Memory conflict?

[shasoosh]

I own a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3 with 2 sticks of 1 gig each CORSAIR CL5 800mhz DDR2... i just bought a new G.SKILL 4096MB (2048MBX2) DDR2 800 CL4-4-4-12 GBPK and hoped they will all live together in harmony . after couple of hours of Memtest86+ i got some errors. I took my old ram out and checked for a night with memtest - all good. took the new ones out and checked the old ones for a night - all good, so I'm guessing there's isn't much i can do other then taking my old CORSAIR out and buy the same G.skill in the future but i thought i'll ask any way..is there a way to solve such a thing? Maybe something in the BOIS is not configured right?
(any way i think i'll leave all the 6 gigs in until the first BSOD)

Thanks

 

[einstein4pres]

What timings are you using? You're using the more conservative timings, right? Otherwise, you're overclocking the RAM. Are the voltages also good?

Also, some motherboards are less stable with all 4 RAM slots occupied. Try downclocking the RAM or loosening the timings and see if that improves stability.

 

[shasoosh]

hey einstein4pres and thanks for the replay.
My timing setting is on Auto (5-5-5-18) and my voltages too. (so my G.skill uses those timings too right? In everest My G.skill shows that its timing is 5-5-5-15 @ 400 )

 

[einstein4pres]

Default voltage is 1.8V. I don't know the exact products you're describing, so I can't say if you're running them at stock or not.

You run all your RAM at the same settings (speed,voltage,timings).

1.8V http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209&nm_mc=OTC-B1zrat3&cm_mmc=OTC-B1zrat3-_-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-G.SKILL-_-20231209
2.0-2.1V http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231148

Essentially, if you are experiencing stability issues, you should consider one or more of the following:
1) Decrease the RAM speed
2) Loosen the timings (note: this is actually increasing the numbers 4-4-4-12->5-5-5-15)
3) Remove modules
4) Increase the voltage
5) Add cooling

by mixing modules, you make it a little more difficult to achieve optimal results, as you may have slower, lower voltage RAM mixed with higher voltage, faster RAM. To avoid burning your RAM out, you should run your RAM at more conservative voltage, which might require more conservative speeds and timings.

 

[toosober]

Mixing RAM manufacturers and timings is bad. You are bound to have some issues. Like others said, I would run them at JDEC, if that fails, boost the voltage to 1.9.

 

[shasoosh]

JDEC?

 

[einstein4pres]

He means try running the RAM at 1.8V with either 5-5-5-15 or 6-6-6-18 timings.

Either do that, or post the item number or a link to specifications for the pairs of sets of modules so we can suggest voltages and timings/speeds to you.

Alternately, you can go with the solution that works.

Also, with all the modules in, try running CPU-Z and go to the SPD tab. Then look at each module and write down the information in the timings table. Assuming all the memory have an entry for 400MHz with a voltage of 1.8V (they almost certainly do), write down the loosest (largest) numbers you find for each set of numbers (CAS# latency, ...).

Then go into the BIOS and set the timings to those numbers. Then run memtest86+

 

[nukemaster]

Feed it +0.1(maybe +0.2) volts, that should help.

I know going from 2 to 4 sticks needed an extra 0.1 volts. I have mixed DDR2 800 4,4,4,12 and ddr 667 5,5,5,15 memory without issues and the kicker was it all ran at 667 4,4,4,10(2.0 volts)

 

[bilbat]

As stated, mixing module brands is asking for trouble; that said, besides bumping the RAM voltage for 4 sticks, you may find that bumping the MCH voltage may help...

Good luck!

Bill