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new memory is causing crashes

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - new memory is causing crashes

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scippy4848   08-22-2008 at 09:09:41 PM

Ok first i have an amd dual-core 2.2 ghz am2 with an asus m2n-e mobo. The mobo supports dual channel ddr2 memory up to 800 mhz (PC2 6400) and up to 8 gigs of memory. I had 2 gigs (2 sticks of 1 gig) ocz gold dual channel PC2 6400 memory. My computer worked fine and everything was dandy. I installed 2 more 1 gig sticks. ocz platinum PC2 6400, also dual channel. I think i have a 32-bit vista because it showed up as 3582 megabytes, but that's not the problem. The problem is my computer randomly crashes and i get a blue screen and it crash dumps the memory and shuts down. My question is what could be causing this. I can't find any memory options in my bios setup and i don't know what to do about it. I thought they should be compatible but i don't know anything about configuring memory so some help would be nice. also i dunno if this is relevant but when i first boot up the computer it says in the black and white screen (i believe it's called DOS) my computer specs flash but it says for ram 512 mbs. Also nothing is overclocked.

Memory stats :
Gold OCZ PC2 6400 2 gigs (2x 1) dual channel
gold revision 2
timing: 4-5-5-15
voltage: 2.0
Unbuffered

Platinum PC2 6400 2 gigs (2x 1) dual channel
Timing: 4-4-4-15
Voltage: 1.9V - 2.1V


Message edited by scippy4848 on 08-22-2008 at 09:42:37 PM
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SpinachEater   08-22-2008 at 10:05:40 PM
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It sounds like your RAM is being under powered. What happens with DDR2 is that when you put them in your mobo, it sets them to 1.8V by default. That is the JDEC standards for DDR2 so that all mobos will be able to run the RAM when you first put it in.

Also, your timings will probably be set to something like 5-5-5-18 as part of more JDEC standards. Again, for the same reason as above.

Your two modules are working smoothly because 1.8V is fine and dandy up until 4 modules come into play. Mobos tend to under power RAM when all four modules are installed.

Snag CPUz if you don't have it. It will help you see your RAM settings. What I would try is to get into your BIOS and bump the voltage to 1.9V first. See if your system stabilizes. If you don't crash then you are set at JDEC settings. If that doesn't work try 2.0V. Then last, 2.1V. I wouldn't go over 2.1V, RAM tends to burn out quicker with the higher voltages...that is why I suggest 1.9V if it works.

If you want to change the timings it will be harder with four modules than with two. Running four modules usually has its drawbacks...worse overclocking potential, and more voltage tweaks.

See if you can get your system stable at 5-5-5-18 timings and 1.9V with the four modules installed and then go from there.

BTW...just so you know...next time try to stick with identical modules of RAM. Mixing and matching doesn't hurt but you won't be able to run them at their separate timings since the faster will downclock to the slower.

P.S. You know how to get into BIOS right? Give your MOBO manual a read if not.


Message edited by SpinachEater on 08-22-2008 at 10:10:40 PM
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scippy4848   08-22-2008 at 10:51:06 PM
- 0 +

thx for the reply. i would have bought the same ram however newegg stopped having the same exact sticks. I understand voltage more now however i can get into bios and i'm semi-familiar with it however when i'm in bio i can't find the memory settings, like how to change voltage and timing.


Message edited by scippy4848 on 08-22-2008 at 10:53:11 PM
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fleakiller   08-22-2008 at 11:19:16 PM
- 0 +

check out manual for dram config in bios if you dont have manual you can download it here http://support.asus.com/download/d [...] uage=en-us

------------------------------ 8088 @ 2 mhz
 Reply to fleakiller
Shadow703793   08-30-2008 at 10:44:51 PM
- 0 +

+1 for above poster on voltage.

After increasing voltage grab your self a copy of Memtest86+ and run it to see if it is indeed a RAM problem.

------------------------------ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3815217176_0a5be7955d_o.gif
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3818083596_1a772f7162_o.gif
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