Memory problems?

Jon12345 · 8 Nov 2008 at 18:07

Since I've upgraded from 2gb to 4gb of RAM, I think I am getting some sort of memory problems. Periodically getting "exception" errors in Rise of Nations, occasional Firefox problme and so on.

My upgrade was 2 x 1gb Corsair xms2 memory sticks: TWIN2x2048-6400 G

One thing I noticed is that the version of each memory stick was slightly different, as were the timings, even though they were the same part number.

Would that make a difference? Do they have to have identical timings?

Thanks,

Jon

RJC · 8 Nov 2008 at 18:19

Just to confirm your running 4 x 1gb sticks?
If yes, you might need to up the MCH voltage by .1 or .2 volt.

Download mem-test and check for any faulty memory.

Jon12345 · 8 Nov 2008 at 18:32

Yes, 4 x 1gb. I up the voltage via the bios right? Why could it be that?

RJC · 8 Nov 2008 at 18:37

Yep up the voltage in the BIOS, as your running 4 sticks it puts extra stress on the northbridge (MCH) so it needs a little extra.
My Abit IP 35 Pro needed 1.41v on the MCH to run 4 sticks.

Jon12345 · 8 Nov 2008 at 18:40

So the fact that the latency settings are different on each pair of ram doesn't make any difference?

majorpdd · 8 Nov 2008 at 23:35

Well all manufactuers recommend the same memory etc etc.. however im not sure what you have same model and different timings, maybe they have re-release it after testing...

Jon12345 · 9 Nov 2008 at 12:21

I think I will try the memtest thing. I am here: http://www.memtest.org/#downiso

But which do I download if I want to create a bootable CD or DVD? There are .zip verisons and .qz versions and pre-compiled. So confusing!

Jon12345 · 9 Nov 2008 at 13:19

I've sorted the memtest thing now.

gordan · 9 Nov 2008 at 22:47

You may not be able to run spec voltages/speeds/latencies with 4 DIMMs.
To give you an example, my Patriot DDR3-1600 modules are supposed to to [email protected]@1600MHz. As a Pair they can make that at +0.10V (1.90V set, but mobo overvolts by 0.10V, so actually 2.00V).
With 2 pairs of same memory, the most I can achieve is 1500MHz at [email protected] (2.30V measured).
Don't expect to be able to run 4 DIMMs at same settings as 2, it generally won't be achievable.

Also I wouldn't bother with memtest. If you can boot Windows, memtest won't spot any errors. Instead try OCCT in RAM test mode.

majorpdd · 10 Nov 2008 at 13:34

If you do go for memtest, and you have an asus board then you must make sure you turn off legacy USB in your bios.

Otherwise you will get all sorts of errors, some sort of conflict that memtest has with asus boards.