P6N Diamond Still unstable

[Scopi]

I built a New PC (details in sig.) and had several hard crashes resulting in data corruptions. Turns out I DEFINATELY had some bad memory. RMA'd the memory and replaced the mobo for good measure.

 

I rebuilt the system with the new parts and installed the drivers that came with the hardware.

 

Memory PASSED memtest86+

Memory PASSED Windows memory Diagnostic

 

Memory FAILED Prime95 Blended Test in minutes.

PASSED Prime96 Small FFT test (which barely uses memory) - ran for 6 hours+

Went into BIOS and took memory off of auto, and on to 4-4-4-12 2T * 1.9v on corsairs instructions. All other memory timings were left to default AUTO setting.

Memory FAILED Prime95 Blended Test in minutes ("FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4").

FAILED HotCPU Diagnostic after two hours: Matrix Test, and Sort Test. No other tests failed.

 

Bumped memory voltage up to 1.95 v.

Caused a spontaneous Reboot while running HotCPU.

Reset voltage back to 1.9v.

 

Reran ALL tests with same results.

 

I posted this infomation on the MSI user-to-user forum and got some excellent advice, but I'm still not stable...

 

set the memory to 5-5-5-15 @ 1.85 volts and Prime95 Blend test ran for abour 4 hours on both coreses simultaneously before getting the round error. Imeediately started the test again onlt to have it fail in minutes.

 

Any pointers, advice, resources, etc. appreciated!

[RAM GUY]

The recommended voltage for the 6400C4DHX modules would be 2.1 volts. I would suggest that you load set up defaults, set the voltage and timings manually and then test the modules with PRIME95 individually. If you are getting similar errors with each module individually, there is probably some other issue.

[Scopi]

The recommended voltage for the 6400C4DHX modules would be 2.1 volts. I would suggest that you load set up defaults, set the voltage and timings manually and then test the modules with PRIME95 individually. If you are getting similar errors with each module individually, there is probably some other issue.

 

Thanks, Ram guy! One quick question: When I go to tech support link onthe corsair site and enter my system and RAM information, it shows a grid with 4-4-4-12 @ 1.9v as the correct settings. Is that information incorrect?

 

Thank you,

Scott

[RAM GUY]

There is a 6400 which runs at 5-5-5-12 at 1.9v, however the 6400C4 is tested at 4-4-4-12 at 2.1 volts. Can you show me a link to the page you found with that info?

[Scopi]

There is a 6400 which runs at 5-5-5-12 at 1.9v, however the 6400C4 is tested at 4-4-4-12 at 2.1 volts. Can you show me a link to the page you found with that info?

 

THe URL is http://www.corsair.com/helpdesk/ram_support_b.aspx , but it doesn't seem to support a direct link. I also attached a screencap of the page.

 

Thanks again,

Scott

[RAM GUY]

They will be corrected shortly but the voltage should be 2.1 Volts.

[Scopi]

They will be corrected shortly but the voltage should be 2.1 Volts.

 

 

It must be something else then...

 

Setting it to 2.1 volts results is a SLEW of memtest errors right off the bat. Setting it back to 5-5-5-15 @ 1.85v reslusts in no memtest srrors....so far. Previous experience tells me that it won't pass Prime95 thogh...

 

THanks for trying to help!!

 

Scott

[RAM GUY]

That might suggest a power problem, can you test them on another MB?

[Scopi]

I wish I could! I did try them on another P6N Diamond with all the other components (including the PSU) the same and had similar issues. Only the RAM still threw issues in memtest after resetting to "safe" levels.

 

My guess is tht it's not an issue with the RAM per se, but maybe BIOS settings. Unfortunately, I'm in WAY over my head, so I'll probably need to take it to an expert... That's what I get for trying to build a system when I haven't since the 486 days :(

 

Thanks,

Scott

[RAM GUY]

Let us know how you make out, if it turns out the memory is causing the errors then we will get them replaced for you!

[RAM GUY]

Let us know how you make out, if it turns out the memory is causing the errors then we will get them replaced for you!

[Scopi]

I'm continuing to try and troubleshoot the issue and I am making progress (of sorts). Here are two posts from another forum:

 

UPDATE: I'm still just using one RAM Module, but I swapped the one in the case for the one that I had sitting on the shelf. It appears to be more stable but needs more testing. I still have the looser timings / voltage set. Everything else aside, can it really be the RAM? Considering Corsair's reputation, what are the odds of getting 2 sets of bad RAM??

 

===================================================

 

UPDATE: Running Prime95 for 18+ hours with no issues on 1 stick of RAM.

 

Details: In order to ensure continued domestic tranquility I relocated the PC from the build area (read living room) to my home office. Since I had internet connectivity there, I activated Windows and ran the updates. This included driver updates for the onboard RAID controller as well as the Video Card. I also swapped RAM Modules. Running the first in slot 1 was MORE stable, running the other is what is giving me the 18+ hours of Prime 95. I think that might point to a bad stick, but what are th odds of getting RMA'd a bad stick?

 

CPU-Z reports the bus running at 333 and change with a rated FSB of 1000 and change. nVidia monitor reports both the FSB and Memory running at 666 and change. I left the memory timings at the loose 5-5-5-15 @ 1.85V.

 

So I'm thinking my next steps are:

 

Let Prime95 run to 24 hours

 

If successful, swap the modules and retry. If it fails does this mean another bad stick?

 

With just one (good) stick set the memory back to 4-4-4-12 @2.1v. I still doubt this will pass Memtest86+ though.

 

Try two sticks again?

 

I noticed the MPS Table got set back to 1.1 (fail safe default, maybe?). Leave it as is, or reset to 1.4 (I'm running WinXP pro)?

 

Research and understand all the frequencies. If the CPU is capable of 1000 and change, and the Memory is rated for 800, maybe I need to have them unlinked?

 

Do I need to flash the BIOS? The notes say that it adds support for the 1000+ FSB...

 

Again a HUGE thank you to everyone has given me their help and advice!!

 

Scott

[Scopi]

I'm continuing to try and troubleshoot the issue and I am making progress (of sorts). Here are two posts from another forum:

 

UPDATE: I'm still just using one RAM Module, but I swapped the one in the case for the one that I had sitting on the shelf. It appears to be more stable but needs more testing. I still have the looser timings / voltage set. Everything else aside, can it really be the RAM? Considering Corsair's reputation, what are the odds of getting 2 sets of bad RAM??

 

===================================================

 

UPDATE: Running Prime95 for 18+ hours with no issues on 1 stick of RAM.

 

Details: In order to ensure continued domestic tranquility I relocated the PC from the build area (read living room) to my home office. Since I had internet connectivity there, I activated Windows and ran the updates. This included driver updates for the onboard RAID controller as well as the Video Card. I also swapped RAM Modules. Running the first in slot 1 was MORE stable, running the other is what is giving me the 18+ hours of Prime 95. I think that might point to a bad stick, but what are th odds of getting RMA'd a bad stick?

 

CPU-Z reports the bus running at 333 and change with a rated FSB of 1000 and change. nVidia monitor reports both the FSB and Memory running at 666 and change. I left the memory timings at the loose 5-5-5-15 @ 1.85V.

 

So I'm thinking my next steps are:

 

Let Prime95 run to 24 hours

 

If successful, swap the modules and retry. If it fails does this mean another bad stick?

 

With just one (good) stick set the memory back to 4-4-4-12 @2.1v. I still doubt this will pass Memtest86+ though.

 

Try two sticks again?

 

I noticed the MPS Table got set back to 1.1 (fail safe default, maybe?). Leave it as is, or reset to 1.4 (I'm running WinXP pro)?

 

Research and understand all the frequencies. If the CPU is capable of 1000 and change, and the Memory is rated for 800, maybe I need to have them unlinked?

 

Do I need to flash the BIOS? The notes say that it adds support for the 1000+ FSB...

 

Again a HUGE thank you to everyone has given me their help and advice!!

 

Scott

[RAM GUY]

Please make sure that you have the latest BIOS for your motherboard and then load optimized defaults and set the Memory Voltage to 2.1 volts and then set the timings to 4-4-4-12 (CAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS) and then test the modules one at a time with http://www.memtest.org! Please allow memtest to run 2-3 passes on each module. If you still get errors, we will be happy to replace them!

[Scopi]

Should I manually set the DRAM Frequency to 800 MHz or leave it as is after I reset the optimized defaults?

 

Thanks,

Scott

[RAM GUY]

You can manually adjust the memory frequency to 800MHz.

[Scopi]

Successfully flashed the BIOS to version 1.2. Properly cleared CMOS. Loaded Optimized Defaults. Confirmed Memory Speed set to 800. Manually set timings to 4-4-4-12 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS), left other memory settings on auto: (CMD, tRRD, tRC, tWR, tWTR, tREF) on auto. Set Memory Voltage to 2.1V.

 

Tested each stick individually in the same DIMM slot (the slot closest to the CPU).

 

STICK 1:

 

PASS 0, TEST 5(Block Move, 64 Moves): 205 Errors towards the end

PASS 1, TEST 5: More errors bringing the total to 449

PASS 2, TEST 5: Total now 715 Errors

PASS 3, TEST 5: Total now 916 errors

 

STICK 2:

 

Never saw an error, but never completed a pass: freezes, reboots, garbage characters on screen, etc.

 

Thanks,

Scott

[Scopi]

Successfully flashed the BIOS to version 1.2. Properly cleared CMOS. Loaded Optimized Defaults. Confirmed Memory Speed set to 800. Manually set timings to 4-4-4-12 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS), left other memory settings on auto: (CMD, tRRD, tRC, tWR, tWTR, tREF) on auto. Set Memory Voltage to 2.1V.

 

Tested each stick individually in the same DIMM slot (the slot closest to the CPU).

 

STICK 1:

 

PASS 0, TEST 5(Block Move, 64 Moves): 205 Errors towards the end

PASS 1, TEST 5: More errors bringing the total to 449

PASS 2, TEST 5: Total now 715 Errors

PASS 3, TEST 5: Total now 916 errors

 

STICK 2:

 

Never saw an error, but never completed a pass: freezes, reboots, garbage characters on screen, etc.

 

Thanks,

Scott

[RAM GUY]

The fact that both modules are giving you issues might indicate another problem, however we can replace the set for you if you would like. Please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part! Or “Tech Support Express” and we will be happy to replace them or it, please note that you are posting from the forum!

[RAM GUY]

The fact that both modules are giving you issues might indicate another problem, however we can replace the set for you if you would like. Please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part! Or “Tech Support Express” and we will be happy to replace them or it, please note that you are posting from the forum!

[Scopi]

Thank you, sir. I may take you up on that but before I do, I have a few quick questions / comments if I may:

 

• The memory had already been RMA's once. I think it's highly unlikely that you would send back "bad" RAM. However, it IS possible
  
• If it was an issue external to the RAm, shouldn't I have experienced the same issues with both modules?
  
• I have swapped motherboards (still a p6n Diamond) with the the same results.
  
• The module that passed Prime95 @ 5-5-5-15, 1.85V for 24 hours is the one that is now crashing memtest86+. It runs for almost a full pass, then I start having stability issues. The stability issues become more prevalent unless I let the PC sit powered off for a while. Could this point to aheat issue.
  
• I've stressed the CPU in testing without issue, but could the memory issues be related to a CPU issue?
  

 

Thanks again

Scott

[Scopi]

Thank you, sir. I may take you up on that but before I do, I have a few quick questions / comments if I may:

 

• The memory had already been RMA's once. I think it's highly unlikely that you would send back "bad" RAM. However, it IS possible
  
• If it was an issue external to the RAm, shouldn't I have experienced the same issues with both modules?
  
• I have swapped motherboards (still a p6n Diamond) with the the same results.
  
• The module that passed Prime95 @ 5-5-5-15, 1.85V for 24 hours is the one that is now crashing memtest86+. It runs for almost a full pass, then I start having stability issues. The stability issues become more prevalent unless I let the PC sit powered off for a while. Could this point to aheat issue.
  
• I've stressed the CPU in testing without issue, but could the memory issues be related to a CPU issue?
  

 

Thanks again

Scott

[RAM GUY]

# The memory had already been RMA's once. I think it's highly unlikely that you would send back "bad" RAM. However, it IS possible

# If it was an issue external to the RAm, shouldn't I have experienced the same issues with both modules?

# I have swapped motherboards (still a p6n Diamond) with the the same results.

Let's try replacing the modules and go from there.

The module that passed Prime95 @ 5-5-5-15, 1.85V for 24 hours is the one that is now crashing memtest86+. It runs for almost a full pass, then I start having stability issues. The stability issues become more prevalent unless I let the PC sit powered off for a while. Could this point to a heat issue.

Yes indeed or maybe a power problem.

I've stressed the CPU in testing without issue, but could the memory issues be related to a CPU issue?

Yes of course, if you have bad cache you would get errors in memtest but it might not be from the memory