Bad Ram

[Raj]

Hi Ram Guy,

 

I purchased a set of VS512MB400 as a kit from Frys about two weeks ago. I used both the sticks in the following configuration:

 

CPU -- Intel P4 3.0 Socket 478

MOBO -- ECS PT800CE-A Socket 478

Video -- PNY GeForce 128 MB DDR

OS -- Windows XP Pro - SP2

 

I started with Windows XP Pro and it continued to display the "Blue Screen of Death". I tried different again several time with fewer PCI cards with no luck.

 

Finally, I removed one of the memory sticks and was able to install Windows XP pro SP2 without any problem. I figured it probably a bad driver that has been fixed in SP2.

 

I re-installed the other memory stick and was able to bring up Windows without any problem. Though I did not do any extensive tests. Last night I booted to Windows XP and was trying to open the internet browser. This caused the system to reboot itself. I was able to repeat this many times. Once, I even got the 'Blue Screen of Death" again..

 

In the process of elimination I removed the memory stick and was able to boot up Windows XP. This time the internet explorer opened without any problem and was very fast too! I opened about 30 instances of explorer without any problem.

 

This clearly indicates some problem with the memory stick. Do you have any suggestions for me to try or should I take it back to Frys for an exchange..? I have already removed the UPC for the mail in rebate. I don't know if they will accept this for an exchange..

 

Please advice..

 

Thanks

Raj

[Wired]

Try a different slot in case the slot is bad.

[Raj]

My PC has only two slots. It tried a different memory stick from a friend to test the other slot and it works fine.

 

I think the problem is with the memory stick..

 

Thanks

Raj

[RAM GUY]

Please make sure that you have the latest bios and then load setup defaults and then set the Dim Voltage to 2.75 Volts and disable legacy USB and test the modules one at a time with http://www.memtest.org. If you do find the modules are failing, please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it!

[Raj]

Hi ,

 

Thanks for your response. I did the following per your instructions.

 

-- Verified that I have the latest BIOS ( 1.1A, 8/2004 )

-- Loaded the default setup

-- Disabled the legacy USB support

****** Did not find the option for setting the Dim Voltage to 2.75 Volts; there was a non-modifiable setting for SDRAM CAS Latency 2.5 *****

 

I tested the modules one at a time with Memtest 1.4+ and it not report any errors even after 2 passes! The Windows XP is booting up nicely, no more crashes when Internet Browser is opened.

 

My questions :

??? Should I run more Memtest? If yes, how many passes ????

??? As I was not able to set the Dim Voltage to 2.75 Volts, does it matter ???

 

Thank You very much for resolving this problem..

Raj

[RAM GUY]

Please ask the MB maker for help with their bios, sorry but I have not seen this MB as of yet. Or see if they have a user forum, you may find help with the bios. But yes I would set the Dim Voltage to 2.75 Volts if you are still having trouble. And test with http://www.memtest.org. Just let it run for at least 2 or 3 passes. If you want to be really sure you can let it run over night.

[Raj]

Hello Ramguy,

 

I though the memory problems went away after I disabled the support for legacy USB. I was wrong, this morning I ran the memtest with both the modules. It gave me 1700 errors per pass for test #5 and 5 errors for #7. What should I do..? Should I send the modules to Corsair..?

 

Thanks

Raj

[RAM GUY]

Please make sure that you have the latest BIOS for your MB and load Setup/optimized default settings, and try the following BIOS settings as a reference to your BIOS settings;

VS1GBKIT400 or VS512MB400

Frequency Voltage Contorl

CPU Freq: 200

DRAM Clock: 400 MHz

Memory or Dim Reference voltage: 2.75 Volts

System performance: Auto

AGP Voltage: Default *unless you have ATI (9200 or 9600) or NVIDIA (5200 or 5700) then 1.6 Volts suggested!*

Advanced/Chipset

Configure Dram timing by SPD: Disabled/User define

SDRAM CAS Latency: 2.5T

SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay (tRCD): 3T

SDRAM Row Precharge (tRP): 3T

SDRAM Active to Precharge Delay (tRAS): 8T

SDRAM Burst Length: 8

USB Legacy Support: Disabled

All other settings should be set to default settings!

Then please test them one at a time with http://www.memtest.org and let’s make sure it's not some other issue! I would run the test for at least 2-3 passes to be sure!

[Raj]

Hello Ramguy,

 

I received a pair of memory sticks from CORSAIR per RMA# R68754. The Windows XP is still rebooting randomly when both the sticks are mounted. Also, the Memetest displays lots of errors. However, I do not have a problem with only one 512MB mounted.

 

1. Could you please verify, if the memory I sent was found defective and I received a pair new tested memory sticks?

 

2. If I have received a new set of verified sticks, is it safe to conclude that the problem is in the motherboard?

 

If MB is the problem, I am willing to get another MB. I just don't want this to happen again.

 

Please let me know..

 

Thanks

Raj

[RAM GUY]

Raj,

I think it would be best to get the complete system configuration and what are your settings in the bios for CPU and memory. If you like you can call our tech support at 888-222-4346 and dial "2" that will take you right to us. But please do it when you are in front of your system. And there is not enough information to determine the cause just yet. But yes I would suspect the MB, CPU or power supply. Please be as detailed as possible and I would see if a friend can maybe help you test the CPU and memory in another system.