40 replies to this topic

[simplezz]

1. Try Linux (Ubuntu etc) just in case it's Windows that's the problem
2. Set bios defaults
3. Memtest x86

[+patseguin]

I've found out the hard way that mobo's are extremely sensitive on RAM. If you're using different brands, that could be causing problems. If you're using a brand and model not even listed by the moobo manufacturer that could be your cuplrit too. I built an i3 HTPC and had stability problems. A fellow Neowinian pointed out the list of compatible RAM with my mobo and I bought it and haven't had a single problem since. From now on when I build, I'm going to the mobo site and making sure I buy RAM listed as approved. That's the biggest lesson I've learned in years.

[+Jdawg683]

does this help you at all? i pulled this information about the BIOS from the motherboard's manual



Also, you can check in the BIOS whether or not the BIOS even detects both sticks. It'll be under the Sys Info section.

[darth_vader]

If nothing works, do a hard reset on your bios with jumper/button/battery, sometimes it does wonders.

[King Mustard]

Jdawg683, on 24 July 2012 - 13:47, said:

does this help you at all? i pulled this information about the BIOS from the motherboard's manual

asdf.JPG

The only BIOS screen I can find related to RAM is this one, and it's all set to Auto:



I will try resetting the BIOS defaults in 30 minutes when I get home, although I can't see it helping unfortunately.

[Marcin Kurek]

Quote

2. Set bios defaults
3. Memtest x86

I'm surprised this hadn't been suggested earlier. This is the first thing I do in case of a similar event.

Should memtest86+ return any errors, the customer service will replace the memory without blinking.

[darth_vader]

I recommend resetting the bios with the jumper and not using restore default settings within bios, it is not the same thing, It happened to me many times and the only way it worked was with hard reset.

[theyarecomingforyou]

patseguin, on 24 July 2012 - 13:44, said:

I've found out the hard way that mobo's are extremely sensitive on RAM. If you're using different brands, that could be causing problems. If you're using a brand and model not even listed by the moobo manufacturer that could be your cuplrit too.

Actually, I haven't found that to be the case at all. I have two pairs of memory installed, each with a different size, different brand, different speed rating and different timings - the RAM works perfectly in dual-channel and my system is 100% stable (Prime95; Intel Burnt Test). However, when I first installed the RAM my computer wouldn't boot because I had the timings set to manual. It corrected itself though as my motherboard has automatic memory configuration.

Have you got another computer you can test the memory in? If you reset the BIOS and use just the new chip it should theoretically work; if not it would seem it's either faulty or incompatible with your motherboard.

King Mustard, on 24 July 2012 - 12:53, said:

The RAM is 100% compatible with the PC.

How did you determine this? Is the manufacturer specifically listed in the motherboard's manual and/or website or are you referring to the speed rating? Although all RAM should be compatible with all motherboards with the same memory rating the reality is that there are sometimes incompatibilities, which is why motherboard manufacturers usually list specifically compatible memory.

[King Mustard]

darth_vader, on 24 July 2012 - 13:53, said:

I recommend resetting the bios with the jumper and not using restore default settings within bios, it is not the same thing, It happened to me many times and the only way it worked was with hard reset.

I took the battery out for 30 seconds, which reset the BIOS. Same issues occured.

Marcin Kurek, on 24 July 2012 - 13:52, said:

I'm surprised this hadn't been suggested earlier. This is the first thing I do in case of a similar event.

Should memtest86+ return any errors, the customer service will replace the memory without blinking.

This is... different somehow mate. I just don't feel that is the issue.

theyarecomingforyou, on 24 July 2012 - 14:07, said:

Actually, I haven't found that to be the case at all. I have two pairs of memory installed, each with a different size, different brand, different speed rating and different timings - the RAM works perfectly in dual-channel and my system is 100% stable (Prime95; Intel Burnt Test). However, when I first installed the RAM my computer wouldn't boot because I had the timings set to manual. It corrected itself though as my motherboard has automatic memory configuration.

Have you got another computer you can test the memory in? If you reset the BIOS and use just the new chip it should theoretically work; if not it would seem it's either faulty or incompatible with your motherboard.

Unfortunately, I have no other PC to try it in.

theyarecomingforyou, on 24 July 2012 - 14:07, said:

How did you determine this? Is the manufacturer specifically listed in the motherboard's manual and/or website or are you referring to the speed rating? Although all RAM should be compatible with all motherboards with the same memory rating the reality is that there are sometimes incompatibilities, which is why motherboard manufacturers usually list specifically compatible memory.

It's Corsair CMV4GX3M1A1333C9.

The other chip (that works perfectly) is "PNY 4GB DIMM DDR3 PC3-10660 1333 MHz 240 PIN".

So they should both be compatible with the motherboard and with each other I presumed

[darth_vader]

You should have AI Tweaker in the bios, go to DRAM Frequency and set 1333 MHz, then go to DRAM timing control and set 9-9-9-24, then go to DRAM voltage and set 1.5V (Corsair, PNY).

[King Mustard]

darth_vader, on 24 July 2012 - 15:06, said:

You should have AI Tweaker in the bios, go to DRAM Frequency and set 1333 MHz, then go to DRAM timing control and set 9-9-9-24, then go to DRAM voltage and set 1.5V.

How can I be sure both the Corsair and PNY chips I have installed are 9-9-9-24?

[darth_vader]

I can't find the official specs of the pny module, but if corsair is cl9, the pny can't be higher, not at 1333 MHz at least. The worst it can happen if you put the wrong timings is that you have to do a hard reset again.

You should also try inserting the modules in black + blue (slot 1 and 2) or black + black (slot 1 and 3) maybe they do not work in dual channel mode because of the different manufacturers and specs.

[King Mustard]

darth_vader, on 24 July 2012 - 15:14, said:

I can't find the official specs of the pny module, but if corsair is cl9, the pny can't be higher, not at 1333 MHz at least. The worst it can happen if you put the wrong timings is that you have to do a hard reset again.

I'll try that later

darth_vader, on 24 July 2012 - 15:14, said:

You should also try inserting the modules in black + blue (slot 1 and 2) or black + black (slot 1 and 3) maybe they do not work in dual channel mode because of the different manufacturers and specs.

I've tried in various slots.

[coth]

try launch them at 1066mhz to be sure it's not m/b that messes up with timings for corsair module.

[King Mustard]

darth_vader, on 24 July 2012 - 15:06, said:

You should have AI Tweaker in the bios, go to DRAM Frequency and set 1333 MHz, then go to DRAM timing control and set 9-9-9-24, then go to DRAM voltage and set 1.5V (Corsair, PNY).

There is no AI Tweaker. This is a £40 motherboard.