Freezes with more than 1 stick of RAM installed

ryantoar

Honorable
Jul 1, 2013
4
0
10,510
So since i've built the computer i've had this problem on and off, and after several months of smooth sailing, it's happening again. If i have one stick of memory installed, everything runs flawlessly. If i install the second one, i get random freezes where the sound starts looping into a buzzing noise and i have to reboot. This can happen within a minute of booting or it can go days without issue. currently happens within 20 minutes every time.

Both sticks work fine individually, and the slots don't matter. I've tried basically every combination of slot/stick, and the issue only arises when both are installed. Both sticks pass memtest with no problems. running out of ideas here, and this is really irritating.

Hardware:
Asus M4A785M mobo
2x Corsair XMS2 2GB
 
1) Did you search for the motherboard and make sure you're adhering to its specs? I found http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M4A785M/#specifications

Stating: 4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*We recommend that you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the yellow slots for better performance.
*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066 is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.
*Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)

A search of your memory shows: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

So there is a limitation by design, your using the second slowest memory for this, and your not stating what CPU your using (makes a difference to the CPU an motherboard). So it may not allow more then one slot to be filled with that particular old memory.

To me this just screams: Replace the computer and stop messing around it (your talking only 2GB of RAM and a AM2+ or AM3 CPU). Walmart has a new AM6 (see 3-4 generations newer) with alot more RAM, storage, new copy of Windows, etc. for $300 desktop or better yet a $300 laptop! Will save you alot more to 'replace' the computer then 'upgrade' now.
 

ryantoar

Honorable
Jul 1, 2013
4
0
10,510


The model number is CM2X2048-6400C5C. Says 1.8 volts, which i just set manually in the bios. it was set to automatic before. I'll see how things go. unfortunately this problem is very inconsistent and it's hard to tell right away if the problem is solved.
 

ryantoar

Honorable
Jul 1, 2013
4
0
10,510


So i thought this fixed it but the problem just went dormant for a few days again. happened again twice within the past 20 minutes. i'm running 1.85 volts on the memory but not sure what to set the NB voltage to, since it was on auto before. I assume that would be the VDDNB over voltage setting in my bios?