Defective Corsair RAM consistently passess memtest86+ ...

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rex000

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Hello all,

I have built 2 computers since the summer and I'm having some issues with a pair (or maybe just one) set of RAM modules. Basically the problem is that with the 2 memory modules inserted, I get random freezes, random display issues and crashes, some BSOD, etc. (mostly when I am gaming)

I have 2 of the exact same RAM modules, for a total of 8GB. The RAM modules which I am referring to are:

2 x Corsair 4GB XMS3 Memory module, 1600MHz, 9-9-9-24, 1.65V
http://www.corsair.com/memory-by-product-family/xms-classic/cmx4gx3m1a1600c9.html
* I did not purchase them in a kit, rather 2 individual sticks.

The reason why I am quite sure it's the RAM that is the issue (hopefully not defective) is that no matter which computer this set goes into, the problems occur. I have tried swapping in other computer parts (CPU, GPU, MOBO, HDDs, etc.) but nothing fixes. But when I try swapping in other RAM modules (ex. Corsair Vengeance), and the computer is OK...

To check the RAM modules, I tested them out with memtest86+ v.4.20, and they consistently (over 20 times) pass with 0 errors. I have tried different variations, testing each module separately, and testing them together.

I have wondered about sending them back to Corsair for replacements, but I am worried it won't be fixed and I will be wasting time and money (since the RAM might not even be defective). Also, I rather not buy a new set of RAM if I don't have to.

Note:
I have checked the Memory Qualified Vendor List and this is particular module is listed. (I think...)
I have checked the BIOS settings and ensured that all timings and voltages are correct.
Also, I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

Now, I am stuck. Am I doing something wrong? Is there any solution to help me fix or get by this problem?

Any help or ideas are appreciated,
Thanks in advance.
 

rex000

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PC#1 Specs:

ASUS M4A78LT-M LE MOTHERBOARD - $55 (after $10 rebate)
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4A78LTM_LE/

AMD PHENOM II X4 840 @ 3.2GHz QUAD-CORE CPU - $100
http://www.amd.com/us/products/pricing/Pages/desktop-phenom.aspx

XFX 9600 GSO 512MB DDR3 GPU - $15 (after $30 rebate)
http://xfxforce.com/en-us/products/graphiccards/9series/9600GSO.aspx

2 x CORSAIR XMS3 1600MHz DDR3 4GB RAM- $40 (after $40 rebate)
http://www.corsair.com/memory-by-product-family/xms-classic/cmx4gx3m1a1600c9.html

CORSAIR CX430W V2 80PLUS POWER SUPPLY - $40
http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/builder-series/builder-series-cx430-v2-80plus-certified-power-supply.html

NZXT CLASSIC GAMMA CASE - $25 (after $10 rebate)
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/classic_series/gamma

WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 750GB SATA 6 Gb/s HDD- $45
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=120

SAMSUNG 22x ODD - $20
http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/office/optical-disk-drives/optical-disk-drives/SH-222AB/BEBE/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=
 

rex000

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PC#2 Specs:

ASUS M4N75TD AM3 SLI MOTHERBOARD - $90
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4N75TD/

AMD PHENOM II X4 955 Black Edition @ 3.2GHz QUAD-CORE CPU - $105
http://www.amd.com/us/products/pricing/Pages/desktop-phenom.aspx

2x EVGA 9800GT 1GB DDR3 GPU SLI - $90 (after $50 rebate) [for both]
http://www.evga.com/products/pdf/01g-p3-n988-tr.pdf

CORSAIR VENGEANCE 1600MHz DDR3 8GB RAM- $55
http://www.corsair.com/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9.html

OCZ MODXSTREAM PRO 700W MODULAR 80PLUS POWER SUPPLY - $45 (after $30 rebate)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/ocz-500w-700w-modxstream-pro-power-supply.html

THERMALTAKE ARMOR A90 CHASSIS - $40 (after $25 rebate)
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1325&ID=1957

WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR BLUE 500GB HARD DRIVE - $40
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=110

SONY OPTIARC 24x DVD DRIVE - $20
http://www.sony-optiarc.us/en/productshalf-height-drives/ad-7280s
 

rex000

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I know this might sound strange....

However, since it's the RAM that is unstable, would it be possible to make it more stable by pumping more voltage ? Say, bump up the 1.65V to 1.70V? If so, do I just change the 1 BOIS setting?
 

totalknowledge

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The voltage boost may indeed help. Also are you overclocking? Is the ram set to dual channel? Have you tried manually setting the ram to NOT be dual channel? Is this happening under load? Do you have memory fans? What is the ambient temp inside the case when it happens?

I don't know that memcheck would uncover either voltage or heat related issues.
 

rex000

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Thanks for the replies!

1. I am not overclocking the system at all.
2. I have tried setting it with the automatic profile of the RAM, and I also remember doing it manually and making sure the setting was dual channel.... though, it never occurred to me that using it NOT in dual channel may yield different results.
3. Yes, this almost always happens under load (when playing games like COD)
4. No memory fans.
5. Ambient temperature is quite low, pretty 'cool'... nothing out of the ordinary.

Lastly, I didn't try the voltage increase route... I just sent one of the modules (the one I believe to be defective) back to Corsair for replacement. We'll see how things turn out... any suggestions if this doesn't work?
 

rex000

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Follow up: I RMA'd on of the DIMMs and Corsair was kind enough to send me back a brand new one without any questions asked.

I think I figured out what the issue was. It wasn't that the RAM was defective, it's just that the 2 DIMMs I had previously may not have been perfectly compatible with each other.

I hope others can learn from this & thanks for all the replies once again!

The two original DIMMs that I had were of 2 different versions (v2.12 and v5.11). By chance, I sent back the v2.12... and then coincidentally again, Corsair sent back a v5.11 DIMM.

v.2.12 + v.511 = not compatible
v5.11 + v5.11 = compatible

So from this, I learned that even though the RAM appear to be identical, they might not work TOGETHER unless they are from similar batches... hence, the reason why it's preferred to buy a RAM kit, if possible.
 
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