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Solutions to this problem?


BigBadBlo

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Hey Guys!

 

So here's the issue: I came around to finally building a new rig late last winter (the components are listed in my sig below -- except I was running an AMD XP +1700 Thoroughbred-B @ 133Mhz FSB at the time), and when everything was finally installed, I ran Memtest86 and Prime95 religiously for a period of two weeks. Throughout the different burn-in and testing stages the system passed with flying colors -- no memory issues, and Prime was rock solid for +78 hrs.

 

So far so good. No real problems with the system came up. Then, with the release of HL2 I began to notice some severe problems with memory issues. I figured it was Valve's issue and not my rigs, so I waited patiently for the situation to be addressed by Valve. Suffice it to say that once the memory patch was released through Steam, and the memory problems continued ... I became interested if the problem could by with my memory instead.

 

I began by checking with Prime95 v23.8.1 and I wasn't able to make it more than 3-5minutes without a Hardware failure. Memtest86+ v1.40 showed multiple errors (specifically in test 5), sometimes as many as 250+ errors in a test running +3hrs. Othertimes, Memtest86+ would only turn up 5 errors in the same period of time.

 

Not being convinced the problem was in my memory, I began to limit potential problems (mainly with the nForce mobo). First I made sure everything was set to its stock settings: auto on, optimal settings, etc. Reran all tests to the same tune: still plenty of errors and instability. Removed and reseated memory -- still no luck. Retested with each individual stick one at a time -- still plenty of problems. Finally I tried using the different dimm seats, and it still produced errors.

 

So, now believing that it very well could be the memory -- I had a friend try my memory in his rig. At the same time I tried some of his Crucial memory in my system (256mb x2 in Dual Channel), and then I let Memtest86+ run for 18hrs ... and the results? My friend turned up numerous errors with my memory in his system, and his Crucial memory turned up no problems in my system. At this point I'm pretty sure my memory is bad (both sticks).

 

Reseller warranty has expired.

 

Thanks for any help offered.

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  • Corsair Employees

Please load setup defaults in the bios and then set the following timings and test the modules one at a time with http://www.memtest.org to be sure.

CPU Freq: 166 MHz

Memory Frequency: 100%

Dim Voltage to 2.7 Volts

Resulting Frequency: 166MHz

SDRAM CAS Latency: 2.5T

SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay (tRCD): 3T

SDRAM Row Precharge (tRP): 3T

SDRAM Active to Precharge Delay (tRAS): 7T

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RAM GUY...

 

To clarify. My initial post was in reference to problems occurring with the AMD XP +1700 chip @ 133Mhz FSB.

 

In addition, after I installed the new Barton chip @ 166Mhz FSB (as is shown in my sig) I reran tests with both the Corsair memory I own and the Crucial memory of my friends. The Corsair produced errors, the Crucial did not. Sorry I didn't include that info in the initial post.

 

Dimm voltage is as you ask in my BIOS. No change, same problems.

 

Let me know if you want me to try something else.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hey...quick question.

 

I sent the sticks back Dec 21st. Haven't seen or heard anything since then... Should I expect delays since they were sent in over the holidays, or have I missed a step.

 

If anyone has any insight as to how long I should *really* expect the replacement memory to arrive, I'd appreciate it!

 

Thanks,

 

BLO

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You can call them @ 1-888-222-4346 and the customer service department can give you an update if they have gotten it yet or not or if it's been sent out yet or not. Dunno if the holidays slowed it down, but normally you should've gotten it by now. What's your RMA #?
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  • Corsair Employees

Yes indeed you should have gotten the modules back by now.

Please call 888-222-4346 and Dial "0" that will take you right to customer service. Please have your tracking # from the shipper you used to send them and your RMA# when you call.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey RAMGUY!

 

Well, I did indeed receive my two "new?" sticks back from you! Good news is that one stick is working flawlessly so far. Bad news is that the second stick is bad. Errors with MemTest, both on my system and a buddy's. To be absolutely sure its not my board or my friends (same dude who helped me with my initial bad sticks), I had my boss test my memory in his system at the same stock speeds. Errors.

 

So I have two questions now: first, can I get a new RMA number so that I can send this bad stick back, and second, how often does this happen? A stick (which I assume passed at your warehouse) that goes bad in shipping? The reason I ask is not to be pushy or rude, its just that I am a little disappointed that I have to send it back in, pay for shipping, etc. and would like to know if I should expect this to perhaps happen again?

 

Thanks again for all your help in this ... let me know if you need any more info.

 

BLO

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At the moment:

 

CPU Freq = 166mhz

CPU multiplier = Auto (11)

 

System Performance Setting is Optimal

CPU Interface Setting is Optimal

 

Memory Freq is set to Auto (166mhz)

Memory Timings are = 2T, 3, 3, 7

 

So, as far as I can figure, I'm getting errors in Prime95 and MemTest while the memory is underclocked, correct? I mean, this stuff is slated to run at 200mhz, no?

 

BLO

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  • Corsair Employees

Please try and load setup defaults and then set these settings:

CPU Freq = 166mhz

CPU multiplier = Auto (11)

 

System Performance: User Define

CPU Interface Setting is Optimal

 

Memory Freq: 100% (166mhz)

Memory Timings are = 2.5T, 3, 3, 6

SDRAM CAS Latency: 2.5T

SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay (tRCD): 3T

SDRAM Row Precharge (tRP): 3T

SDRAM Active to Precharge Delay (tRAS): 6T ( But if you do Not have a Twinx set set this to 7.)

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  • Corsair Employees

Please reply to the last email you got from our customer service and we will take care of the shipping both ways. But I would like you to send a copy of this post in the package and send then directly to my Attention: if you would.

Or you can call them at 888-222-4346 and Dial "0" that will take you right to customer Service!

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