Issue trying to run 8gb RAM @ 1600mhz

Hey guys, got a question. I am using an Asus M4A79T-Deluxe mobo and 8gb of Corsair XMS3 TW3X4G1600C9DHX RAM clocked at 1600mhz, 9-9-9-24 timings. According to Asus, this mobo only supports 2 DIMMs of this particular RAM running at 1600mhz. I found on Asus's support page that you should only use the orange colored DIMMs for the 1600mhz (overclocked) RAM. Using 4 DIMMs of 2gb sticks at the 1600mhz/9-9-9-24 clock/timings may be unstable. Well, I discovered that the hard way. I would randomly get system crashes, but it was really intermittent (maybe once a week?). Right now the RAM is clocked at 1333mhz @ 9-9-9-24 timings for stability.

I should add that I ran Memtest on my config... my first test was overnight with all 8gb installed and I got 1 error reported the next morning. So today I tried testing one stick at a time, for 5 passes on each stick and it was clean. After reading the documentation on the memory support, I discovered the Capacity/Frequency stability list. This lead me to believe that running all 8gb of RAM at 1600mhz, and 9-9-9-24 timings was the issue.

So my questions are, is anyone else running a config similiar to mine with any issues? If no issues, how are you getting it to function properly? Also, why am I limited to only 2 DIMMs at 1600mhz, and have to underclock for 4 DIMMs installed?

I'm sure there is probably very little performance difference between 1333mhz and 1600mhz.... but it's just something I am curious about. I would like to fully understand how and why this isn't working .

Thanks for any help!

UPDATE:

Well, I may have discovered the problem. My DRAM Voltage was set to "Auto". I assumed this was setting it to the 1.8v (like the RAM needs). But the standard setting was 1.5v. I guess that is what I get for assuming. I adjusted it manually to 1.8v and will see if that does the trick. I am currently running my RAM again at 1600mhz/9-9-9-24 with all 8gb RAM installed. I'll run Memtest again overnight and see if it finds anything.

I still welcome any feedback you may have. Thanks.

EDIT: Correction, the "Auto" setting for my DRAM voltage was overvolting my RAM to 1.94v..... not undervolting it to 1.5v.

I have the same memory in my game machine, 8GB DDR3 9,9,9,24 1333 1.82v, seems to be the best setting for my machine.

Sounds good brett - glad you tracked it down! And with 4 sticks, you're not dead while getting the bad one(s) replaced!