Motherboard/Memory Question

[Seraphic]

Hi,

Was looking at the below motherboard and memory.

It seems many people have problems when using all four ram slots. I think this is due the the fact that this motherboard seems to only support 1.8v per ram slot. And when using more then two ram slots at over 1.8v each, the system would have problems fail to post/boot. Although, I can't say that is the real reason.

Anyway, would it better to go with one of the two Ballistix at 4x1 and try to under volt at 1.8v (they seem to request 2.2v) or use 2x2 of G.Skill which seems to boot at 1.8v. However, G.Skill has much looser timings and no EEP.

GIGABYTE GA-X38-DQ6
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128066

Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148076

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

 

[badge]

When RAM is rated by it's manufacturer to run at 800mhz. with a supply of 2.0-2.1v it has nothing to do with not working on a MB stating it supports 1.8v. RAM. 1.8v is just a 'standard' being referneced by the MB mfg. Think of the PC6400 you are looking at with a rating of 2.0-2.1v as being programmed to run at PC6400 standard 1.8v, but GUARANTEED to run at 800mhz. when set up with 2.0-2.1v by a MB capable of doing so. The MB you are looking at should run any of the RAM you have listed. Hope this doesn't confuse.

Your MB is rated at PC8500 or 1066mhz. Some PC6400 800mhz. DIMMS can clock to PC8500speeds and even slightly higher.

 

[Seraphic]

What I've heard though is that when using 4x1gb 1066 DDR2 sticks, the system will not boot or have random reboots. The fix, is to underclock to 800mhz.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/245927-30-ballistix-8500