Problems with RAM

[bcog]

Hi,
I bought all new parts for my computer late last year and have had non stop problems with it ever since and i have tried everything to fix it. In my haste to buy the RAM i did not realise that on the corsair webpage it lists this "• 4GB memory kit (2 x 2GB) for use with Dual Channel DDR3 Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors." could this be my problem?

what I've got:

XMS3 — 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (TW3X4G1333C9A)
Gigabyte GA-MA74GMT-S2 rev 1.4
AMD Athlon 2 x4 640

Since i got these products I have had blue screens non-stop, I sent the RAM back to the company and they tested it as "faulty" so i thought it would be fixed when i got the new sticks of RAM back. This was not the case as it is still blue screening now.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks.

 

[Noworldorder]

There might be a couple of reasons why this is happening, but one thing confuses me as it never has before, maybe someone more expert than myself can explain why;

Gigabyte GA-MA74GMT-S2 MB specs call for DDR3-1333 RAM maximum.
Yet their QVL for that board lists up to DDR3-2200 and says it will downclock to DDR3-1600, which is still more than speced.
Did Gigabyte screw up?

Download CPUZ and see what it says your memory is set at.
If it set up at 1600 I'd be surprised, but if it did, you can try setting it by hand in BIOS at say, 800 or 1066 and see if that helps.

What kind of PSU do you have?

 

[bcog]

Thank you for the reply, I have a 500w atx psu.

this is a print screen of what it says on CPU-Z as I don't understand what it means

http://img199.imageshack.us/i/cpuzlg.jpg/

 

[jaquith]

The speed of RAM on AMD is dependent upon the the CPU IMC. Most Phenom II 4-core are fine for 1600 MHz~1800 MHz, non-Phenom are better suited for 1333 MHz, but the 2000 MHz can only be used on the 6-core. With the Athlon

Specs GA-MA74GMT-S2 (rev. 1.4) http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3582#sp
2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 8 GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules
Support for non-ECC memory modules

Example CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 http://www.corsair.com/cmx4gx3m2a1600c9.html
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.65v

In order to possibly achieve 1600 MHz you'll probably need to OC, and in doing so raise the CPU Frequency to apx ~240 or higher.

1333 MHz ; my suggestion with Athlon
Set Memory Clock -> 6.66 {1600 would be 8.0, but it might cause a post failure}
DRAM Configuration /Enter
CAS# latency -> 9
RAS to CAS R/W Delay -> 9
Row Precharge Time -> 9
Minimum RAS Active Time -> 24
1T/2T Command Timing -> 2T {optional}

DDR3 Voltage Control -> +0.15v {default is 1.50; 1.65-1.50 = 0.15} ; use SPD voltage +0.0~0.1.

 

[geekapproved]

Show us the SPD tab on CPU-Z where it lists Jedec #'s and voltage. Whatever the voltage shows for 1333mhz, that what you need to make sure you dimm voltage is set to in bios.

 

[jaquith]

^ +1 correct, SPD 1333 MHz for the example above is 1.50v, and for 1600 1.65v. However, often if there's a 'problem' with 1.65v running at SPD vs Rated, 1.50v sometimes won't work and a slight voltage increase 'can' remedy the problem. This is an issue for some MOBOs and some RAM.

RAM has a tolerance of ±0.2~±0.3v, but the lowest stable voltage is preferred, as in anything, the better/cooler/least stressful choice.

 

[geekapproved]

Yup.

I think I have the exact same memory as him, (XMS3/1600mhz/9-9-9-24/1.65v) I'm currently running it at 1333mhz/8-8-8-20/1.5v and they pass testing with flying colors. I was kinda worried about using 1.65v ram but it seems to be running great at 1.5v.

 

[bcog]

Thank you for all the help so far guys , here is the SPD tab from cpu-z:

http://img822.imageshack.us/i/spdtaboncpuz.jpg/

 

[jaquith]

All 'compatible' RAM should run at 'SPD' {JEDEC} and at 'SPD' voltage and the BIOS 'should' read the 'SPD' info and in doing so 'Auto' should populate the values correctly. If not there's a problem with the RAM, MOBO, or in some instances the CPU.

Over volting is a band-aide to overcome a variety of issues. Otherwise at the simplest remaining production oil film on the DIMM connections {clean w/Isopropyl alcohol}. Other causes like minor voltage regulation to DIMM slots or CPU IMC are issues of the MOBO.

In any case the OP needs to find a voltage that can work or RMA the RAM and if needed the MOBO.

Next, if the above solves the problem run 4 passes on Memtest86+; create a bootable CD/DVD and use the ISO/zip file -> http://www.memtest.org/

 

[geekapproved]

Well that is 1.65v ram, and looks like it's running at 1.5v.

Have you tried raising the dimm voltage to 1.65v in the bios?

 

[jaquith]

Those are 1333 MHz and not 1600 MHz. Just noticed the OP posted the CPU-Z info while I wrote my response. There are a lot of reports that RAM needs more voltage that it's specs say, as high as 1.80v -> http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81755

However, as I mentioned before the 'lowest stable' is the GOAL. Otherwise get them exchanged.

Kit TW3X4G1333C9A {P/N CM3X2G1333C9} http://www.corsair.com/tw3x4g1333c9a.html

1333 MHz
Set Memory Clock -> 6.66
DRAM Configuration /Enter
CAS# latency -> 9
RAS to CAS R/W Delay -> 9
Row Precharge Time -> 9
Minimum RAS Active Time -> 24
1T/2T Command Timing -> 2T {optional}

DDR3 Voltage Control -> +0.10v~+0.20v

If that fails then you may also need to raise the Northbridge voltage...

 

[bcog]

Right, I have done all of the above so we will see how it goes, I'm afraid I neglected to mention that I'm having trouble installing large games and also files are corrupting at random.
Whenever i try to install something it will show an error due to a corrupt file and I know this is not the case as my brother has tested the same games/files on his pc and they were fine, no corruption. I'm not sure whether this is relevant or not but thought it worth mentioning.

 

[jaquith]

RMA the RAM! My assumption is Memtest will fail miserably!

 

[bcog]

Thank you jaquith for the continued help on this problem, I will RMA the RAM for the second time. Last time it was for the same issues as well, do you think i should RMA the mobo and RAM?

 

[geekapproved]

WAIT, why are you RMA'ing the ram??

Have you tried 1.65v????

 

[geekapproved]

Those are 1333 MHz and not 1600 MHz. Just noticed the OP posted the CPU-Z info while I wrote my response. There are a lot of reports that RAM needs more voltage that it's specs say, as high as 1.80v -> http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81755

What are you talking about? He said they are 1600mhz, not 1333mhz. ??

Corsair Memory XMS3 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz CAS 9 XMP Dual Channel Desktop

 

[bcog]

I tried everything suggested in this thread

 

[jaquith]

What are you talking about? He said they are 1600mhz, not 1333mhz. ??

Look at the OP's CPU-Z and check the P/N -- I did.

Kit TW3X4G1333C9A {P/N CM3X2G1333C9} http://www.corsair.com/tw3x4g1333c9a.html

 

[Noworldorder]

Jaquith's right the OP needs to RMA the RAM, but still....
It is statistically remote for two consecutive sets of the highest quality RAM to be bad.

OP: What is the exact make and model, and age of your PSU?

 

[bcog]

I got my psu about june/july last year so its not that old.

 

[Noworldorder]

I mean your Power Supply Unit

 

[bcog]

This is my psu:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CASECOM-BLACK-500W-12cm-1xPCI/dp/B0028I7JU6
i got like mid last year

 

[Noworldorder]

BINGO!
My personal opinion is that this PSU, made by A-Top, is the source of the problem.

 

[bcog]

I'll look into the PSU problem

 

[jaquith]

If I hadn't started to see a ton of issues, posts, with the TW3X4G1333C9A kits plus the OP issues I would feel differently.

Lastly, if the 'Load Optimized' fails and the RAM is installed properly and DIMM slots cleaned then no doubts RMA the RAM. I assume {clean w/Isopropyl alcohol} was also done.