first stick you try doesn't work). Once in the BIOS check the memory settings - timings and voltage are correct (you could bump the voltage to 1.9v). While you're in there check other settings are set correctly for your CPU etc. Save and exit if you have had to make changes.

Then run memtest86 - link - on each stick to help determine if you have a corrupt stick.

If you have tried the above take out the sticks altogether and see if the MB gives out any error beeps. (it will only be able to do this if you have a case/MB speaker attached.)

If it recognises that there isn't any memory installed insert one stick and disconnect all non-essential components to try get into the BIOS (hdd, dvd, usb devices etc).

If your still not having any luck - post back.

EDIT: Recheck all your connections are fitted in correctly and as it's your first build double check that you have all the necessary PSU leads plugged into the MB. (it's easy to omit a crucial connection or overlook a loose one - we all do it.)

 

[JDowny]

Sorry for the late reply - been engaged for the past couple of days and could only get around to doing some real work on the computer today. Thanks for the fantastic input though.

I've tried changing the memory around - using different slots, only using one stick of memory and I changed CMOS every time - and still no luck. I've double and triple checked all the wires and connectors are in their correct spaces. It's tricky, because with a new build I can be fairly sure of what I need, but I can't be so sure of what I don't need. I've got a friend who's bringing round some spare memory this evening so I'll see if that changes anything.

I may have overlooked one thing though - I suspect that the hard drive isn't working. Up until now I just thought that it was the fans making all the noise, but apparently hard drives do too. I can't hear anything from the HDD, but I also can't feel any vibrations at all when I put my finger to it. Could this be the cause of the problem?

System details:

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz Socket 775
• Motherboard: Abit IP35 Pro XE
• Memory: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800MHz 1.8v
• Hard Drive: Western Digital 500GB SATA II 7200RPM 16MB Cache – OEM
• GPU: ATI HD 4870 1GB
• PSU: OCZ Stealth XStream 700W

 

[Plec]

I may have overlooked one thing though - I suspect that the hard drive isn't working. Up until now I just thought that it was the fans making all the noise, but apparently hard drives do too. I can't hear anything from the HDD, but I also can't feel any vibrations at all when I put my finger to it. Could this be the cause of the problem?

If you've tried disconnecting all non-essential components (which includes the HDD, and dvd, usb devices, etc) and still can't access the BIOS then, no, the HDD wont be the problem.

The reason you can't hear anything is that the computer hasn't got past post so the HDD hasn't even been accessed yet - and as such wont make any noise.

I would try the new memory tonight as that is always a good test - if your friend has a PSU too test that as both are excellent things to rule out. If you don't get a result with memory (or PSU) then try removing all sticks and see if you MB give off any error beeps, and then do the same for the gfx and cpu. Then report back.

Good luck.

EDIT: If he has a compatible gfx card that too would be handy - as you could rule out 3 of the major contenders.

 

[JDowny]

Right, finally got round to getting the memory and being able to check it, and thankfully it did work with his. Which means it's an issue with my RAM. His was OCZ 2GB 800MHz 1.8v RAM as well, which is exactly the same as mine. The only difference was the manufacturer and the added heatsink.

I assume it's a dud? I can't keep it for longer than two days and I have to set up my BIOS and install the OS, not to mention finding some way to connect to the internet, so I don't think I'll be able to test the memory on memtest.

I'm planning to RMA it to the website I brought it off. I would be able to exchange it for another type of memory however. What would you recommend doing? Perhaps some more tests to see if I can get it to work? Or would there be different sort of memory that you'd recommend? Thanks for the help so far, it's really been invaluable.

 

[Plec]

I assume it's a dud? I can't keep it for longer than two days and I have to set up my BIOS and install the OS, not to mention finding some way to connect to the internet, so I don't think I'll be able to test the memory on memtest.

It's certainly looking that way - but if you want to make totally sure before you rma...

You can use memtest without an OS - download the bootable ISO and make a CD (you'll obviously need another computer to do this). Then make the CDROM the first bootable device in the BIOS and test each individual stick (a few passes) and see if it gives up any errors...

If it does you can rma with confidence.

EDIT: or you could reverse your last experiment and test your memory in your friends computer - if it replicates the same error/unstable system, with correct settings, then you have your definitive answer.

Good luck! (i, personally, like the Kingston HyperX 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 8500 - if you exchanging for different brand)

 

[Lemin]

Good luck! (i, personally, like the Kingston HyperX 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 8500 - if you exchanging for different brand)

Yep, ive got some in my abit ip35 pro (not xe) & it booted ist time.

edit, oops, just remebered, my voltage was already at 2.1 from old ram, when i installed them.

 

[JDowny]

Good luck! (i, personally, like the Kingston HyperX 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 8500 - if you exchanging for different brand)

Sorry about the late reply again, but I thought I'd tell you how it went. Basically it was dud RAM, so I was able to RMA and when that was approved, ordered the memory that you recommended (which works incredibly by the way). It's all working brilliantly now. The difference between playing GTA IV on my old machine and my new one is tantamount to being blind and then being able to see, it's truly incredible. So thanks for all the help, you really made a huge difference.

 

[Plec]

Np, glad to hear you got it sorted.

Additional: Once you feel comfortable that your system is stable - you may want to consider dropping the voltage from 2.2v (assuming you're running at 1066Mhz settings) to 2.0V - check that this new setting is stable with stress tests and general every day abuse.

It's great memory and if you can get it stable using lower voltages all the better - it's not guaranteed but it's worth a try.