4 RAM testing sticks prompts error but when testing 1 stick the error does not arise using MemTest86+ v4.20]

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GigaHunter

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As the title states, I can't seem to understand why this happens and is giving me a hard time pin pointing the faulty RAM. Specs are as follows:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400
Asus P5QL Pro
4 Kingston 2GB DDR2-800 KVR800D2N6/2G
Sparkle GTX560 1GB GDDR5

Your quick reply would be helpful as I am getting behind work project schedules.

TIA! :)

 
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rhapdog

rhapdog

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When you state 1 RAM stick tests okay, I will assume you tested ALL 4 sticks one at a time. Don't just run the abbreviated test, let it run the full course for each stick.

What you didn't specify is the next test you need to perform. You need to make sure you don't have a bad slot on the motherboard. Test a single stick in each of the four motherboard slots. If the stick fails at one or two slots, then you've found the issue: the motherboard. If it passes all four slots, then continue on to the next paragraph.

Were these purchased as a 4 stick kit? Or did you get 2 4GB kits at different times? This can make a difference and cause incompatibilities to creep in, even with the same brand and model RAM. You have to buy all your RAM as a kit if you want to guarantee they will work together properly.

Another thing to look at, sometimes I have seen where RAM will work fine in single channel mode, but not in dual channel. Not sure why, but I believe it has something to do with that compatibility factor. Use 2 sticks at a time, and place them in the slots for dual-channel configuration. Run MemTest86. If they fail, then try the same two sticks in a configuration (move one to an adjacent slot should do it) where they will run single channel. Run the test again. If if fails dual channel but passes single channel, then you have a bit of a compatibility issue. If these were bought as a kit, then they should be RMAd to the manufacturer.

Running the memory tests can be quite time consuming, but will have to be done in order to narrow down the culprit.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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If getting errors when using all 4 sticks, it's probably a voltage setting or unless the DRAM cam from multiple packages it might be compatibility issues (yes - even if same model number)....try with the 4 sticks and raise the NB Voltage + 0.10 from what it sets itself as.
 
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GigaHunter

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will try your suggestion after running the tests. thanks! :)
 
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GigaHunter

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I have purchased them all at the same time 5 years ago, albeit in single stick packages and has been running fine until yesterday morning.

Tested each stick individually only on DIMM_A1. Will now test 2 sticks placed on DIMM_A1(yellow slot) and DIMM_B1(yellow slot).

thanks for your prompt reply! Will post the results after running the suggested tests.
 
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GigaHunter

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Hey guys, just finished all the tests except having to raise voltages or adjust timings.

Sadly the result is still the same, I tested in the following config (with all the mixing and matching of sticks):

DIMM_A1/DIMM_A2/DIMM_B1/DIMM_B2 (stick a/b/c/d having filled DIMM slot; 0 having empty)

0/0/0/a - pass
0/0/a/0 - pass
0/a/0/0 - pass
a/0/0/0 - pass
sticks a,b,c,d passed these configs

a/b/0/0 - pass
a/0/b/0 - pass
a/0/0/b - pass
b/a/0/0 - pass
b/0/a/0 - pass
b/0/0/a - pass
b/c/0/0 - pass
b/0/c/0 - pass
b/0/0/c - pass
c/b/0/0 - pass
c/0/b/0 - pass
c/0/0/b - pass
... long story short every dual channel even with an extra stick (2+1) config passed.

1/1/1/1 - failure around 75% of the test

after the last test I went back to the 2+1 sticks config, all passed.

what is happening?
 
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rhapdog

rhapdog

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Have you tried bumping up the voltage ? That may help. Over time, a power supply loses potential, and will provide less power, so it could be that it needs a boost to keep the proper current going to the memory.

Can't be certain of that, but it is possible. At this point, you just have to try different things to narrow it down.
 
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GigaHunter

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I slowed the RAM down during one test from 800MHz to 667MHz, same failure result.
Also changed up voltage for RAM from auto to 1.8v for DDR2 default, same fail.
Bumped up to 1.85v fail at an earlier (3%) part of the test as so with pumping more voltage to 1.9v.
Reverted to auto setting for RAM voltage, fail happened at 70-ish part of the test.

I haven't had time to change NB voltage since this board does not indicate what voltage the NB runs on, just says 'auto'.

My question now is what voltage does P43 chipsets run on default?
 
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GigaHunter

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Test done with 2 passes, no errors. But NB voltage was set to 1.2v as 1.25v didn't even POST just went to unending power cycles.

I am late in posting my results because after the 2 passes I immediately started up windows to continue work.

Thank you guys!
 
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