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CMX4GX3M2A1600C7 give BSOD when "cold boot"

gnayres

By gnayres
in Memory

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gnayres

gnayres

Posted
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I have just setup a new system at the beginning of this month.

I encountered lots of random BSOD whenever I startup the system the first time for the day.

 

I have did the MEMTEST, IntelBurn Test, Furmark and many other tests and the system passed with flying colors....(no errors)

 

Later, I was told that I have a "cold boot" issue, meaning after 6-8hours shutdown, I get BSOD when it load into windows...

 

Pins on the processor socket was checked and all other power/sata/usb connection were "re-seated".

Everything was in good condition, but the BSOD still "haunt" me daily...

 

Not giving up, I did some reading up in many forums reagrding similar issues...

I would think that the culprit might be the memory controller issue (IMC)... but not too sure

 

Below are the spec for my memory

 

CMX4GX3M2A1600C7

Speed Rating: PC3-12800

Tested Speed: 1600Mhz

Size: 4GB Kit (2 x 2GB)

Tested Latency: 7-8-7-20

Tested Voltage: 1.65

Performance Profile: XMP

SPD Speed: 1333Mhz

SPD Latency: 7-7-7-20

 

 

I have set the timing and voltage accoding to the cosair specs but I still get BSOD..

I tried runing everything is AUTO + STANDARD mode. Result speed is 1333Mhz 9-9-9-24 1T with no BSOD even during a "cold boot"...

 

Whenever I want to use the memory to the spec, it fails....

 

Any kind soul would care to advise??

I would really like to use the memory to its specified performance...

 

Many thanks... :((((

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trackrat

trackrat

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Just because memory is speed rated higher than the default CPU memory speed does NOT mean that your system will be able to run the memory at the CPU OC'd rated speed without errors. The memory may be just fine but the CPU/Mobo/PSU or BIOS settings can be incompatible with a higher than default CPU memory speed that you are attempting to use.
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gnayres

gnayres

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I understand your point. But I read from other thread within this forum, someone mentioned that this product was intended for i5/i7... I am puzzled... what's the point if I paid a higher price for this but run at the lower spec when I can get the one with the same lowered spec for a lower price??? hmm... not sure if if understand me here... but, in a nutshell... I just hope this product can perform like its specification... Just like my older system on the DDR2 DHX with no issue... but this one..... :( :( :(
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gnayres

gnayres

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Thanks for the link.

 

I am not sure is it considered overclocking for my case, my i7-870 was left at default setting with not increase of any clock speed (i.e. BCLK), only setting that enabled are Intel Speedstep and intel turbo. Clock multiplier was left untouched and managed by the BIOS. (Default is 22x)

 

As for the RAM, I used the XMP profile which show the exact same settings as the specified timing and voltage, which failed.

Used manual setting with/without XMP profile, manually set timing and voltage to the specification, still fails..

 

So, which part is overclocked and which is not, I am really confused now.

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gnayres

gnayres

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For more info, below are some image that may help in understanding my problem and settings.

 

These are some BOSD I faced at random

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5042768503_055185334a_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5043394644_27655fa3dd_b.jpg

 

This is MEMTEST halfway through..

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5043396472_c24ff5671e_b.jpg

 

These are my BIOS settings: Please advise what need to be changed or manually in put. I do not mind 100% manual settings

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5043398120_72656a43d1_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5042775847_9164de4a6a_b.jpg

 

This are the CPUID readouts

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5043400124_2ca7b2b508_b.jpg

 

Please advise if there is any other setting needs to be changed.

PS: I also post this on EVGA forum, trying to get as many inputs as possible.

 

Many thanks!

 

 

Cheers!

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gnayres

gnayres

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The part number you listed isn't rated 1600C7 4-up. Try loosening the timings to 9-9-9-24-2T and see if that helps.

 

Hi RAM GUY, thanks for the info.

 

So, do I need to change to a 8g kit CMX8GX3M4A1600C9 or CMX8GX3M4A1600C8?

Or, would you recommend me getting the Dom GT CMG4GX3M2A2000C8 x 2set?

 

Or maybe, can I run 8-8-8-24-2T for the current 4-up set?

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trackrat

trackrat

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The only way to know for sure if your current memory will function properly with 8-8-8-24 2T timings is to test it.

 

The fact that your PC runs fine at 9-9-9-24 1T @ 1333 MHz. means the issue is likely that you are trying to run the 8GB. of memory with settings for 4 GB. of memory and that usually will not work.

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gnayres

gnayres

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Agreed, I just got another BSOD after using some setting recommended by some members.

 

Well, I will try out a STANDARD profile @ 1600MHz 8-8-8-24 auto CR (now is at 2T) with manual DRAM 1.65v and VTT Bootup/Eventual at 1.2v... let's wait till tomorrow's cold boot to find out. as of now.. running fine after reboot from BSOD from previous setting....

 

I do wonder.... "for these 'hand-picked' rams, do I need 'hand-picked' CPU too?" :s

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trackrat

trackrat

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The RAM is tested and approved to run at higher speeds than the CPUs for people who want to try their hand at overclocking. The CPU makers do not approve their CPUs for overclocking purposes. The CPU/Mobo/PSU and RAM must all be capable of running at higher than normal frequencies for a system to run stable when overclocked. Many PCs will not do this.

 

Overclocking is like the lottery: There are many possible combinations but only a few that produce winning results. Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to overclocking. If you're able to tune your hardware to run beyond it's guaranteed performance, then you got something for free. If not then you got what you paid for. ;):

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trackrat

trackrat

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hmm... make sense, but why did I paid for a RAM with 1600MHz 7-8-7-20 and it can only run at 1333MHz 9-9-9-24? I should have just buy the 1333MHz 9-9-9-24 set instead... hahaha... well well...

 

Because you were hoping to be able to OC your PC beyond it's guaranteed performance level. ;):

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gnayres

gnayres

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Oh... this is sad :( buying a HOPE that will never realise... haha...

Pardon me if this may sound silly... even if the mobo manufacturer has a specification the memory used can be of 2600MHz, it still depends on the CPU's 'willing-ness' to OC? hmmm.... correct me if i am wrong ya...

 

Anyway, just for your info. All tests done are not just on 4-up.

They failed just as bad for 2 'hand-picked' modules too... hahaha....

 

Well, I thought I can try out with 4-up and hoping that others can chip in with their findings...

I'll still post my results here, for those who appreciates of cause... and HOPE that this HOPE can be realise... hahaha...

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trackrat

trackrat

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YES all of the components - especially the CPU/memory controller, must be willing to run at a higher than OE spec frequency for you to run RAM beyond the CPU memory specs. If any of the hardware is unwilling your PC will malfunction. It doesn't matter if the memory/mobo is rated to run at UP TO 100,000,000 MHz. memory speed if the CPU will only run memory at 1066 MHz. stable. The slowest frequency hardware device will control the maximum system frequency/stability. That is precisely why CPU makers tell you the memory frequency they designed the CPU to support.

 

Good memory can't force a CPU or other hardware item to run at a higher frequency than it will function at reliably. It doesn't work that way. ;):

 

Until you test every possible combination of memory settings, there is still "hope" that you might be able to run the memory OC'd. :D:

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gnayres

gnayres

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ok, a bit of light here...thanks..

 

But, another question, not sure if you are able to advise.

I am using at i7-870 with default CPU speed is 2.93GHz (133x22)

 

And the following are the settings in the BIOS and if it's considered OC'd.

 

CPU speed is 2.93GHz (133x22) as per default <= is this OC'd?

RAM speed is 1600MHz as per spec (133x12?) <= is this OC'd?

 

This also lead my to another question.

The base clock is 133, CPU is x22 and MEM is x12 for my setting, and if this is considered OC'd. (ie 22:12 ratio for CPU:MEM)

 

Then, for 'so-called' not OC'd MEM running at 1333 (133x10?), this is not considered OC'd? (ie the ratio is 22:10 for CPU:MEM)

 

Please help me understand this. :)

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trackrat

trackrat

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Intel shows the default CPU multiplier to be "22" for the 2.93 MHz. frequency on the i7-870 CPU. They also advise this CPU can use either 1066/1333 MHz. DDR3 RAM. To run the memory at 1066 MHz. you use an (8) memory multiplier. To run at 1333 MHz. you use a "10" memory multiplier. Use of 12 x 133 for a 1600 MHz. memory frequency is overclocked memory as Intel specs your CPU to run at a max 1333 MHz. default memory frequency.

 

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41315

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gnayres

gnayres

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Some Test result:

- individual mem test passed.

- dual mem test passed.

- dual x 2 mem test passed.

- 25 passes run for IntelBurnTest with MAXIMUM settings, the 4-up passed.

- 30++ passes with Prime95 overnight. With the 4-up.

 

But failed with BSOD when cold boot after 10hrs shutdown.

 

It looks like its really a cold boot issue. The system an pass all test with no errors but fails at cold boot.

 

Setting used during the above test:

i7-870, 2.93GHz (default 133 x 22)

Intel speedstep enabled.

Intel Turbo Boost enabled.

Corsair RAM at 7-8-7-20 2T

with XMP Profile - Auto

DRAM Voltage manual @ 1.65v

VTT manual @ 1.2v

 

The CPU-Z shows the CPU speed was running at a range of 3.2~3.59GHz with the Intel Turbo Boost enabled.

There may be a chance that the CPU did some OC here as it passed the test, but just don't want to OC during cold boot?

Everything works fine after the CPU "warm-up". So, is the an issue with the CPU?

Anyway, I am now tweaking the CPU Vcore too.

Will feedback with the results soon. (fingers crossed)

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gnayres

gnayres

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I have tried the above setting and it failed.

There is another member using ssmae board and ram, he did a raise of the VTT to 1.3, Vcore to 1.35v and RAM to 1600MHz 9-9-9-24 @ 1.65v. He kind of solve his cold boot issue.

But I understand that raising these 2 voltage too high might be a risk, anyone can advise on this?

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gnayres

gnayres

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hi trackrat, I have downgrade to a 1 kit configuration and been testing these few days.

Below are the settings:

 

CPU @ stock 2.93GHz (133x22)

Intel Speedstep Enabled

Intel Turbo Boost Disabled.

 

1. 1600MHz 7-8-7-20-2T XMP profile 1.65v (rated spec)

2. 1600MHz 7-8-7-20-2T STANDARD profile 1.65v

3. 1600MHz 9-9-9-24-2T XMP 1.65v

4. 1600MHz 9-9-9-24-2T STANDARD 1.65v

5. 1333MHz 9-9-9-24-2T STANDARD 1.65v

6. 1333MHz 9-9-9-24-2T STANDARD 1.50v

 

All passed the MEMTEST 4.10, Intel Burn Test and Prime95.

 

And also, all failed during cold boot with random BSOD (mixed of MEMORY_MANAGEMENT and IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL message)

 

These test was done on both 4g kit and had the same cold boot issue.

Do you have any more recommendation on what I can change in the setting?

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lordkermit

lordkermit

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Question:

Have you run memtest86 immediatly upon cold booting the system? If so, did it fail? Did you test each dram stick seperatly under such conditions?

 

http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?p=470037

 

It seems like you have the same problem as many others. And it sounds like you tried just about everything (just like I did). The only way I was able to tell the sticks were indeed bad was due to coldboot testing on each stick individually. Otherwise they showed as perfect. Replacing the memory solved my cold boot BSOD issue and I'd be willing to bet it will solve yours too.

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gnayres

gnayres

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Question:

Have you run memtest86 immediatly upon cold booting the system? If so, did it fail? Did you test each dram stick seperatly under such conditions?

 

http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?p=470037

 

It seems like you have the same problem as many others. And it sounds like you tried just about everything (just like I did). The only way I was able to tell the sticks were indeed bad was due to coldboot testing on each stick individually. Otherwise they showed as perfect. Replacing the memory solved my cold boot BSOD issue and I'd be willing to bet it will solve yours too.

 

Thanks, I will rma the ram and try it out.

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