4 DDR3-1600 memory modules only working at 1333, is it RAM or MOBO?

[Kaske]

Hi

This is my first post at Tom's hardware so i hope I am in the right section.

I recently assembled my new computer:

ASRock Z77 extreme4
Intel i5-3570K 3.4Ghz
4x4gb Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600 1.5V RAM
Mushkin 240gb SSD
OCZ Z Series 650W PSU
Radeon HD4870 GPU

But in the beginning i was experiencing spontaneous reboots so after reading on several forums and running various tests i narrowed it down to being the memory that failed (with multiple errors in Memtest86+). I tried running each of the memory modules in pairs of 2 and all of them ran at DDR3-1600 with no errors. But as soon as all 4 modules were inserted the errors occured. So as suggested on forums i tried adjusting the voltages, but this only increased the number of errors. Finally i adjusted the RAM clock from DDR3-1600 to DDR3-1333 and now I am running without errors - but dissapointed that my RAM does not deliever what was promised.

In your expert opions, what is the issue here? (and how can i fix it?)

Thank you very much in advance for your help!

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

Have you tired xmp

 

[Kaske]

I tried the XMP profile i could choose i bios but it only prompted more errors so i put it back on default.

 

[psaus]

When you had success (no errors), did you only use sockets 1&2 (or whatever they are labeled)? Try using 1 or 2 modules in the other sockets (sockets you'd use when populating with 3 or 4 modules total) and see if the memtest errors come back.

Basically, could be a bad socket(s) on the mobo...

 

[geekapproved]

Is that memory supported by your mobo? You didn't list the model so cant' really help.

 

[Kaske]

Psaus: I tried all combinations of modules and sockets and as long as i only have 2 modules in it runs with no errors.

Geekapproved: My memory is this: CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B - Corsair Vengeance 4 x 4 GB or are you asking about the mobo? I think i found these RAMs to be recommended on a forum somewhere, but not 100% certain.

 

[geekapproved]

When attempting to run them at 1600, did you have them set to 1.5v/9-9-9-24?

 

[Kaske]

geekapproved: Yes, i couldnt change anything but the voltage but the rest was locked at 9-9-9-24. Do i need to unluck the timings somewhere?

 

[geekapproved]

That memory is not on the mobo support list, but these are:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233197&Tpk=CML16GX3M4A1600C9

There's not that much diff between 1333 and 1600, either live with it or try to exchange it for the above model.

 

[Kaske]

Thanks for your replies, very confusing that such subtle differences can make the RAM incompatible with my Mobo

Doubt I can exchange the RAM as they have been used, unless i find someone in the opposite situation needing my specific model of RAM.

 

[Kaske]

Best answer selected by Kaske.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr