dual channel memory problem

[scout81]

I recently bought dual channel memory. before the upgrade i was using a single module pc2700 256mb of ram installed in slot 2.

I'm having problems running dual channel on my mobo, my system wouldn't post when i follow the dual channel config(slot 2 & 4). The memory would only run in single channel mode( memory installed in slot 1 & 2).

System setup
MSI K8T neo2-F(bios 1/10/2005)
athlon 64 3000+ venice
1 GB geil value ram - dual channel ddr 400

These are the memory combinations i tried:
Slot 1 & 3 - didn't work
Slot 2 & 4 - didn't work
Slot 1 & 2 - works but only in single channel mode ddr 333 1024MB
Slot 3 & 4 - didn't work

I also tried putting one module at a time in slot 2 and it works, i think the modules does not have any problems.


I need HELP!!!! I didn't buy this memory just to let it run in single channel mode.
Do i need to change my bios or my board?

 

[mpjesse]

Please be more clear on something... are you trying to run the old 256MB DIMM and the new Geil DIMM in dual channel? If so- it's probably not working because they're not matched/identical pairs.

-mpjesse

 

[scout81]

No, i'm using the new ram as a replacement for my 256.

 

[scout81]

added info:

old system config
K8T Neo2-F
athlon 64 3000+ venice
pc2700 256 mb

new system config
K8T Neo2-F
athlon 64 3000+ venice
1 GB Geil dual channel ddr (512 x 2)

 

[MrCommunistGen]

Don't really know what to say... sounds rather odd. The possibilities that come to mind are that the motherboard doesn't support your memory in dual channel, or that one or more of the sticks is bad to some degree.

FYI the website says to use #2,4 for dual channel which is green,purple.

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K8T_Neo2-F&class=mb

-mcg

 

[scout81]

i tried that but it didn't work, i can only get it to work in single channel mode(slot 1 and 2 populated)

 

[CPUZ]

That's just really weird! I have an MSI K8N Neo4-F nForce4 and my dual channel only works if I put the chips in slot 1 and slot 2 but the funny thing is the colours indicate that it should be slot 1 and slot 3....

Ask the guys about the problem at the place where you bought the board and they should be able to help you. It could also be a fault with the board.

 

[vagabond]

Either your board is faulty or one of the sticks is.

Borrow a couple of matched pairs from a friend and see if they work.

 

[Crashman]

Actually this is a common problem with low-quality RAM. Try putting in one stick, raising the memory voltage (vDIMM) to 2.8v, then shut it down and install the second module.

 

[scout81]

Crashman

Thanks for the info, i'll try that.

 

[scout81]

Crashman,

i've tried what you've instructed but it didn't work.
what should i do next?

 

[Crashman]

Here's what I'd do in your position: Give up on dual-channel. You could try one more thing first, dropping the memory speed to 166MHz (DDR333). In dual-channel mode that speed still beats single-channel DDR400.