INFO: Common RAM Issues *Sticky Please* - Overclock.net

XFreeRollerX · 03-25-08

Common problems that users have with new RAM

Are you running more than 3 GB of RAM?

If you are using Windows Vista:Check to make sure you have update KB929777. Please do note that this issue is fixed in Service Pack 1 (SP1) and will not need this update with SP1.
If you are using a 32 bit (x86) Operating system (most do), You will not see more than 3.2 to 3.5 GB of RAM due to the way 32bit instructions work! There is no way around this because its a complicated math equation which restricts seeing so many bites of memory. <> Windows Vista has been patched somehow to show that you have more than 3.5GB installed, but will never utilize more than the 32bit capability.

Are you getting errors on default settings?

Ensure that you are using default settings as required by the manufacturers. DDR2 Standards run between 1.8-2.2 Volts (depending on module type), 800MHz, and sub timings of 5-5-5-15 Command Rate 2T. Not all RAM is equal!
Make sure your memory can run at stock/default settings. Doing so will make sure you don't have defective hardware. If you cannot boot into your Operating System (OS), Run Memtest86; A suggestion for accurate results is to make sure you can complete 3 passes of testing. The free/ trial version works fine. Also things like Prime95, and OCCT have Windows-based testing systems if you are able to make it into your OS.
***** On certain systems, over-volting may be required for stable operation of all RAM Slots being in use. At your own risk, raising chipset voltages and/ or RAM voltages can sometimes help stabilize things.
If you Error out in Memtest86, Remove all your sticks of RAM, and test one stick at a time. If one or more sticks fail, you most likely have faulty RAM. - Its recommended that you test 1 stick of RAM in the 1st slot.

Are you mixing brands / models of RAM?

Sometimes the difference in voltage acceptance between various chips in RAM will affect the ability for different types of RAM to run together smoothly!
Make sure that the SPD (default settings) of each RAM match each other.
Check each stick of RAM individually for errors to determine if both RAM work. Sometimes (for whatever reasons) Different sets of RAM just don't work together! - Its recommended that you test 1 stick of RAM in the 1st slot.

Is your motherboard simply not playing nice with GOOD RAM?

Occasionally, motherboards can be picky with RAM. Take the Asus Striker Extreme for example! There will be certain combinations that just don't work. Make sure to check if there is a pre-approved list of compatible RAM for your motherboard like this one.
For 4gb+ users if using all 4 RAM slots (4x1GB, 4x2GB) you may have to add voltage to the northbridge due to the increased load.

OCCT
Prime95
Memtest86
Memtest86+

--Please inform me of any errors or suggestions to add to this

--

Thanks for reading! Hope I can help someone out there

Special thanks to franz for corrections!

**To whom stickies this** Please post it in both Intel and AMD's memory section however seen fit! I would like this to be as helpful as possible

redsox83381 · 03-26-08

I vote for sticky. This might reduce the number of threads for questions that are easily answered in this thread. Nice write up!

franz · 03-26-08

I second the nomination for sticky. Heck I didnt even know they had a newer version of memtest. I was still using the 1.7 ver.

A couple of suggestions.
Having "If you are using Windows Vista:" at the top implies this guide is only for vista users. Maybe switching that line to the bottom of the guide, and adding: "For 4gb+ users if using all 4 RAM slots (4x1GB, 4x2GB) you may have to add voltage to the northbridge due to the increased load."

Second there are actually 2 different patches to fix the over 3GB prob in Vista a 32 bit version and a 64 bit version. Its also worth mentioning that this problem in Vista should have been fixed with the SP1 release.

Third when recommending running only 1 stick of RAM at a time during Memtest, it seems running that 1 stick in the first slot is preferred.

And Last

Quote:

Has your RAM and Motherboard combination been tested/ used before?

I think in addition to the motherboards QVL (qualified vendors list) members could also check the RAM websites to see if they have done individual testing. Companies like OCZ and Corsair publish test results even if they are not on the motherboards QVL.

R3ap3R · 03-26-08

I vote sticky as well; nice post, rep+

XFreeRollerX · 03-27-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by franz

I second the nomination for sticky. Heck I didnt even know they had a newer version of memtest. I was still using the 1.7 ver.

A couple of suggestions.
Having "If you are using Windows Vista:" at the top implies this guide is only for vista users. Maybe switching that line to the bottom of the guide, and adding: "For 4gb+ users if using all 4 RAM slots (4x1GB, 4x2GB) you may have to add voltage to the northbridge due to the increased load."

Second there are actually 2 different patches to fix the over 3GB prob in Vista a 32 bit version and a 64 bit version. Its also worth mentioning that this problem in Vista should have been fixed with the SP1 release.

Third when recommending running only 1 stick of RAM at a time during Memtest, it seems running that 1 stick in the first slot is preferred.

And Last I think in addition to the motherboards QVL (qualified vendors list) members could also check the RAM websites to see if they have done individual testing. Companies like OCZ and Corsair publish test results even if they are not on the motherboards QVL.

Well the thing is with the update, if you actually click the link, it leads to the article discussing update KB929777, and has links for both versions

Quote:

Having "If you are using Windows Vista:" at the top implies this guide is only for vista users. Maybe switching that line to the bottom of the guide, and adding: "For 4gb+ users if using all 4 RAM slots (4x1GB, 4x2GB) you may have to add voltage to the northbridge due to the increased load."

Thanks, ill try work something out

Quote:

Its also worth mentioning that this problem in Vista should have been fixed with the SP1 release.

very good point

Run N. Gun · 03-27-08

+ Rep. Good info here! thanks!

XFreeRollerX · 03-27-08

Thanks

I am hoping this can be stickied in the AMD and Intel Memory sections

xtacized · 03-28-08

How do i vote for sticky? i gave this a 5 star, =) and rep+ for you

redsox83381 · 03-28-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtacized

How do i vote for sticky? i gave this a 5 star, =) and rep+ for you

Just say "I vote for this to be sticked"

Not that our opinions matter anyway.

XFreeRollerX · 03-28-08

Lol, thanks guys

And redsox.... Lol at your System

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INFO: Common RAM Issues Sticky Please

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