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G.Skill RAM Problem

Last response: in Memory
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Hello.
my system is this:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9400 @ 2.66GHz, Socket 775 LGA (0x4)
P5Q-PRO (0x000001F4 - 0x005A3A8F)

An year ago, I got this:
F2-6400CL6D-8GBMQ (4Gx2) http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=62
and this
NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700

under a XP x86 pro partition (everyday things, internet, etx)
and a windows 7 ultimate x64 partition (video editing, audio productions)

the strange fact, is that at a certain time, only windows 7 started to freeze...
that could happen ten times in five minutes, or in a week... seemed randomly (but it was not... I'm sure)...

after that, I've tried to reistall windows 7, have another x64 partition, etc... nothing, the result was always the same...

XP x86 pro ok, windows 7 freezed...

so, even if MemTest86_4.0 did not found any error,
i took away my new g.skill and putted again the old Corsair
SMBus address 0x50
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) Corsair (7F7F9E0000000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number CM2X2048-6400C5DHX
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no
JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency
JEDEC #1 4.0-4-4-13-15 @ 270 MHz
JEDEC #2 5.0-5-5-18-22 @ 400 MHz

and everything is working fine... only I can't work with only 4GB Corsair RAM.... :( 

am I supposed to do something more on the system that I could have maybe underlooked? (BIOS, etc)

since it seems to me that for a certain time things were working, is it possible a physical failure of the RAM? if yes , is it possible such a fast deterioration of g.skill RAMs? how can I be sure of this if MemTest said 'no errors' ?

thanks a lot for your attention
Pino

More about : skill ram problem

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Windows 7 Expert
Memory Master

Welcome to Tom's Forum! :) 

Hmm... you said "XP x86 pro ok, windows 7 freezed...

RAM: F2-6400CL6D-8GBMQ (4GBx2) ; DDR2-800 6-6-6-18 @ 1.60v
RAM: CM2X2048-6400C5DHX (2GBx??) ; DDR2-800 5-5-5-18 @ 1.80v ; possibly from TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX

MOBO: P5Q-PRO - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_775/P5Q_P...

This initially indicates a problem with Windows 7 and not the hardware itself. The first thing I would do is to create a bootable CD/DVD of Memtest86+ (ISO/zip) file and burn a CD/DVD, and then test for 4-passes to rule-out your RAM. Download - http://www.memtest.org/

Q - are the BIOS environments the same for XP as Windows 7?
Q - are you using AHCI? If yes then run 'Fix It' - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

Most importantly, I am a little confused, you first mentioned G.SKILL but towards the bottom mentioned Corsair. If you're trying to run TWO DIFFERENT set of RAM then sure that can cause problems.

First, the G.SKILL and Corsair have both different CAS Timings and WORST different operational voltages. Next, as a possible 'fix' you need to use either 2 sticks of each or 4 sticks total, each kit separated in matching color DIMM slots (e.g. yellow = G.SKILL, black = Corsair), and finally MANUALLY set the Frequency, CAS, and Voltage as follows:

DDR2-800 6-6-6-18 @ 1.60v
DDR2-800 5-5-5-18 @ 1.80v
=====================
DDR2-800 6-6-6-18 @ 1.70v~1.80v <= Manual settings in BIOS

thank you for your answer
I'll try to rewrite parts of my post:
initially I had corsair 2x2GB.
then I took them off and put the g.skill ( never I used them together - I just putted the Corsair on again just to go on with ordinary life ).

I ran memtest on g.skill for an hour and six minutes, 3 interactions.... no errors....
but, we need to remember that xp had no freezing incidents.....
that's why my feelings are that something about BIOS or windows 7 itself must have something to do with....

they are two different partitions on the same computer, running both as "C" drives... so I think yes, the BIOS is the same...
- not sure exactly what AHCI is, I'll try to get informed...

Pino
Windows 7 Expert
Memory Master

I really try to discourage using Partitions with Windows 7 & XP, there's too many problems. What's best is to have (2) separate HDD/SSD's and use 'BIOS Profiles' to select which OS to boot off of and in that case you don't have a cascading of errors i.e. loose (1) drive both are gone. In that way, you can have separate BIOS settings tailored for each environment.

If your MBR is corrupt then the only 'fix' is to reformat and start from scratch.

Look at the Event Manager in Window 7 and list the [+] Critical errors; see below:


A freeze should produce error codes and the Event Manager should list them.

Thank you...
now I am running Windows 7 x64 and x86... on both freezed,
I reported the XP experience, because was the only one that did not freezed...:) 
I'll do what you suggested me, I'll keep you informed...
Pino
Memory Expert

Try using memtest86+ v4.20 or the Win 7 memory diagnostics test. Only insert one module at a time, double check that DRAM settings are DDR2-800 tCL 6 - tRCD 6 - tRP 6 - tRAS 18 1.60V, then test each stick to see if one performs differently. If so, you can send them in for RMA exchange to see if a new kit works better.

Also, make sure you have the latest BIOS for the motherboard.

Keep us posted on the results!

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT



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