Memory problem I think - help please?

findogask · 17 Jul 2008 at 20:52

Hello Everyone,

I wonder if anyone could offer me, a techno challenged induvidual, assistance with problems with an upgrade to my computer.

I've had and Intel Core Duo E6600, Geforce 8800 GTS, 2gig Geil PC 6400 800mhZ DDR2 memory in my XP installed computer for ages, and have had no trouble with it at all.

With prices dropping, I thought I'd upgrade, and bought an Intel Core Duo 3.16, ATI 4870 Graphics card, and another 2gig of Geil PC 6400 800mhZ DDR2 memory. I also got Vista 64.

I got Vista installed, but had no end of crashes with it. I then tried to install XP again, and it failsevery time copying files to the hard disk during pre install (blue text type screen). I've scoured the interweb, and according to what I read the symptoms point to faulty/mismatched ram. The dual channel kits I have are identical, and I wonder if there is a problem running it with the faster CPU?

As said, I'm not a hardware expert, and I'm just about pulling my hair out, well whats left of it, and any help will earn eternal gratitude.

Cob · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:02

Have you upped the northbridge voltage by 0.1v to boost it for running 4 sticks? Also have you set the correct voltage for the memory.

findogask · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:10

Sorry, as said I dont know a great deal about this, just learning - the hard way the way things are going. No, haven't altered any volatages, I've just left eveything in the bios on auto to be honest - I thought it would auto-figure for the new hardware? I would have to add, the XP install failing happens with only 2gig installed.

RJC · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:30

What motherboard are you running, you might need to do a BIOS update. Also you will need to manualy setup the timmings and voltage for your memory, there is a sticker on each module stating the timmings and voltage.
The northbridge voltage may be under the heading MCH like Cob said you may need to up the voltage .1 .2 volt.

Rob

findogask · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:35

I have and Asus P5B motherboard, which I just flashed to the latest bios from the Asus site - seemed to work ok as it sees the faster chip and it couldnt before. I'll have a look at the voltage/timings. Thank you for taking the trouble to reply - appreciated.

RJC · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:42

No probs mate

findogask · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:46

I just looked at the memory voltage. On the Ram it says it should be 2.1V, and when I set that in the bios the value turn red - indicating it's too high? It turn red at 1.90V? I'm a bit puzzled by this. Cant see where to alter the timings?

RJC · 17 Jul 2008 at 21:53

The motherboard assumes all memory should run at 1.8v and soon as you up the voltage it shows the warning, same when upping the cpu vcore when overclocking just ignore the warning.

Not sure were the timmings page is, you might need to check the manual.

findogask · 17 Jul 2008 at 22:01

That makes sense, thanks you. I have run one dual channel kit at the default voltage 1.80V, for ages with no problems? Is it adding the second dual channel kit that puts a strain on the voltage, resulting, in my situation, in the need to set the rated voltage,2.10V, for the memory?

RJC · 17 Jul 2008 at 22:28

It does put extra strain on the system, usualy upping the MCH voltage helps but upping the mem voltage may be all whats needed. (Hopefully

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