R4c3rx Posted December 16, 2004 Share Posted December 16, 2004 My setup: Athlon 64 3200+ 939 MSI Neo Platinum 2 Nforce 3 1x WD Raptor 36gb 10k rpm SATA HDD 2x WD Cavier 256gb IDE HDD TWINX1024-3200XLPT RAM X800se My problem: I cannot achieve the 2-2-2-5 advertised timings with a stable system. At 2.75v I can boot into Windows, but it almost immediately restart. At 2.8v I can work in windows for a very short time before the system reboots. At timings 2.5-3-3-6 and voltage 2.75 I can function in windows with random restarts (at least once a day). I am running the latest stable bios revision and would like to be able to run this ram at the advertised timings. I have read other posts on this forum and fear that I may have received bad modules - any help is appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted December 16, 2004 Corsair Employees Share Posted December 16, 2004 Unfortunately the K8N Neo2 MB of MSI, for some reason the BIOS doesnt want to run the timing setting at 2/2/2/5, but people had sucess running it at 2/3/2/5. Please make sure that you have the latest BIOS installed on your MB and set the following BIOS settings; Cell Menu/DRAM Configuration : Max Memclock: Limit or 200 1T/2T Memory Timing : 1T CAS# latency (Tlc): 2 RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd): 3 Min RAS# active time (Tras): 5 Row precharge Time (Trp): 3 High Performance Mode : Manual Aggressive timing : DISABLED Dynamic Overclocking: DISABLED Spread Spectrum : Enabled HT Frequency : 5x Cool’n’Quiet: Enable Adjust CPU Rotation: Startup Adjust CPU FSB Frequency: 200 Adjust AGP Frequency: 66 Adjust CPU VID 1.500v CPU Voltage: By CPU VID Memory Voltage : 2.75 AGP Voltage: 1.50V *1.6V if you have 9200 or 9600 ATI or 5200 or 5700 Nvidia card. All other settings should be left to MB 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R4c3rx Posted December 16, 2004 Author Share Posted December 16, 2004 Thanks for the response - I forgot to post that I have ran memtest86k and in 1 pass received 1 error which was a 1bit error (but that was at 2-2-2-5 timings). I will try the timings that you suggest when I get off work. Also, the more unagressive the timings get the more stable my operating system gets so I am doubtfull that it is another piece of hardware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R4c3rx Posted December 17, 2004 Author Share Posted December 17, 2004 I could not even get into windows at those timings. I am going to run memtest again, here are the timings I am semi-stable with now. (I had to bump up CAS and Memory Timing) Cell Menu/DRAM Configuration : Max Memclock: Limit or 200 1T/2T Memory Timing : 2T CAS# latency (Tlc): 2.5 RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd): 3 Min RAS# active time (Tras): 5 Row precharge Time (Trp): 3 High Performance Mode : Manual Aggressive timing : DISABLED Dynamic Overclocking: DISABLED Spread Spectrum : Enabled HT Frequency : 5x Cool’n’Quiet: Enable Adjust CPU Rotation: Startup Adjust CPU FSB Frequency: 200 Adjust AGP Frequency: 66 Adjust CPU VID 1.500v CPU Voltage: By CPU VID Memory Voltage : 2.75 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R4c3rx Posted December 17, 2004 Author Share Posted December 17, 2004 Okay, memtest at the timings I stated previously does not give any errors in 3 passes, however, memtest at the specified timings does give errors (the settings RAM Guy had me try made my system unstable to the point that it crashed before logging into windows) - and it seems that no matter what the other timings are if CAS is set to 2 my system is unstsable. I am unsure if this is due to the RAM modules or due to imcompatibilities with my motherboard. Any information would be appreciated - also, I noticed on another posting someone mentioned a beta bios for this board that possibily would help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted December 18, 2004 Corsair Employees Share Posted December 18, 2004 Please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R4c3rx Posted December 18, 2004 Author Share Posted December 18, 2004 Okay thanks - I'll try replacement modules from the reseller and see how they run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R4c3rx Posted December 19, 2004 Author Share Posted December 19, 2004 It seems that this motherboard is extremly touchy as far as RAM configurations - and it is also vauge as to which DIMM slot is 1 and which is 4. I initially had the RAM moduels in what I thought was 1 and 2, however, I examed it and it turned out they were in 3 and 4. I switched the ram into the two DIMM slots closes to the CPU (1 and 2 it seems) and now the system is rock solid stable at 2-2-2-5. So, if anyone else is having this problem - make sure to check your memory configuration! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted December 22, 2004 Share Posted December 22, 2004 While I did not have the issue of the previous poster (cannot boot, etc), I am still having stability issues using the TWINX1024-3200XLPT in my new K8N Neo2 Platinum board when running 3dMark03. What I experience is random crashing of the 3dmark03.exe when running the benchmark. Here is my hardware: * K8N Neo2 Platinum w/ BIOS 1.40 * Athlon64 3500+ 90nm * TWINX1024-3200XLPT (1GB Matched) * BFG NVidia 6800GT OC 256MB Video * 2x WD Raptor 74GB SATA Drives * 2x DVD Drives * Floppy * Thermaltake 400W PS (came in case) What I have found is that by slowing the memory down from the initial Spd specs, I can make it work -- but that's not why I spent $275 on the memory. :o: For example, choosing 166MHz, or my changing the latency timings down to 3 on some settings will allow the completion of the test. I suppose there are a few questions... why does this magically work when I step down the memory speeds? Also, I see that the board was certified to work with these modules, which is why I would expect 2-2-2-5 to be easily achievable? Please assist. I have been messing around with this for about 2 days, trying to figure out what gives, and I found this site. Also, is the BIOS still not taking 2-2-2-5 properly in version 1.4? Is there a better match of memory for this board from Corsair? I am just curious if my memory is defective or not? (Sometimes, I really dislike building PCs!) :laughing: Sincerely, - Speedi Unfortunately the K8N Neo2 MB of MSI, for some reason the BIOS doesnt want to run the timing setting at 2/2/2/5, but people had sucess running it at 2/3/2/5. Please make sure that you have the latest BIOS installed on your MB and set the following BIOS settings; Cell Menu/DRAM Configuration : Max Memclock: Limit or 200 1T/2T Memory Timing : 1T CAS# latency (Tlc): 2 RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd): 3 Min RAS# active time (Tras): 5 Row precharge Time (Trp): 3 High Performance Mode : Manual Aggressive timing : DISABLED Dynamic Overclocking: DISABLED Spread Spectrum : Enabled HT Frequency : 5x Cool’n’Quiet: Enable Adjust CPU Rotation: Startup Adjust CPU FSB Frequency: 200 Adjust AGP Frequency: 66 Adjust CPU VID 1.500v CPU Voltage: By CPU VID Memory Voltage : 2.75 AGP Voltage: 1.50V *1.6V if you have 9200 or 9600 ATI or 5200 or 5700 Nvidia card. All other settings should be left to MB 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R4c3rx Posted December 22, 2004 Author Share Posted December 22, 2004 Speedi - have you tried different module configurations? As I said in my previous post - my issue was solved by insuring that the RAM modules were placed in DIMM 1 and 2 (the 2 closest slots to the CPU socket). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 Speedi - have you tried different module configurations? As I said in my previous post - my issue was solved by insuring that the RAM modules were placed in DIMM 1 and 2 (the 2 closest slots to the CPU socket). Yes, I believe I have found that I have a faulty memory module. I was using Slot 1 and 2, but did also try using just 3 and 4, with the same results. When I tried the modules one at a time, I was able to narrow it down to the particular module that couldn't run 2-2-2-5-1T fairly easily, thanks to the suggestion from the Ram Guy on that methodology. - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted December 27, 2004 Corsair Employees Share Posted December 27, 2004 Please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it! Got it. Thanks. Of course, the only problem I have is that they want me to send back BOTH modules, which means I'm dead in the water while this gets worked out. Do they cross-ship? Tx. - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted December 29, 2004 Corsair Employees Share Posted December 29, 2004 I am sorry we do not sell direct and do not have an easy way to do that, but you can ask customer service when you submit the RMA if you have not done so. Please send us a email with a copy of the form or all of your info name address and phone# and the Module part# and copy the link to this post and email it to Warranty@corsairmemory.com. Or you can also use the On Line RMA Request Form as well. If after 1 day or 24 hours excluding weekends you do not get the rma please email the same to rma@corsairmemory.com and we will help to resolve it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted January 2, 2005 Share Posted January 2, 2005 I am sorry we do not sell direct and do not have an easy way to do that, but you can ask customer service when you submit the RMA if you have not done so. OK, Ram Guy and all others, I am still not able to achieve stock 2-2-2-5-1T settings using my newly received memory. I am testing 2-3-2-5-1T, and it seems to work fine, but not 2-2-2-5-1T. I have turned off all of the Dynamic Overclocking, Aggressive Timing. I am going to try 1 stick at a time, again, to see if the problem goes away with the memory running standalone. Previously, once of the modules consistently failed. If both sticks pass the test, then I'm going to RMA the system board, for sure. My question is this, could the issue be the system board memory controller? Could it be Power Supply related? I would think that a power supply problem might also show itself in other ways? Tx. - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wired Posted January 3, 2005 Share Posted January 3, 2005 FYI, te memory controller on that system is on the CPU itself. Also, some A64 systems don't like the Ras to Cas Delay to be anything other than 3, so that could be it as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted January 3, 2005 Share Posted January 3, 2005 I am going to try 1 stick at a time, again, to see if the problem goes away with the memory running standalone. Previously, once of the modules consistently failed. If both sticks pass the test, then I'm going to RMA the system board, for sure. My question is this, could the issue be the system board memory controller? Could it be Power Supply related? I would think that a power supply problem might also show itself in other ways? Tx. - Speedi OK, I have tried one stick at a time at 2-2-2-5-1T and they each worked fine in Single Channel mode running SuperPI and 3DMark05. This is different from when I was getting failures left and right, previously. Placing both memory modules back into the system, I am now trying my Antec 550W TruePower PSU in it to see if this helps at all. The power levels of the 400W Thermaltake were "weak" as some folks have put it. Will let you folks know how this goes. Tx. - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted January 3, 2005 Share Posted January 3, 2005 FYI, te memory controller on that system is on the CPU itself. Also, some A64 systems don't like the Ras to Cas Delay to be anything other than 3, so that could be it as well. When you say some systems don't like the RAS to CAS Delay to be anything other than 3, what do you mean? Are we saying the board I have can't to 2 for tRCD or are we saying the RAM can't do 2 tRCD or are we saying that the combination of the two are unable to do 2 tRCD? I don't think I've had anyone explain this one to me, as of yet. When I contacted MSI, they were totally unaware of issues running memory at 2-2-2-5-1T on the K8N Neo2 Platinum board. Many thanks for everyone who has helped me thus far. - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wired Posted January 4, 2005 Share Posted January 4, 2005 The memory can do it, the board may not. It's more of a bug than anything else I think, not up to date on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted January 5, 2005 Share Posted January 5, 2005 The memory can do it, the board may not. It's more of a bug than anything else I think, not up to date on it. OK, I have a bit of an update. I can run 2-2-2-5-1T if I DISABLE Aggressive Timing. Is this disabled or enabled by default? I don't recall setting it to ENABLED at any time. What does this setting REALLY do? The description in the manual is vague as it states: "This item allows you to enable or disable the memory clock. When ENABLED is selected, the timing delay of memory will be shorten to increase the performance. Setting options ENABLED, DISABLED." - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted January 5, 2005 Corsair Employees Share Posted January 5, 2005 Aggressive timing means that your telling the MB to auto configure the memory timings to the most aggressive timing that the board can run, and setting up the memory timings manually on the board; will basically create a problem to the system, since the system doesn't know which setting to run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedi Posted January 5, 2005 Share Posted January 5, 2005 Aggressive timing means that your letting the MB auto configure the timings to the most aggressive the board will run too; however you set up the timings manually, and this will give basically confusion to the system, and doesn't know on which one to run. Understood. I will select Manual. I am also going to replace my PSU. That Thermaltake XP480.. I just don't trust it. I am getting inconsistent results. I can try the SAME configuration after changing the BIOS and the system will become unstable, again. Not unstable to the point of crashing, but some of my tests will not complete, like SuperPI. Prime95 seems to be happy and so does 3dMark05 at this point. Thanks for tolerating my ongoing babble. I'm just trying to take notes and figure out what's going on. - Speedi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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