I've recently bought some new memory and I'm having problems. I'm using Windows XP x64 Edition - which i had installed before my upgrade (in preparation for it).
Before the upgrade I was running 2 modules of Kingston HyperX 512mb DD2 800Mhz in dual channel modes with the timings of 4-4-4-12. I've purchased 2 modules of Kingston HyperX 1gb DDR2 800mhz, which are identical in specs save for the size, for a total of 3gb.
My motherboard is an MSI K9N Neo-F, Processor is an Athlon 64 X2 4600 @ 2.4ghz.
My mother board manual wants me to install the paired modules in slots 1 and 2, 3 and 4.
The computer was running fine before the upgrade - RAM had to be set to 2.1v for stability.
I added the new 2gb and set the voltage to 2.0v to be safe, it blues creened on bootup. I tried stepping up the voltage and it didn't change anything. I then tried to take out the old RAM and just run with the new 2gb only, it came up just fine. I added the old RAM again and it bluescreened again. I tried swapping what slots they are in and still it bluescreens. Is there inherent problem with running the computer with an odd amount of RAM like 3gb?
I'm considering just reinstalling windows with the new 3gb of RAM, but I'm not sure that's going to work...
I also have XP 32-bit installed on another partition and it won't boot to that either.
Message edited by draxsath on 06-06-2008 at 08:32:56 AM
After changing the modules around a bunch and running memtest86, i've found that using one set or the other by itself works fine, with no errors. Putting the two sets together give alot of errors if the 2x512's are in slots 1 and 2 with the 2x1gb's in slots 3 and 4.
The system will not post sometimes with the 1gb's in slots 1 and 2 and the 512's in 3 and 4. When it does post, it locks up the memtest program....
Message edited by draxsath on 06-06-2008 at 09:33:06 AM
Firstly - Most motherboards are set up to pair modules in every other slot. Put your larger modules in slot 1 and 3, the smaller in 2 and 4. Try again.
If needed:
Auto settings are generally developed with 2 modules in mind, and running 4 is more stressful on your mobo. So you may have to compensate:
Manually set your timings, Voltages to max or near max recommended, ensure the command rate is set to 2T, and double check that tREF is set to 54 or greater. If there is a control for 'vDROOP' or 'VDROP', then enable it.
Normally that's enough...
If it's not: Bump your voltage to the FSB by a notch and try again. You may need to repeat.
--------------- The more I read the forums, the more I feel that a number of individuals would be well served by skipping their next GPU purchase in favor of a little "Stress relief" from the local 'Working Girls'"
I decided to take it one step at a time, in order to keep my timings as tight as possible. So I increased the command rate from 1T to 2T, and ran Memtest86 again.
No errors this time!
....
AND WINDOWS BOOTS WITH 3GB OF RAM!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I was thinking that setting the timings a bit looser might do the trick, but i didn't know what to change. I just have everything at the "best possible" settings, didn't know which thing to tone down first.
