I get the BSOD every time I try to upgrade my RAM

TeamDavenport · Mar 8, 2015

Hi there:

I have been running my desktop on 4GB of RAM for the last several years. It is the same 2 sticks of RAM initially bought during the configuration.

Recently, I have tried to add additional RAM (8GB of RAM) and keep receiving the same BSOD each time. The BSOD typically happens after I log into Windows and start running basic applications (e.g. Firefox, Microsoft word, etc.). When I load video game applications, the BSOD will also take place.

My motherboard supports up to 16GB of RAM although my processor caps it at 1333 (which is fine since I don't need it 1600 or higher). I have tried multiple different brands and have even checked the BIOS settings to make sure they match what's on the sticks (e.g. 9-9-9-24, 1.5v, 1333).

Still, there is no luck. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas so I can upgrade this RAM?

Here are my specs:
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 080016, 9/21/2009
SMBIOS version: 2.6
Processor: Intel Core i3 CPU 540 @ 3.07 GHz
OS: Win7 64-bit
Motherboard: EVGA P55 Micro
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT

This is the specific BSOD error message:
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 124
BCP1: 0000000000000000
BCP2: FFFFFA8007095028
BCP3: 00000000FE000000
BCP4: 0000000002000182
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

...Also, I have checked to see if I needed to update the BIOS but based on a Google search, it didn't appear to be so since the last update only applied to USBs. I have also ran a memtest on the new RAM itself and no issues were found. The RAM is even in the appropriate slots as described within the EVGA P55 guide/manual.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Perhaps I just got the luck of the draw where I just can't ever change the RAM?

Thanks!!
-C

GhislainG · Mar 8, 2015

Did you run Memtest86+ for several passes with all modules installed? Are all 4 modules identical? If not, what kits are installed?

Tradesman1 · Mar 9, 2015

You ran Memtest it sounds like correctly - each individual stick should be tested by itself - you can get false positives (errors) from running it with multiple stick. The problem may be the sticks just don't want to play nice. Any time you mix packages of DRAM it can be and often is problematic - even with identical sets. That's why the DRAM manufacturers offer such a variety of sets - all the sticks are tested and guaranteed to play together. They don't guarantee two packages to play nice. On to the problem, can go ahead and try adding + 0.06 to the DRAM voltage and see how that does, but I can prob do better if you provide the model numbers of the sticks you have

TeamDavenport · Mar 9, 2015

Hi guys,

I ran Memtest for almost 40 minutes and it passed each time (said there were no errors).

Here are the RAM specs:

Currently installed (originally bought):
Module Size: DDR3 - 2048 MB (x2 to make 4GB)
Max Bandwidth: PC3-10700 (667 MHz)
Manufacturer: PNY Electronics
Part Number: PNY
Week/Year: 03/11

What I'd like to install (or tried to install):
http://www.microcenter.com/product/353218/4GB_DDR3-1333_PC3-10666_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_Two_2GB_Memory_Modules
*Note: I bought 2 packs to make 8GB of RAM total.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
-C

GhislainG · Mar 9, 2015

Increasing voltage like suggested by Tradesman1 may help, but it would have been easier to buy an 8 GB kit that's certified to be compatible with that motherboard and sell the 4 GB kit.

TeamDavenport · Mar 9, 2015

@Ghislain, how would I determine what RAM is compatible with the motherboard? I have tried so many different brands and ended up with the same problem.

GhislainG · Mar 9, 2015

That's because you're trying to use 4 modules that are not identical. I have an Asus socket 1156 motherboard and it's picky with memory modules, but using a 2 x 4GB kit is much easier than two 2 x 2 GB kits.

According to Crucial, the following modules should work:

- CT2457871
- CT2463155

You could also order modules on the QVL (if available) or from a site that guarantees their modules will work.

TeamDavenport · Mar 9, 2015

@Ghislain:

One thing I don't understand though is this ... the RAM I want to install came in 2GB sticks (there are 4 sticks total to make that 8GB of RAM). They are all the same brand and identical. I never used the old RAM with the new RAM.

Am I mistaken on your interpretation above?

Thanks for finding those RAM modules, by the way!

-C

GhislainG · Mar 9, 2015

You bought two 2 x 2 GB kits, not one 4 x 2 GB kit that includes modules tested and certified to work together. It would work in most motherboards, but again that motherboard is kind of picky. You can try to make the kits work by increasing the voltage (don't exceed 1.65V) and loosening the timings, but why don't you buy a 2 x 4 GB kit that's known to work well with that motherboard? Why make your life miserable when you don't have to?

TeamDavenport · Mar 9, 2015

Hi Ghislain.

Thanks again for your assistance. I checked the CT2457871/CT2463155 modules as you recommended. Both were listed as DDR3-1600.

I've been told that my processor (Intel Core i3 CPU 540 @ 3.07 GHz) can't support 1600 but instead 1333. (I know, it's complicated here). This is based on this research: http://ark.intel.com/products/46473/Intel-Core-i3-540-Processor-4M-Cache-3_06-GHz#@specifications

Would either of these RAM packets be compatible with my motherboard AND processor?
Product 1: http://www.microcenter.com/product/347304/XMS3_Series_8GB_DDR3-1333_%28PC3-10666%29_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_%28Two_4GB_Memory_Modules%29

Product 2: http://www.microcenter.com/product/390303/8GB_DDR3-1333_%28PC3-10600%29_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_%28Two_4GB_Memory_Modules%29

Thanks!
-C

GhislainG · Mar 9, 2015

I don't believe the i3 540 and the i3 550 are very different, but I know the i3 550 runs memory at 1600 (up to 2200 if you buy such a kit). The kits that you linked are on not Crucial's list for your motherboard; why don't you buy supported modules? There also are excellent G.Skill kits that will work.

According to EVGA, the following kits are supported with their P55 motherboards (DDR3-1600 is good enough):

P55 Series Motherboard (DDR3, Dual-Channel)
DDR3-2200 **
G.SKILL F3-17600CL9D-4GBTDS
G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS
G.SKILL F3-17600CL8T-6GBPS 2GB
G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBPIS 2GB
DDR3-2133 **
G.SKILL F3-17066CL8D-4GBPS
G.SKILL F3-17066CL9D-4GBTDS
G.SKILL F3-17066CL9T-6GBTD 2GB
GeIL GB34GB2133C9DC 2GB
GeIL GB34GB2100C9DC 2GB
Kingston KHX2133C9D3T1K2/4GX
DDR3-2000 **
OCZ OCZ3N2000SR2GK PC3 16000 SLI Ready 1GB
CORSAIR TR3X6G2000C8GT 2GB
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBTD 2GB
G.SKILL F3-16000CL7T-6GBPS 2GB
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD
OCZ OCZ3P2000LV6GK 2GB
OCZ OCZ3B2000LV6GK 2GB
Kingston KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX 2GB
Kingston KHX2000C9D3T1K3/6GX
Kingston KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX 2GB
Team TXD36144M2000HC7TC 2GB
Winchip GDF2GB18L100C9-6GK
DDR3-1800 **
G.SKILL F3-14400CL7D-2GBHZ 1GB
Corsair CM3X1024-1800C7D/V3.1 1GB
Corsair CM3X1024-1800C7DIN/V3.1 1GB
OCZ OCZ3N1800SR2GK PC3 14400 SLI Ready 1GB
OCZ OCZ3P1866C9LV3GK 1GB
Kingston KHX1800C9D3K3/3GX
Kingston LoVo KHX1800C9D3LK2/4GX 2GB
OCZ OCZ3N1800SR4GK PC3 14400 SLI Ready 2GB
OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK 2GB
OCZ OCZ3N1800SR4GK PC3 14400 SLI Read 2GB
DDR3-1600
APOGEE AU1G733-16GH905
APOGEE AU2G733-16GH905
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D/ver2.1 1GB
CORSAIR CM3X1G1600C8D4/ver4.1 1GB
CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2A1600C8 Ver5.2
CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 Ver8.1
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M4A1600C8 Ver3.1
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1600C9 Ver9.1
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D/ver2.1 2GB
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C9 2GB
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 1GB
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBPI 2GB
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO 2GB
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO 2GB
Kingston KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX
Kingston LoVo KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX 2GB
PQI MFADR501PA7001 2GB
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK 2GB
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK 2GB
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV6GK 2GB
SUPER TALENT WP160UX4G8 2GB
SUPER TALENT WP160UX4G9 2GB
DDR3-1333
APOGEE AU1G733-13GH805
APOGEE AU2G733-13GH805
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 1GB
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1333C9 Ver5.1
G.SKILL F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI 1GB
G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBECO 2GB
GeIL GG34GB1333C9DC 2GB
Micron MT8JTF12864-1G4D1
PQI MFACR501PA4001 1GB
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV12GS 2GB
DDR3-1066
Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G 1GB
Kingston KVR1066D3N7/4G 4GB
PQI MFABR322LA0107-80B8 1GB
Micron MT8JTF12864-1G1D1 1GB
Micron MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2GB
** Overclocking required for greater than 1600 performance. In addition any triple channel memory listed runs in single channel mode.

Note that a lot of those kits may no longer be available, but you should be able to find a supported DDR3-1600 kit.

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