Returned defective memory, received defective memory

[Johannes]

I had (to my surprise) a memory module go bad in a machine. Using memtestx86+ and prime95 i was able to isolate a single failing module, and I properly RMAed it to Corsair. I shortly received a replacement module and installed it in the machine. However I then noticed something was wrong again (and wondered if it was the other module from the first (failing) pair). But to my surprise it was memory I had received from Corsair.

The module type is: CM2X2048-6400C5DHX

I am quite sure that it is only this module which is failing because:

• Other (original) memory passes in slots which this module fails in.
• This module fails in other computers (which pass with other modules).

When looking at the replacement module received from Corsair, it doesn't look obviously new. The heat-spreaders aren't damaged/scratched, but the gold pins look more worn then the original modules in the machine (which have been moved/reinserted a few times. (However the plastic casing which the module arrived in does have the same batch/id number as the containing module (but not sure if these stickers are generated upon shipment?))

Have I just been very unlucky, and should just do the same RMA procedure for this module?

Or is it common for these modules to fail?

Does corsair have a QC problem they need to be aware of?

The machine in question:

• Memory: Two pairs of CM2X2048 pairs (8GB total)
• Motherboard: Asus M4A78-E

[RAM GUY]

Please install the module you just got back and go to BIOS setup and load setup defaults and disable legacy USB and then test it will www.memtest.org to be sure it is not some other issue.

[Johannes]

Thanks for your reply RAM GUY,
It would be a lot of work for me to try that in the machine because it is a home server which really needs 100% up time (And despite memory problems, I for the moment still have 100% up time this year). When I had memory problems the second time I did look around in BIOS RAM settings, and everything was [AUTO], so that shouldn't be a problem (and no over clocking has ever been done). I'm not sure what legacy USB is set to but since it also (a lot faster) fails with prime95 I don't think that should be the problem.

I Looked at the other machine which I tested the module in (which it also fails in), but since it is a Dell machine, its BIOS is very locked and has no RAM or Legacy USB settings.

Considering that the single module fails in two PCs with both memtestx86+ (4.20) and Prime95 64bit, shouldn't that be enough? (And that both PCs pass with other modules)

I also see it as unlikely to have two failing modules within a week, but thats what it seems like?

[Synthohol]

are you combining 2 kits? thats not the best scenario and its not supported.
what are the versions of all the sticks?

[RAM GUY]

While I don't object to replacing the modules for you I am sorry but this is the only way to be sure it is not some other issue. We test all of the modules at their rated speed before they leave the factory so it would be hard to get two bad modules from us.