New RAM, not booting

mollycule · Apr 26, 2014

I just bought 8 GB (2x4GB) of G.Skill Ares RAM. I've got an HP p6624y (specs are here: http://h20566.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/template.PAGE/public/kb/docDisplay?javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.prp_ba847bafb2a2d782fcbb0710b053ce01=wsrp-navigationalState%3DdocId%253Demr_na-c02625685-32%257CdocLocale%253D%257CcalledBy%253D&javax.portlet.tpst=ba847bafb2a2d782fcbb0710b053ce01&ac.admitted=1398557190362.876444892.199480143), and I'm installing it alongside the 2x2GB modules by Micron that are already there. As far as I can tell (using Speccy), they have the same timing (9-9-9-24), the same voltage (1.5V), and the same clock speed (667 MHz, PC3-10600). On their own, they work fine, so the sticks aren't duds. But when I put the Micron sticks back in so I have a full 12 GB, the Windows splash screen appears, but then the system reboots, or Windows gives an error about corrupted files. When all four sticks are in, the BIOS recognizes that they're all there, but it won't boot.

Done so far: tested each set separately, tried different slots, cleared CMOS (both in BIOS and using the jumper.)

And, I cannot change timing settings etc. in my BIOS settings.

Any ideas on what to do and whether this configuration can work? I mean, they seem to have completely the same specs as the Micron memory sticks, except that they're bigger and a different brand.

Let me know if you need other details.

Tradesman1 · Apr 26, 2014

Normally the approach to take would be to raise DRAM and MC voltgae, but as you mention, in most all prebuilts the BIOS is basically locked so sort of SOL, might return the new set and get a set of the full amount you want

mollycule · Apr 26, 2014

Tradesman1 :

Okay, thanks for the reply. Any idea on why it's not working, even though the voltages/timing/etc. are equal? And if I could change the voltage, what would I change it to, out of curiosity?

Tradesman1 · Apr 27, 2014

Anytime you mix DRAM it can be (and often is) problematic. Always best to buy a set of the full amount you want and not mix packages - even of the same exact model, that's why they offer such a variety of packaged sets, the sticks in a set are tested to work together (and XMP programming is done on the set based on the number of sticks in the set)....Prebuilts with a locked BIOS tend to leave you out in the cold as you can't make any adjustments to get the mixed sets to play

mollycule · Apr 27, 2014

Huh, okay. I haven't seen a 4-pack available on places like Newegg, but I might just go ahead and buy 2x2GB sticks of G.Skill with the same timing/frequency/etc. and see if that works. Newegg doesn't sell Micron RAM anymore.

Tradesman1 · Apr 27, 2014

Can give it a try, if any problems give me a shout

gskill support · Apr 28, 2014

Always avoid mixing because slight differences in IC chips can cause compatibility issues. Ideally, use one kit in each system for optimal performance. Since you already have an 8GB kit, to add more, purchase the same model to see if two kits can work stable.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

mollycule · Apr 30, 2014

I just bought a pair of 2x2GB G.Skill RAM with the same timings etc., so hopefully the four of those will work together (they're on their way.) I didn't find any 4-packs that were only 12 GB, and 16 GB is a little more money than I wanted to spend on a RAM upgrade. We shall see

mollycule · Apr 30, 2014

gskill support :

Also, the RAM I currently have doesn't appear to be buyable in regular stores. It's by Micron, and Newegg doesn't sell it anymore, and the manufacturer's website directs you to distributor websites, and then I got lost trying to figure that out.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2014

Let us know, if any problems, might be able to adjust timings and voltages

mollycule · Apr 30, 2014

Tradesman1 :

Thanks, but as I posted, I can't adjust timing and voltages in my BIOS (I bought my desktop, not built - I'm building my next one though!) Unless there is some other way to change those settings with a third-party program or something.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2014

My bad, sorry bout that, mixed up two threads, you've got the HP

mollycule · Apr 30, 2014

Tradesman1 :

No worries. I'll post once I get it installed and see if it works...otherwise I guess I'll just have to send it all back and figure something else out.

Tradesman1 · Apr 30, 2014

Let us know

mollycule · May 5, 2014

I am happy to report that it's working! I had to buy 2x2GB of G.Skill RAM, but it worked out of the box. They're not the same product line (the 2x2GB is Ripjaw and the 2x4GB is Ares), but they work flawlessly together (they have the same timings, speeds, etc., of course). Had to put out an extra $45 for it though.

Tradesman1 · May 5, 2014

The $45 is a bit of an ouch....but glad they are working well, have seen people who pick up 32GB sets fo X79 at $200-400+ then try to add another and no joy, then have to pay a restocking fee on the 2nd set and the first is just either a write off or they sell it and pay even bigger bucks for a 64GB set - really, really Big Ouch.....

mollycule · May 5, 2014

Yeah for sure. I'm glad I didn't have to send it all back and get a 16GB set or something.

New RAM, not booting

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