Need new MB for E6750 & SLI

[wstcoaster07]

I currently have a P35-DS3R MB that I believe has some bad DIMM slots. I have tested each stick on slot 1 with no errors but as soon as I try to use more than 1 stick, I get memory errors with memtest. I assume that leaves the culprit to be the MB correct? Anyway, I would like to purchase a new MB and this time get one that is SLI compatible so I can run dual 8800GT cards (does my second have to be the exact same model of 8800GT? *EVGA SSC edition*)

Ideas on which MB to purchase? Thanks.

CPU: Intel E6750
Memory: Curcial Balistix 4x1GB 1066
Video: eVGA 8800GT SSC
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W
*I don't do any heavy OC maybe just from 2.66 to 3.0

 

[GhislainG]

I assume that leaves the culprit to be the MB correct?

Not necessarily. What are your settings (timings and voltage)? Getting that memory to work on a SLI motherboard might be as challenging as it is on your current motherboard.

 

[wstcoaster07]

I've tried both auto settings and manual settings (5-5-5-15 as spec by manuf)

When testing sticks individually they work fine, memtest up to 1700.00% with 0 errors.

 

[GhislainG]

What voltage and speed?

 

[wstcoaster07]

set the DIMM voltage to 2.2 and the speed to 1066 so that all settings matched rated settings for the ram. I am able to run the memory at 800 just not the 1066 it is rated at. Weird thing is I only just started to have these problems recently even though no settings have been changed in the bios.

 

[GhislainG]

1066 MHz memory is overclocked 800 MHz memory that's overvolted to make it work. It isn't guaranteed to work. If they run at 800 MHz and 4-4-4-12 timings, then it will be as fast and less voltage should be required.

 

[wstcoaster07]

Cancel that, the memory was returning numerous faults on memtesteven when set at 800.... back to the drawing board I guess.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I would just pick up a quality 2x2GB RAM kit.

G.SKILL HK 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-4GBHK - Retail $94.99

 

[wstcoaster07]

I don't want to buy a whole new RAM set though if my current set works... I tested them each individually for hours and none of them returned faults when working in slot 1 on their own.... shouldn't that mean it isn't the RAM?

I dont mind buying a new MB, or new RAM as long as I am sure that is the problem so I am not tossing out a working piece of hardware along with 100 bucks on new hw

 

[GhislainG]

I tested them each individually for hours and none of them returned faults when working in slot 1 on their own.... shouldn't that mean it isn't the RAM?

Absolutely not! The G.Skill kit suggested by shortstuff_mt should work fine as it doesn't require more than 1.9V to run at the rated specs. Another kit that works really well is the PI Black DDR2-800: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209&Tpk=g.skill%20pi%20black%20800. Running 2 modules always is easier, but I don't have problems running 4 modules of G.Skill on my systems.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Some motherboards just have problems running four sticks of RAM, especially fast RAM that requires a lot of voltage. Sometimes the Northbridge voltage needs bumped up for stability. It would be a lot easier to just get a quality 2x2GB kit that doesn't require high voltage.

I wouldn't recommend any SLI capable LGA 775 boards since that limits you to the sub-par Nvidia Nforce chipset boards. Doing that will likely open a whole new can of worms.

 

[wstcoaster07]

Alright thanks for all the advice, looks like I will give some new sticks a try.