breaker Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hi, I've been running 2 pairs of this RAM at 800Mhz 4-4-4-12 @ 2.1V since I built my system last Summer and read the recommendation here. The 1066MHz 5-5-5-15 @ 2.2V sadly wasn't stable. Recently, I noticed when I ran a SHA-1 or SHA-256 hash on a large (4 Gbyte) file, the checksum was different every time! So, I put the sticks in one at a time using 800MHz 5-5-5-15 @ 2.1V. Using Memtest86+ 1.70 for one pass: Stick 1 Pair 1: 23 errors Stick 2 Pair 1: 100+ errors Stick 1 Pair 2: ZERO errors, even after 10 passes. Stick 2 Pair 2: Tens of thousands of errors. Same story in the other Mobo slots. Very sad. I bought the RAM because Gigabyte recommended it, and it showed up on the Corsair RAM configurator. Thanks, breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted January 25, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted January 25, 2008 That might suggest some other problem, but I would try and make sure that you have the latest Bios version and then load setup/optimized defaults and set the Dim Voltage to 2.1 volts (+.3 Volts W/Giga-Byte) and then set the timings manually to the tested settings for the specific module you have, or if you have Value Select "BY SPD" and then test the module/'s one at a time with http://www.memtest.org! If you still get errors, please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it! However, if you get errors with both modules that would suggest some other problem and I would test them in another system or MB to be sure. In addition, with some MB's (Mostly ASUS) you have to disable legacy USB in the bios when running any memory test. Please make sure that you use Memtest86 + Ver 1.70 and there was some isses with that MB and you might have to go back a version of the BIOS if I remember correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Thank you for your reply. I did load the optimized defaults and set the timings manually before the tests, and I did the tests one at a time, and I used Memtest86+ 1.70. I know how to use CTRL+F1 and set everything manually. Legacy USB is disabled, thanks. I haven't checked my BIOS rev, but my Mobo is a Rev1.1 board. (I know these are different things entirely). I will check and retry. I have good airflow for cooling. :!: However, in my previous post I already did state that: I tested each stick one at a time. I already said I ran one of my battery of tests with it set for timings of 800MHz, 5-5-5-15, and 2.1V. ONE stick was PERFECT, even after 10 passes of Memtest86+. :question: So, why would you think if one is good and 3 are bad it suggests another problem? I'm not trying to be rude, I am just wondering. However, from reading other posts, I thought you might suggest the BIOS update. Which BIOS version had an issue for that Mobo? Thanks, breaker P.S. Is Ramguy one person or is it just the handle for whomever is monitoring the boards on a given shift? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted January 26, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted January 26, 2008 we can get them replaced, but I think if you check there is a Bios that may be causing this I am sorry I do not remember the specifics but I would suggest going back a version and see if the errors change. But I have not problem replacing them, please use the On Line RMA Request Form and we will be happy to replace them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 26, 2008 Author Share Posted January 26, 2008 Thanks. Of course, I would rather get them working as opposed to RMA. I'll let you know how the BIOS thing goes. I really don't want to be without a computer for a month or so. Well... I guess there is my old Windows 98 machine in the closet, LOL. Aside from BIOS, PSU, cooling, and motherboard issues, what else can cause memory errors? breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted January 26, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted January 26, 2008 You might run the Microsoft memory diag. tool and see if it reports errors as well. And you are not mixing memory are you? I just noticed you stated you had other modules in the system?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 27, 2008 Author Share Posted January 27, 2008 You might run the Microsoft memory diag. tool and see if it reports errors as well. And you are not mixing memory are you? I just noticed you stated you had other modules in the system?? Ramguy, :dunno: I never stated I had other modules in the system. I am very sorry my posts are not clearly understood, if you refer to something I have written, please quote me to so I may clarify. :idea: Please refer to the "breaker's PC specs" for accurate information regarding my computer hardware. However, for the record, I have 2 sets of TWINX2048-8500C5D for a total of 4 Gigabytes of RAM. Both matched pairs, indeed all 4 sticks, are from the same LOT. Let me break it down for you: XMS version: XMS8505v1.2 LOT number: 07301710 All four sticks are from the same lot. I used to work at a semiconductor wafer fab, so I know that different lots can have subtle differences. Some lots also have a higher failure rate than others. Life goes on. Anyway, I know it is important to match sticks of RAM, that's why I bought them all together at the same time. I also bought Corsair RAM because it has a lifetime Warranty, that's why I was willing to pay so much for it. Please see my next post concerning all of the steps and tests I have performed per your recommendations. Thanks, breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 27, 2008 Author Share Posted January 27, 2008 OKAY, I AM STILL GETTING ERRORS WITH MEMTEST86+ v1.70 First you said to make sure I had the latest BIOS version, then you said to go back one version. I only had BIOS version F2, so the previous release was the F1 First Release version. I decided against that version. http://www.gigabyte.us/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=2524 HERE IS WHAT I DID: 1) Updated my BIOS to the latest version (F10) using the embedded Q-Flash utility per my motherboard manual. 2) Of course I "Loaded Optimized Defaults" saved CMOS settings and rebooted. 3) Then I went back in the BIOS setup and turned off "Legacy USB storage detect." 4) I manually set up the "System Memory Multiplier" so I was running at 800MHz, however one pair, let alone one stick should run at the rated 1066MHz. :!::!: 5) I manually set the timings to 5-5-5-15, and the voltage +0.3 (to make it 2.1V). 6) Saved and restarted, etc, turned off the computer, unplugged it, put on my anti-static wrist strap, and installed the first stick of RAM. NOTE: Even though these sticks of RAM are from the SAME lot, I have been careful to keep track of each matched pair. 7) I tested each stick ONE by ONE using Memtest86+ v1.70 Lets call my two sets "PAIR A" and "PAIR B." :!: RESULTS: PAIR A Stick ONE: Passes of Memtest86+: 3, 0 errors Stick TWO: Passes of Memtest86+: 3, aprox. 700,000 errors per pass, for a total of just over 2 million errors. Failures on all tests 0 through 8. PAIR B Stick ONE: Passes of Memtest86+: 7, 354 errors on the first pass, aprox. 2000 errors after all 7 passes. Failures on tests 1 through 8. Stick TWO: Passes of Memtest86+: 3, Strange, only one error: Pass 2, 9 errors on test #6. So I tried Stick TWO again: 0 errors after 7 passes. :mad: So, it seems I may have one bad stick per matched pair, should I RMA? Do you still think I should try the Microsoft tool? - breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 27, 2008 Author Share Posted January 27, 2008 UPDATE: I tried the WMD (Windows Memory Diagnostic) program. LINK: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp The same 2 sticks failed, and the same 2 sticks passed - 1 from each pair. I used different DIMM slots this time to recheck that aspect. The 2 that failed, failed all 6 tests. I think the problem is the RAM. I am filling out the online RMA right now. Thanks, breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 28, 2008 Author Share Posted January 28, 2008 The only bad thing is when I flashed my BIOS and "Loaded Optimized Defaults", and re-input my desired settings, now my RAID array says that the first HDD is no longer a RAID disk, so now I have lost everything on that stripe. It is my fault, I should have backed it up. Let this be a warning to all, back up your data before you flash your BIOS, especially on a RAID 0. breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee_Kay Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 The only bad thing is when I flashed my BIOS and "Loaded Optimized Defaults", and re-input my desired settings, now my RAID array says that the first HDD is no longer a RAID disk, so now I have lost everything on that stripe. It is my fault, I should have backed it up. Let this be a warning to all, back up your data before you flash your BIOS, especially on a RAID 0. breaker Actually what you did is you flashed the bios reset the bios to load optimized defaults then you forgot to set the intel raid controller to RAID from none raid. So when it booted the first time and you saw the Root/system32 file is not found of currupt you remembered you forgot to set the raid up. But sadly that drive had already been marked none raid disc so your raid was distroyed. Thats really the lesson here. WHEN YOU RESET YOUR BIOS NEVER FORGET TO MAKE SURE YOUR RAID IS SET UP BEFORE SAVING AND EXIT...... Your not the first nor will you be the last to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted January 29, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted January 29, 2008 Please use the RMA request found in TSXpress or 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...
breaker Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Actually what you did is you flashed the bios reset the bios to load optimized defaults then you forgot to set the intel raid controller to RAID from none raid. So when it booted the first time and you saw the Root/system32 file is not found of currupt you remembered you forgot to set the raid up. But sadly that drive had already been marked none raid disc so your raid was distroyed. Thats really the lesson here. WHEN YOU RESET YOUR BIOS NEVER FORGET TO MAKE SURE YOUR RAID IS SET UP BEFORE SAVING AND EXIT...... Your not the first nor will you be the last to do it. No. My RAID was not my boot drive. After I loaded optimized defaults, I saved, restarted, entered setup again, then picked RAID. But maybe I didn't need to reboot before making my custom changes? But, yes, somewhere in there the BIOS reset the drive to non-RAID. Thankfully, it wasn't my boot disk, that's a pain. That could happen though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Please use the RMA request found in TSXpress or follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it! Ramguy, OK. Thanks for all of your help and input. I already did the online RMA form, just waiting for an email. Somehow I didn't pick the TSXpress option, oops. Thanks much, breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted January 29, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted January 29, 2008 Let us know if you have anymore questions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted February 21, 2008 Author Share Posted February 21, 2008 Let us know if you have anymore questions! I got my 2 pairs of TWIN2X2048-8500C5D back from RMA, thanks. However, I got one set ver1.2 and the other ver2.3! I guess Corsair is not thoughtful about this. I sent in matching versions, so I should get the same back! I guess they just want to do their job and go home (whomever packs up the box). Or is it a way to encourage me to buy from another vendor? Or to run 2 sticks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted February 21, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted February 21, 2008 I am sorry but you will need to call our customer service at 888-222-4346 or 510-657-8747 Ext “0” or send them an email (rmaservice@corsairmemory.com) with your RMA# and ask them if they can get you a matched set! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breaker Posted February 22, 2008 Author Share Posted February 22, 2008 OK, thanks, I guess I knew that. The RMA itself was great, it only took 18 days total. Corsair has a great forum here. Thanks Ramguy for all of the support and help. :): -breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted February 22, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted February 22, 2008 No problem, let us know if you have anymore issues! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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