DIMM issue on MoBo

[skipshot4]

Hey folks, I'm having issue with RAM and I'm pretty sure its not the DIMMs themselves. I've tested with MEMTEST86 with just one DIMM and everything is peachy. In fact I tested each DIMM and DIMM Slot individually and I get no errors. The problems comes up when I put both DIMMS into any of the three DIMM slots. In this situation I get a ton of errors on Test #5 (Block move, 64 moves) and #7 (Random number sequence). Any ideas as to why I'm getting these and how to solve the issue? I get the feeling its the MoBo but I don't know quite how to verify that or correct it.

AMD Athlon 64 2800+, SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800 PRO, Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MBx2 DDR PC-3200, Hitachi 80GB 7200RPM SATA HD, EPoX "EP-8KDA3J" nForce3-250Gb Motherboard, Windows XP HOME w/ SP2

 

[tweebel]

Check the Epox website for RAM compatibility or use a 1 gig chip instead of two 512 sticks. s754 Athlons sometimes have problems with more than 1 stick. But start with a BIOS flash.

 

[skipshot4]

Ok so I checked the Epox manual and it clearly states that for "optimal performance" use 1 double-sided stick and the rest single-sided. Now I guess by "optimal" they mean stable .

So, what are my options? Get some single sided sticks or a BIOS Flash? To be honest I'm uncomfortable with a BIOS Flash since I've never done one and I hear you can kill the board. Also, how do I know the Bios flash will fix the issue?



AMD Athlon 64 2800+, SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800 PRO, Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MBx2 DDR PC-3200, Hitachi 80GB 7200RPM SATA HD, EPoX "EP-8KDA3J" nForce3-250Gb Motherboard, Windows XP HOME w/ SP2

 

[tweebel]

Since 754 doesn't use dual channel I would always choose to use 1 stick instead of two. That would almost certainly solve your problem.
There are only two ways to kill the board with a BIOS flash:
1. Problems with the main power while flashing
2. Flashing with the wrong BIOS which is quite hard if you download it from the Epox website. I have never had problems.

There's no way to be sure the flash solves the problem but it is the easiest thing to start with.