Maverick3489 Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 I have been using 2GB memory (2.2V version 1.3) without issue since January 2008. Recently however I upgraded from Xp to Windows 7 and decided to purchase two more 1GB modules. On inserting them into their slots and restarting the PC - Windows now refuses to load. I'm assuming that this is because the new modules despite having the same model number operate 2.1V and version 4.3. The Bios seems to recognise them fine on bootup (i.e. 4096) Can anyone please advise on my best course of action? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wired Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Mixing versions / ICs is never recommended. Return the memory and get one pack to replace your current memory (e.g. one 4GB or 8 GB pack). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick3489 Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 Thanks for the reply. I'm afraid i am no expert with regards to memory and I see that Corsair have at least 3 versions of their Corsair 4GB, DDR2, XMS2-8500, 2x240 DIMM 1. TWIN2X4096-8500C5 (£88.45) 2. TWIN2X4096-8500C5C (£79.90) 3. TWIN2X4096-8500C5D (£99.98 All seem to operate at latencies of 5-5-5-15 and all have different costs associated though I appreciate that these vary based on the individual retailer. Can anyone please advise me on which is actually the best value for money? MTIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowbeard Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 None are better then the other. They are all designed and guaranteed to meet the same specifications. Do you still have all 4 modules? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick3489 Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 Yes I currently have all four modules, why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowbeard Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I am guessing you would like to do some troubleshooting before you ship them off for an RMA. They may work together and save you the time and trouble. Try this: Clear CMOS Add 1 set of matched modules Set timings and voltage, manually to 2.2v, 5-5-5-15 and 2T (aka 2N) command rate if your board allows it Manually set memory controller voltage to 1.35v - 1.4v Save, exit, power off, install 2nd set of modules Test for stability. If this fails, disable Legacy USB support in the BIOS and test each module individually with Memtest 4.0 from http://www.memtest.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick3489 Posted November 25, 2009 Author Share Posted November 25, 2009 Thanks Yellowbeard, I appreciate the advice, and i'd appreciate your thoughts on some advice I got from a friend; The different versions you now have are incompatible with each other – voltage is the key, you cannot have two different voltages; if the auto settings keep the voltage at the higher level it will/may fry the new memory and damage the motherboard in the process. If it drops to accommodate the lower voltage, it won’t have enough to work the old ones. I'm thinking of just returning the new 2.1v memory as i'm very much a novice and don't wish to damage anything. I have seen 4GB of memory at a decent price and thinking of just buying this. My old memory runs at 2.2v and the new 4GB worth of memory runs at 2.1v. If I install it do I have to change the Bios to support the lower voltage requirements? Or is this done automatically? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowbeard Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 You'll need to make any voltage changes manually. And, in this case you have 2 potential options but you'll need to test for yourself. Both pairs may run at 2.1v which is safe. Both pairs may also run at 2.2v which is also safe and will not damage the kit rated at 2.2v. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted November 25, 2009 Corsair Employees Share Posted November 25, 2009 With more than one set the tested settings could not be guaranteed. And I would suggest DDR667 or DDR800. And doing an RMA will not solve anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick3489 Posted November 30, 2009 Author Share Posted November 30, 2009 I am guessing you would like to do some troubleshooting before you ship them off for an RMA. They may work together and save you the time and trouble. Try this: Clear CMOS Add 1 set of matched modules Set timings and voltage, manually to 2.2v, 5-5-5-15 and 2T (aka 2N) command rate if your board allows it Manually set memory controller voltage to 1.35v - 1.4v Save, exit, power off, install 2nd set of modules Test for stability. If this fails, disable Legacy USB support in the BIOS and test each module individually with Memtest 4.0 from http://www.memtest.org I looked into the bios for my P5K mb this weekend but couldnt see any way of setting either the voltage and timings to 2.2v, 5-5-5-16. Can you please help? Is it possibly because I didnt clear CMOS? Also what is the difference in setting the voltage to say 2.1v and setting the memory controller voltage to 1.35v - 1.4v? Many thanks in anticipation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowbeard Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 Under the ADVANCED tab, you need to select the MANUAL option. Then, you can make changes to the both the memory voltage and to the memory controller voltage. Also, you may want to familiarize yourself with the section of your manual that details how and where to make these BIOS changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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