kernal18 Posted October 1, 2005 Share Posted October 1, 2005 Hi, my name is Jay Cousins. I have a Soyo SY-P4I875P (Prescott Ready) MB. I am running a P4 3.0GHZ HT Processor and 2 CMX512A-3200C2PT Memory Modules. The gig of RAM is working fine. However, I just came accross 2 CMX256A-3200C2PT memory modules. The 2 512 memory modules are in memroy slots 1 and 2. I thought since the board was dual channel then the channels would run slots 1 and 3, but the board just beeped at me. So, the channels must be 1 and 2, and 3 and 4. The problem is this. When I put the 2 256MB modules in slots 3 and 4, BIOS detects the ram fine, it Verifies DMI correctly, and ESCD updates alright. But, when it goes to load up windows, it either restarts or I get the error message can't find Hal.dll. I have tried every possible combo with the memory to no avial. It seems that if I go to slots 3 and/or 4 Windows will not load. Any combo of any two modules in the first 2 slots works great. My power supply is 400W, and I have also tried flashing the BIOS. Does anyone have a clue to what is going on? Thanks, Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joovilhar Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 To run in dual-channel mode, you should have matched module pairs. These would be installed in both odd or both even-numbered slots. So, 1-3 would work, and 2-4 would work. 1-3 & 2-4 would work, but only if you have matched module pairs - and they play nice with each other. It is not recommended to mix and match, especially if you want to use dual-channel. Your problem is this: You don't have suitable memory pairs - and when you populate your system board, it is expecting the memory to run in dual-channel mode, which it can't do. What you need to do is either: a) eBay the lot and buy yourself a new matched pair (or two new matched pairs) of the same memory type, or: b) Make do with only two modules. It would be worth trying to see if you can get any pair of same-size modules to work in slots 1-3 or 2-4 (but not both). If you cannot do this, you will need to sell all your memory and buy new modules - if you want dual-channel mode, that is. Unfortunately, your motherboard's manual does not indicate any jumper or BIOS option that can force dual-channel mode off - so you're going to have to make sure you have memory that plays nice, if you want to use all four slots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernal18 Posted October 2, 2005 Author Share Posted October 2, 2005 It does say in my manual that if you don't install memory according to the table, then Dual Channel Mode is turned off. No jumper necessary. I assume that is matched pairs is slots 1 and 3 and 2 and 4. The modules are either both CMX512-3200C2P, or CMX256A-3200C2P anyway. The 512 modules are differen revisions, and the 256 arethe same revision. If I try the 256 modules together in slots 1 and 3(Dual Channel) or the 512 modules in the same slots then the board beeps at me. I can understand maybe the 512modules not working together because of the revision number. But, If the memory has the same size and model number including revision, how are they different enough not to work in Dual Channel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandyKid Posted October 3, 2005 Share Posted October 3, 2005 As a test of the 512's, put them in 1 & 3 w/out any other modules and test the setup with Memtest86+. Do the same with the pair of 256's and see if you get any errors. If not, I'd go into the BIOS and relax the memory latencies to 2.5-3-3-7 and see if that helps. That's CAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS and you may also need to set the Command Rate to 2T. Finally, increase the VDimm (DDR Voltage) to 1.75 or 1.8 volts and see if that helps. PLUR CK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernal18 Posted October 3, 2005 Author Share Posted October 3, 2005 CK, I have tried the 512s by themselves in slots 1 and 3, and the board beeps telling me that the memory is wrong. The same with the 256s. I am thinking that it either the board, or a chipset incompitability. I tried the modules on a friends Soyo board that is almost the same excpet it has the 865PE chipset, not the 875, and the thing booted up and ran windows perfectly with all of the memory in it. I have relaxed the latencies to 2.5-3-3-8 with no avail and I can not set the command rate. There is something called the refresh rate that is rated at US units (ex 64us). I don't know what that is. I have pumped volts up to 2.8V. Is the 1.75 and 1.8 the Voltage for the processor that you mentioned? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandyKid Posted October 3, 2005 Share Posted October 3, 2005 Oops, no, I meant 2.75 or 2.8 volts for the memory. Also, if the modules work fine on a different system but fail (even with fewer of them) on yours, I'd say your mainboard is going out or your PSU has a faulty rail. PLUR CK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernal18 Posted October 3, 2005 Author Share Posted October 3, 2005 Well, If I move the second 512 stick to slot 2 then the system recognizes it and boots up fine. It is just when I try to use the third or foruth slot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandyKid Posted October 3, 2005 Share Posted October 3, 2005 The 3rd and 4th slot should be on the second memory channel, thus it sounds like your chipset has an issue (the memory controller is in the chipset). Try modules in JUST the 3rd and 4th slots. PLUR CK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernal18 Posted October 3, 2005 Author Share Posted October 3, 2005 Got it, so I should return the MB and get a new one. Thanks for the help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandyKid Posted October 3, 2005 Share Posted October 3, 2005 Right, if you can't get it to work with even just one module in either the 3rd or 4th memory slot, then it's probably the mainboard/MCH. More-so if it works with the same module in the 1st or 2nd slot. PLUR CK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employee RAM GUY Posted October 3, 2005 Corsair Employee Share Posted October 3, 2005 Yes, but I would check with the MB maker and see if there is a newer bios available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernal18 Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 Yep I have flashed it to the latest which is Sept of 2004. Looks like I will be getting a new board. Thanks again for everyone's help. JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandyKid Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Please let us know what happens, this one peaked my curiosity! PLUR CK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employee RAM GUY Posted October 5, 2005 Corsair Employee Share Posted October 5, 2005 Dont forget to load setup/optimized defaults after you update the bios, and please let us know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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