RAM Problems, What do I do?

FrankDaTank · 27 May 2010 at 18:40

Hi there. Recently purchased components for a new build, which took me a while to get going. I narrowed it down to the memory. It would boot but no POST. I bought OCZ memory 2x2gb dual channel ddr3 1600 Low Voltage ones.

So I have a pair of memory but only one works. With both of them in I get nothing. I am just happy I got the thing to boot, but what do I do with the memory that doesn't work? Do I return the memory to Overclockers? And if I have to return it do I send both sticks, as I have just got the system running on one stick and I have no backup.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

setter · 27 May 2010 at 19:04

When returning memory, if one stick in a kit is dead you have to return both sticks.

Kelt · 27 May 2010 at 19:04

FrankDaTank said:
Hi there. Recently purchased components for a new build, which took me a while to get going. I narrowed it down to the memory. It would boot but no POST. I bought OCZ memory 2x2gb dual channel ddr3 1600 Low Voltage ones.

So I have a pair of memory but only one works. With both of them in I get nothing. I am just happy I got the thing to boot, but what do I do with the memory that doesn't work? Do I return the memory to Overclockers? And if I have to return it do I send both sticks, as I have just got the system running on one stick and I have no backup.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

If you have to RMA, then if bought as a matched pair, you have to return both sticks.

Does one stick boot, but the other doesn't in the same slot? If so, RMA time. I'm assuming you've set the specified ram voltage in the bios?

FrankDaTank · 27 May 2010 at 19:16

I should have stated this is my first build!
I literally only got the system running before i came to work a few hours ago. Yes one stick boots, but the other doesn't in the same slot.

I haven't set any voltages, because as i said I only got into the bios with one stick, and the system won't boot with (faulty one)both.

You mentioned RMA, what does that mean?
Do I have to manually set voltages?

Thanks so much. Sorry for being a noob! lol.

Kelt · 27 May 2010 at 19:26

FrankDaTank said:
I should have stated this is my first build!
I literally only got the system running before i came to work a few hours ago. Yes one stick boots, but the other doesn't in the same slot.

I haven't set any voltages, because as i said I only got into the bios with one stick, and the system won't boot with (faulty one)both.

You mentioned RMA, what does that mean?
Do I have to manually set voltages?

Thanks so much. Sorry for being a noob! lol.

RMA stands for Return Merchandise Authorization.

Yes, find out what voltage your ram runs at and set the bios accordingly.
And check what speed they're supposed to run at, and set that as well. If these values are incorrect, they could cause the mobo not to boot.

FrankDaTank · 27 May 2010 at 19:30

Wow thanks for the help. So could it be that the other stick is fine? I mean i have done nothing to them (apart from seating them when building) as i havent got into the bios yet. I thought since theyre a set and one doesnt let the system boot then its faulty. What do you think?

Kelt · 27 May 2010 at 20:02

FrankDaTank said:
Wow thanks for the help. So could it be that the other stick is fine? I mean i have done nothing to them (apart from seating them when building) as i havent got into the bios yet. I thought since theyre a set and one doesnt let the system boot then its faulty. What do you think?

Yes, the ram could be fine. I'll cite my own example. When I built my current system I only had 2 x 1GB sticks of ram. With the bios default settings, it wouldn't boot with both sticks. I took one out, got into the bios which had totally the wrong FSB and voltage set. Couple of tweaks and all was good.

FrankDaTank · 27 May 2010 at 20:10

Wow thanks for your reply. I haven't had any experience with voltages and such, i will check the bios when i get home. Any idea what i should set the voltages to or is there a guide for my ram?

Thanks for your help!

Kelt · 27 May 2010 at 20:57

FrankDaTank said:
Wow thanks for your reply. I haven't had any experience with voltages and such, i will check the bios when i get home. Any idea what i should set the voltages to or is there a guide for my ram?

Thanks for your help!

Voltages and speeds vary, but generally V is around the 2.0 mark*. But you'll want to verify your specific ram requirements. And if your mobo is anything like mine (it overvolts) you may want to do some research. For example my ram is quoted as requiring 2.1V but I've been running it for almost 3 years at 1.84V set in the bios.

*I'm quoting DDR2 here. I'm sure your DD3 will be different.

FrankDaTank · 28 May 2010 at 19:23

Great I will look into all this. At the minute i have other problems, lol. Graphics card wont display anything... off to graphics section.