RAM Problems.

JohnM

JohnM

JohnM

Associate
Joined
19 Nov 2007
Posts
45
Asus Maximus Formula Intel X38
Corsair Dominator 8GB - Retail 5-5-5-15 2.10v 533MHz 3:4 2T Fan Cooled
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" - OC 3200MHz 400MHz*8 1600MHz FSB

OK, I really cant figure it out, and its really driving me quite quite mad.
At random times, be it 12 to 48 hours I will get blue screened. I know its a RAM problem, so I run MemTest+ (Boot) and it will report errors.

I test the ram singaly.
Some will error, some wont.

Even if I run with only 1 stick (2 gig) I will still get a BSOD.
MemTest+ again, reports errors.

If I now switch the stick with another one that errored in the past, rerun MemTest+ it will now report no errors.

Windows runs fine again for anywhere between 12-48 hours and I will BSOD with MemTest+ errors.

Repeat cycle.

Same results even if I run CPU at retail.
I've tested each stick in each slot, thats 16 tests, no errors (When it decides not to BSOD)

Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
I would also try upping your memory volatge by at least 0.1v to 2.2v and run the tests again with the single sticks and see if you get any difference. (i would try 2.3v if that didn't work - it could be your board isn't supplying enough continuous juice to the slots - the extra voltage could keep things stable)

Edit:
JohnM said:
Corsair Dominator 8GB - Retail 5-5-5-15 2.10v 533MHz 3:4 2T Fan Cooled
Click to expand...

Note: The recommended voltage setting for your memory is 2.2v - looking at the specs list - link. So hopefully upping your voltage from 2.1v may sort your problems out -don't be worried about trying out 2.3v if 2.2v has no effect.

The other thing i would try, if upping the voltages doesn't work, is slackening your memory timings - just to see if that too makes a diff.

Additional: Have you tried upping your NB volatage? When running 4 sticks of memory it's not uncommon that the NB requires a bit more juice to keep the system stable.
 
Last edited:
I struggled to read that OP. Anyway, have your tried running the sticks in another machine? If you know they are fine and you are using the correct voltage (2.1v is better) then i would say the problem lays elsewhere. Possibly with the memory controller which for these C2D is on the mobo.
 
I've just checked the memory specs Hubby - he's running it 0.1v under the recommended settings, so hopefully his problems lie there. It states it can run at 2.1v but then lists 2.2v as its recommended settings. (Re-reading your post Hubby - I'm guessing you may already know this ;) )

I had the similar problems with my old corsair memory - it preferred the higher voltage.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, ill try 2.2/2.3 and see how it goes.

Sorry I couldnt explain it better, I'll try again.

Just say I use 1 stick.
Somewhere over 2 days it will error.

I now swap it with another stick. No errors.
Somewhere over 2 days it will error.

If I know swap it back to the 1st stick. No errors.
Somewhere over 2 days it will error.
 
The fact that the error is intermittent does point to a voltage problem - but it's by no means conclusive until tested as it could still be something else.

Try the 2.2v and if you have no luck then try it at 2.3v and if your still having problems reduce the memroy timings but bring your volatages back down to 2.2v.

Good luck.
 
Same problems.

Was running all 4 sticks. Errors.
That was 5-5-5-15 2.20 and 2.30
Retried with 7-7-7-17 2.20 still errors.

Took 3 out, reran at 5-5-5-15 2.20
No errors.

Gonna MemTest each one seperatly and ebay them.
Anyone have new RAM suggestions for my Mobo and current OC?

Thanks.
 
Did you remember to up the NB voltage when running all 4 sticks - as this could be the problem? (it's not uncommon that motherboards require this setting to be upped.)

Try upping the NB voltage a couple of notches and set the memory to 6-6-6-18 at 2.3 volts and just see if it can get through a pass of memtest.

Edit: Other than that i recommend Kingston Hyper X memory - i'm recommending the Kingston because i had to change from Twin X Corsair to get my system working. But the reality is, it's all relative to your system, but there was a long thread on Kingston memory a while back and it seemed that most ppl were getting 4 sticks stable (after upping the NB ;) ).

I would still try upping the NB voltage first though - as the memory you've got is quality stuff.
 
Last edited:
NB pushed to 1.55v (1.57 in windows 54c Temp)
4 sticks, 6-6-6-18, 2.30v (DIMM voltage 2.38 in windows)

MemTest+ passed.

I'll see how it goes during the next couple of hours.
Is the voltage on RAM ok?

Thanks.
 
It's only 0.1v above the recommended voltage - so i would think so. You could try dropping it to 2.2v if the system remains stable. (most overclockers are running their memory over stock - i'm 0.1v over my stock settings.)

Let me know how you get on - hope it remains stable for you.
 
Ok,
Droped back to 5-5-5-15 2.20v
Increased NB to 1.60v

Was downloading 20+GB files from work over night, was stable, no BSODs.
All files where verified and not corrupt, which is usualy how I can tell the RAM is playing up without a BSOD.

Looking good, I'll see how it goes throughout the day.
Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the help.
 
Nps, glad to hear your getting your system stable.

My only concern would be the NB voltage - that is pretty high now. I've checked out some pics of your board and it appears to have some quality heatsinks fitted so hopefully your system wont get too hot.

asus_maximus_formula_se_top.jpg



Keep an eye on your temps and if it starts getting too hot you may want to consider flipping the voltages - i.e. run the memory at 2.3v and the NB as low as it can to run the system stably with 4 sticks. (This is my preferable option -especially as your memory is fan cooled and it will only be 0.1v over stock.)
 
It's like a middleman controlling communication between the core components of the motherboard. It's also known as a memory controller hub (MCH) or an integrated memory controller (IMC) in Intel systems.

This is a quote form wiki if you want the full gory details:

The northbridge typically handles communications between the CPU, RAM, or PCI Express, and the southbridge. Some northbridges also contain integrated video controllers, which are also known as a Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH). Because different processors and RAM require different signalling, a northbridge will typically work with only one or two classes of CPUs and generally only one type of RAM. There are a few chipsets that support two types of RAM (generally these are available when there is a shift to a new standard). For example, the northbridge from the NVIDIA nForce2 chipset will only work with Socket A processors combined with DDR SDRAM, the Intel i875 chipset will only work with systems using Pentium 4 processors or Celeron processors that have a clock speed greater than 1.3 GHz and utilize DDR SDRAM, and the Intel i915g chipset only works with the Intel Pentium 4 and the Celeron, but it can use DDR or DDR2 memory.

Etymology
The name is derived from drawing the architecture in the fashion of a map. The CPU would be at the top of the map at due north. The CPU would be connected to the chipset via a fast bridge (the northbridge) located north of other system devices as drawn. The northbridge would then be connected to the rest of the chipset via a slow bridge (the southbridge) located south of other system devices as drawn.

Importance
The northbridge on a particular system's motherboard is the most prominent factor in dictating the number, speed, and type of CPU(s) and the amount, speed, and type of RAM that can be used. Other factors such as voltage regulation and available number of connectors also play a role. Virtually all consumer-level chipsets support only one processor series, with the maximum amount of RAM varying by processor type and motherboard design. Pentium-era machines often had a limitation of 128 MB, while most Pentium 4 machines have a limit of 4 GB. Since the Pentium Pro, the Intel architecture can accommodate physical addresses larger than 32 bits, typically 36 bits, which gives up to 64 GB of addressing, though motherboards that can support that much RAM are rare because of other factors (operating system limitations and expense of RAM).
A north bridge typically will only work with one or two different southbridge ASICs; in this respect, it affects some of the other features that a given system can have by limiting which technologies are available on its southbridge partner.
Click to expand...
 
Not much luck, I can lower the voltage on the NB a little but it still runs in high 50's

Only reason im worried about upping the RAM voltage is because I cant afford to RMA my sticks. I have a lot of work to do...

Now, a little question. Would 1.60 volts or just a little lower damage the motherboard or is it only a heat issue?
If its only a heat issue I could get 1 or 2 40mm fans?

*Edit*
Been reading up on the board, and it looks like 1.60v on the NB is acceptable
Considering 1 40mm fan.
 
Last edited:
I would definitely get a fan blowing on the NB heatsink if you're going to stick with that voltage combo. (although your research sounds encouraging)

As i've already mentioned, I personally wouldn't worry about upping the memory voltage, to enable you to reduce the NB, as your cooling that already and it would only be 0.1v over stock at 2.3v - but i understand that everyone has there own preferences. It's perhaps something you could look at at a later date when you're more comfortable with your system

Looks like you've got there in the end - let me know how you get on with the NB fan.

Good luck with it.

Plec
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom