Which 2x2GB Kit for go for?

morpheus9394 · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:02

I currently have 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix 8500 with a ASUS P5B Premium Vista Edition motherboard and I have been having LOADS of problems with memory failing. I have had to RMA 2x1GB three times now and I am currently justing running 2x1GB.

I am looking to get 2x2GB as most people say it is better especially as I am OCing.
Because my FSB is only 333mhz (running a Q6600 at 3.0ghz) I don't really need PC-8500.
I was looking at getting one of the following:
Corsair Corsair 4GB DDR2 XMS2 PC2-6400C5 TwinX (2x2GB)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-136-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=813

Has anyone get any experience using this memory, especially if you are using a P5B Motherboard.

Thanks.

Gixer · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:09

I cant answer your question but my brother had similar issues with his Gigabyte P35 mother board. It would run fine with two sticks in but put four in and then two sticks would die. He was also using Crucial Ballistic ram though I think maybe only the PC6400 stuff.

Anyway what resolved his issue was upping the ram voltage. I think his ram stated 1.9 to 2.2 and he upped it to 2.4? I cant remember the exact figures but since doing this he is running with four sticks of ram no problems.

morpheus9394 · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:13

The problem I had it that by upping the voltage to get the 4 sticks to work, the increased voltage killed the 2 of the sticks.
ASUS motherboards are known to overvolt memory.
That's why I want to get to 2x2gb so I will have less stability problems.

Cob · 13 Mar 2008 at 16:49

This is better value.

steve258 · 13 Mar 2008 at 16:54

Gixer said:
Anyway what resolved his issue was upping the ram voltage. I think his ram stated 1.9 to 2.2 and he upped it to 2.4? I cant remember the exact figures but since doing this he is running with four sticks of ram no problems.

2.4V is A LOT to put through a DDR2 module. Put 2.4V through a ballistix will kill it in no time.

I had this problem with my P5B and 4 sticks of ballistix as well and eventually solved it by swapping 1 stick in each channel and now it's rock solid.

Cob said:
This is better value.

Agreed. Or the PC8000 5-5-5-15 version for £5 less.

helmutcheese · 13 Mar 2008 at 16:55

Some are rated for 2.4v, 1 of the 4GB Dominator (2x2GB) Kits actually AFAIR.

Cob · 13 Mar 2008 at 16:56

steve258 said:
Agreed. Or the PC8000 5-5-5-15 version for £5 less.

That's a damn good offer.

Yellowbeard · 13 Mar 2008 at 17:29

helmutcheese said:
Some are rated for 2.4v, 1 of the 4GB Dominator (2x2GB) Kits actually AFAIR.

Actually, we are getting PC8500C5 at 2.1v on our 2 x 2gb Dom 8500s. I think the 9136 version will run at 2.1v also but it is not official yet. Most of the Micron based 2gb modules are needing a bit more than 2.1v to hit more than PC8000 speeds. Ours is based on a Powerchips IC and is clocking very well at lower voltages. But, I'm not sure if they are available here at OCUK or if they are price competitive with what the OP wants.

morpheus9394 · 14 Mar 2008 at 16:31

Thanks for the input guys.
I have RMAed the two dodgy sticks and I will sell all four on ebay or something and will probably go for PC8000 G.Skill.
I have so many problems ever since I went from 2 to 4 sticks of the ballistix that I just can't be bothered with it any more.
Thanks again.