Having problems with 4*2 GB Dominator CL4 800

[HTC]

Here's a prime95 run i made with 8 GB:

 

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5748/20080918091508ge3.th.png

 

 

The above test was made with these settings (Load Line Calibration is disabled):

 

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9315/biossettingsdm9.th.jpg

 

The board overvolts and you can check the prime95 pic for correct volts on everything.

 

 

All seems good, yes? WRONG, and here's why (using the exact same setup):

 

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/295/8gbfailedtestyd5.th.jpg

 

 

Took 3 sticks out and left only the one of Bank 0 and got this (stick #1, for referencing purposes):

 

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7264/stick1yf2.th.jpg

 

 

Got this with stick #2 (tested in bank 1):

 

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5482/stick2bt8.th.jpg

 

 

Got this with stick #3 (tested in bank 1 as well):

 

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9954/stick3ob3.th.jpg

 

Stick #1 and stick #3 are of the same kit.

 

 

I'll edit this topic when i finish the test for stick #4.

 

 

 

I'm having stability probs when i OC. Even @ 840 MHz, i haven't been able to get a good prime95 run: best i got was 1 hour and 40 minutes before the PC crashed and restarted.

 

With the 4*1 GB Dominator CL4 800 that i also own, i managed to get to 940 with 2.12 volts in BIOS (2.18 real).

 

 

Here's the BIOS tweak page i had for 4*1 GB:

 

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : auto
CPU Ratio Setting : 8
FSB Frequency : 442
FSB Strap to North Bridge : Auto
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-884
DRAM Command Rate : Auto
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 4
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 4
RAS# Precharge : 4
RAS# ActivateTime : 12
RAS# to RAS# Delay : Auto
REF Cycle Time : Auto
Write Recovery Time : Auto
Read to PRE Time : Auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : Auto

Write to PRE Delay : Auto
Read to PRE Delay : Auto
PRE to PRE Delay : Auto
All PRE to Act Delay : Auto
All PRE to REF Delay : Auto

DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
AI Clock Twister : Stronger
AI Transaction Booster : Manual
Common performance level : 7
Pull-In of CHA PH1 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH2 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH3 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH4 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH1 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH2 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH3 - Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH4 - Disabled

CPU Voltage : 1.38750v
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.52v
North Bridge Voltage : 1.35v
DRAM Voltage : 2.04v
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.3v
South Bridge Voltage : Auto
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage : Auto
Loadline Calibration : Disabled
CPU GTL Reference : Auto
North Bridge GTL Reference : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto

CPU Led Selection : CPU Voltage
North Bridge Led Selection : NB Voltage
South Bridge Led Selection : SB Voltage
Voltiminder Led : Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

 

I know that 4*2 GB are harder to OC then 4*1 GB but i was hopping for @ least 884 MHz, which was what i had the 4*1 GB for 24/7 use (8*442 in the CPU for 3536 MHz): tried that with the 4*2 GB and it refuses to boot. In fact, anything above 430 either boots but doesn't reach windows or doesn't boot @ all, regardless of the voltages applied :(

 

 

Do i have a case for a RMA, where i bought them?

 

EDIT

 

Got this with stick #4 (tested in bank 0):

 

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/4665/stick4uh8.th.jpg

 

The only one that passed the test: this stick makes pair with stick #2.

 

 

Apparently, i posted this in the wrong area: please accept my apologies for that!

[Wired]

Can you run all 4 sticks together @ DDR2-800 w/ no problems?

 

Also... that's the wrong memtest.

 

Correct one: Memtest86+

[HTC]

Can you run all 4 sticks together @ DDR2-800 w/ no problems?

 

Also... that's the wrong memtest.

 

Correct one: Memtest86+

 

 

Together, yes, but with problems. Sometimes, it crashes for no apparent reason and i suspect it's the RAM

 

 

Wrong version, really? Was unaware of this :(

 

I'll redo all tests with this one, but it will take a while: will post them as i finish them.

[HTC]

Here are 2 pics of stick #1:

 

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8040/stick1pic1va1.th.jpg

 

And

 

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4787/stick1pic2fr1.th.jpg

 

 

All seemed well ... but it wasn't :(

 

 

Will post again, when i finish tests on stick #2.

[Wired]

Wondering if 1 error in 10 hours / 18 loops is just a fluke.

[RAM GUY]

Wondering if 1 error in 10 hours / 18 loops is just a fluke.

 

Usually a single error after that many loops would indicate just that. I would test each module individually in the slot closest to the CPU and just let it run 2-3 passes. If there is a failing memory module, you should see some errors within that time.

[HTC]

Usually a single error after that many loops would indicate just that. I would test each module individually in the slot closest to the CPU and just let it run 2-3 passes. If there is a failing memory module, you should see some errors within that time.

 

I'm testing each module separately, in the slot where it lies when all 4 sticks are placed.

 

Stick #1 was tested in bank #0 of the board.

 

As for the error being a fluke or not, i was under the impression that even 1 error was 1 error too many, regardless of how many passes, but i admit: i'm not knowledgeable about this.

 

 

Here's test on stick #2 (bank #1 of the board):

 

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/4700/stick2pic1yk0.th.jpg

 

Apologies for the pic's quality: photography isn't one of my specialties.

[RAM GUY]

A single error like that after that many passes would suggest there may be some issue but not a failing memory module, that would suggest some type of thermal or voltage problem with that type of specific error.

[HTC]

A single error like that after that many passes would suggest there may be some issue but not a failing memory module, that would suggest some type of thermal or voltage problem with that tyep of specific error.

 

I see: does that mean that, should i have the PC doing heavy-duty work for like 30 hours or so, that particular error won't crash my PC and thus make me lose time and / or work?

 

 

Here's stick #3, tested in bank #2 of the board:

 

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/3348/stick3pic1qu4.th.jpg

 

2 of the errors seem in the same address: that does not bode well :(

 

NOTE: stick #1 and stick #3 are of the same kit.

[RAM GUY]

Take out your sound card and test the modules one at a time with the tested settings in slot 0ne and then let me know on what test you get errors if any?

[HTC]

Take out your sound card and test the modules one at a time wt the tested settings in slots 0ne and then let me know on what test you get errors if any.

 

As for removing the sound card, i had no idea that a sound card could interfere with RAM, but i'll do what you suggest. I'm assuming you mean the closest slot to the CPU, which is bank #0 (blue slot): will post results as i get them.

 

 

Here's what i got for the stick #4 test:

 

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/9476/stick4pic1hc2.th.jpg

 

NOTE: stick #2 and stick #4 are of the same kit.

 

Sticks #1 and #3 were placed in blue memory slots while sticks #2 and #4 were placed in the white ones: i wonder if this has any significance.

[RAM GUY]

An E6850 CPU will run at 3000Mhz are you over clocking the CPU? If so please do not over clock when testing the memory and the errors you are getting would suggest some other problem.

[HTC]

An E6850 CPU will run at 3000Mhz are you over clocking the CPU? If so please do not over clock when testing the memory and the errors you are getting would suggest some other problem.

 

Here's what i got this time (with no sound card and the stick on bank #0):

 

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9527/stick1withcpuat3600mhzyk1.th.jpg

 

 

I wasn't OCing the RAM: only the CPU. I thought it was OK.

 

 

Will re-do test on stick #1 with CPU @ 3 GHz.

 

NOTE: stick #1, in this latest test, is the same stick #1 of the previous tests, in this thread. The same will apply for the other sticks.

[RAM GUY]

Errros in test 5-8 would suggest some other problem as I said before, if you had a failing module they will normally fail in the first 4 tests and the errors will be consistent as soon as that test starts. Getting errors after that many tests would suggest some other problem and since you are over clocking the CPU that would be my first suspect.

[HTC]

Errros in test 5-8 would suggest some other problem as I said before, if you had a failing module they will normally fail in the first 4 tests and the errors will be consistent as soon as that test starts. Getting errors after that many tests would suggest some other problem and since you are over clocking the CPU that would be my first suspect.

 

I thought it was the other way around. When i tested my 1 GB sticks ( the ones i used before these 2 GB ones), i would get errors in test 5 all the time, with one of the kits. This was with the older version of MemTest, though!

 

 

Here's the result of stick #1 with the CPU @ stock:

 

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3505/stick1withcpuat3ghznj4.th.jpg

 

 

Could NOT do test on stick #2 because it refuses to boot in ANY of the blue slots, though it boots just fine in the white ones.

 

I've noticed this before, with the board. In fact, i returned the board to the store because of it but they tested it and it booted just fine :confused: so i got it returned.

 

Does the RAM have anything to do with this? I mean: it boots fine in all slots, using 1 of the kits, but only on the white slots, using the other: this a RAM thing or a board thing?

 

Anyways: should i continue and test stick #3?

 

EDIT

 

Forgot to mention (i dunno if this has any relevance or not):

 

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2986/wierderrorfz6.th.jpg

 

 

I got this when, using all 4 sticks with the CPU @ stock, tried to shut down Windows. Because it says "Memory_Management", i thought it might help in some way.

 

It's the 1st time i came across that error.

[RAM GUY]

From the results you are getting, it could be the memory, the motherboard, or both. If possible, I would test the memory in a different system to see if the problems follow the memory. If they do, then we will want to replace the set for you. You can use the On Line RMA Request Form and we will be happy to replace them. Be sure to check the box that says “I've already spoken to Technical Support and/or RAM Guy.”

 

Normally if a module is working in any DIMM slot on the board, then it should work in every slot. However it sounds like the slots that you are having trouble with are working fine with different modules, which is strange.

[HTC]

From the results you are getting, it could be the memory, the motherboard, or both. If possible, I would test the memory in a different system to see if the problems follow the memory. If they do, then we will want to replace the set for you. You can use the On Line RMA Request Form and we will be happy to replace them. Be sure to check the box that says “I've already spoken to Technical Support and/or RAM Guy.”

 

Normally if a module is working in any DIMM slot on the board, then it should work in every slot. However it sounds like the slots that you are having trouble with are working fine with different modules, which is strange.

 

Exactly: that's what baffles me the most :confused:

 

It's further weird if you consider that the kit that refuses to boot in the blue slots was the one that gave no errors with the CPU OCed, tested in the white slots.

 

 

I don't have another system so, unless i take it to the store, which is quite far away (over 100 Km, and my transportation is a bike plus: electronics on a bike = potential disaster ...), i can't test it that easily.

 

Last time, i took the whole board there (by train) and was without PC for 11 days.

 

Should i try and contact Asus technical support regarding this board issue?

[RAM GUY]

Should i try and contact Asus technical support regarding this board issue?

 

I would definitely get their input and see what they say. I'm leaning towards some sort of voltage regulation issue on the board, which may explain why certain slots are working when the system is overclocked. But it is hard to know for sure unless you can test the memory in a different system. The only other thing to try might be to run 2-3 passes (or until you get errors) of memtest on each module in each slot, and see if your results allow us to narrow down the problem to either a particular memory module, or a certain slot on the board. Let us know how it goes, and if it looks like replacing the memory is the best solution we can do that for you.

[HTC]

I would definitely get their input and see what they say. I'm leaning towards some sort of voltage regulation issue on the board, which may explain why certain slots are working when the system is overclocked. But it is hard to know for sure unless you can test the memory in a different system. The only other thing to try might be to run 2-3 passes (or until you get errors) of memtest on each module in each slot, and see if your results allow us to narrow down the problem to either a particular memory module, or a certain slot on the board. Let us know how it goes, and if it looks like replacing the memory is the best solution we can do that for you.

 

I'll give it a shot, then!

 

One thing concerns me, though: this RAM isn't in their QVL list:

 

http://www.asus.com/999/download/products/2070/2070_10.pdf

 

 

Regarding the tests on the RAM, though i can do the tests, i have to return the camera to her owner and so i'll be unable to get pics, for a while. She'll lend it to me again, but not right now. I can still give the error results if any, though: i just have to write them down, instead of showing them!

[RAM GUY]

One thing concerns me, though: this RAM isn't in their QVL list:

 

http://www.asus.com/999/download/products/2070/2070_10.pdf

 

QVL just shows you what Asus has tested, they do not test every part number from every manufacturer. We have tested this board with our parts, and it should be compatible with any of our DDR2 modules.

 

Don't worry about the pictures, just let us know which test you see failures on, and that should be fine.

[HTC]

QVL just shows you what Asus has tested, they do not test every part number from every manufacturer. We have tested this board with our parts, and it should be compatible with any of our DDR2 modules.

 

Don't worry about the pictures, just let us know which test you see failures on, and that should be fine.

 

Good to know :)

 

Will post as i finish tests and all 4 slots with each stick.

[HTC]

Apologies for taking a while: needed the PC for a big project.

 

 

Here are the test results for Sticks #1 and #2 in all 4 slots: i tested them with BIOS 0501 (latest beta BIOS).

 

Stick #1 in slot #1:

 

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4403/stick1slot1lj2.th.jpghttp://img525.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

Stick #1 in Slot #2:

 

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6673/stick1slot2qk7.th.jpghttp://img521.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

Stick #1 in slot #3:

 

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4936/stick1slot3mw8.th.jpghttp://img523.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

Stick #1 in slot #4:

 

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/937/stick1slot4yo3.th.jpghttp://img523.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

Stick #2 in slot #1 will NOT boot: DET RAM in LCD poster.

 

Stick #2 in slot #2:

 

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/5391/stick2slot2nx5.th.jpghttp://img159.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

Stick #2 in slot #3 will NOT boot: DET RAM in LCD poster.

 

Stick #2 in slot #4:

 

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9400/stick2slot4sa7.th.jpghttp://img515.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

 

Will do sticks #3 and #4 as soon as possible!

 

 

Was unable to make a technical inquiry on Asus' site :eek: :confused: on the day of my previous post: will try again now.

 

EDIT

 

Success on the technical inquiry, this time: waiting for the reply.

[RAM GUY]

Can you tell me what settings you have changed for the CPU and memory in the BIOS for these tests?

[HTC]

Can you tell me what settings you have changed for the CPU and memory in the BIOS for these tests?

 

With the exception of when i had the OC on the CPU, i haven't changed a thing from when i had BIOS version 0410.

 

Here are pics of my "Extreme Tweaker" BIOS page:

 

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/530/extremetweakerpart1wt2.th.jpghttp://img512.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2672/extremetweakerpart2ya1.th.jpghttp://img512.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8238/extremetweakerpart3ij9.th.jpghttp://img512.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9189/extremetweakerpart4yi0.th.jpghttp://img100.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

 

 

I think i don't have anything wrong but, in case i do and you spot it, please notify me.

 

I hope this answers your question!

 

Btw, i recieved a reply to my technical inquiry: they said to check if this RAM was in the QVL ...

I told them what you told me regarding compatibility and pointed them to this topic.

[RAM GUY]

We are chasing our tails here with this MB and until you can test the modules in a known working MB I am not sure there is much we can do.

 

Please make sure that you have the latest Bios version and then load setup/optimized defaults and set the Dim Voltage to 2.1 volts 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.

 

With 4 modules I would suggest setting the memory frequency at DDR667 and set the memory Voltage to 2.1 Volts and set the NB/MCH/SPP Voltage to +.2 Volts as well and test the system with http://www.memtest.org. In addition, with some MB's (Mostly ASUS) you have to disable legacy USB in the bios when running any memory test.