New RAM Issue

[o0tweak0o]

I recently purchased 2X 8 GB Sticks of RAM (CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML16GX3M2A1600C10R, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233386 ) and I have been having some significant problems ever since, I am reaching out to the Corsair support forums in hopes of resolving this issue.

 

Upon receiving the RAM, I installed per user manual instructions and immediately began having issues. My motherboard, the ASRock M3A770DE, is supposedly spot on compatible with this exact memory. Before this, I had 2 X 8 GB stick or Patriot ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220557 ) in the machine and it was rock solid, never once had any issues.

 

Since installation, I have been having a ton of BSOD errors, up to and including the "dreaded" PFN LIST CORRUPT BSOD, which my research indicates usually stems directly from a faulty or misbehaving RAM module.

 

I am fairly well versed in timings and other aspects, but I fail to see any correlation or reason why this RAM should be causing these issues. I ran the sticks individually through memtest 86+ and each came back fine, but after having clean reformatted twice since I installed the sticks I have no choice but to see assistance.

 

My steps so far: Ran the sticks through memtest, individually. no errors to speak of. Did a bunch of research on timings, voltages, loaded optimum BIOS settings to attempt fix, Ended up clean reformatting to Windows 7 64 ult, as it was in need of it anyhow. Still had crashes. Did a ton of research on the RAM and motherboard, seeking to find some answer, still had crashes. As I had downloaded the ISO for Windows 7 from Microsoft because I could not find mine, I assumed it might have something to do with that- so I tore the house apart, found the windows 7 disc and installed from that- issues still remain.

 

I have a strong suspicion that the modules are fine, but that my BIOS settings are wonky, causing this issue. However, in my BIOS I have an entire list of 20+ options for timing and voltages, and I am unsure what changes to make. Is there some way I can get the "optimum" settings worked out, make those changes and try this all again? Is there a guide I can look at for my mobo and RAM combo to see if my BIOS settings are the issues?

 

Any help would be appreciated!

[peanutz94]

However, in my BIOS I have an entire list of 20+ options for timing and voltages, and I am unsure what changes to make. Is there some way I can get the "optimum" settings worked out, make those changes and try this all again? Is there a guide I can look at for my mobo and RAM combo to see if my BIOS settings are the issues?

 

All you should have to do is set the first four timings and leave the rest on auto. The Mb will adjust the rest on it's own. You may have to raise the voltage on those with AMD systems to 1.6-.165v and .2v to your NB voltage.

 

Looking at your MB specs and some searching that board is not supposed to be able to use 8 gig modules. Board only has a max capacity of 16 gig's across 4 slots that should only be a 4 gig module max. But that doesn't explain why the other 8 gig's indeed did work.

 

But your Mb isn't listed in Corsair's memory finder at all. So I can't even confirm compatibility.

[o0tweak0o]

Thanks for the reply!

 

I am still unsure as to why the first sticks worked and the others did not, I can only think that it's got to be something to do with the timings and voltages.

 

The first four of my mobo BIOS settings for timing don't even have the option got set the manufacturer suggested speeds and they are named something that's not even listed on the RAM, there are a ton of options in there and I am really worried I am going to mess something up. While I am confident with OC'ing and settings, these ones are just beyond me. I've OC'd RAM and CPU/GPU's in the past, but I am only interested in maintaining a stable stock environment at this point.

 

Could you direct me to a resource that would help me understand why 2 X 8 GB sticks is inferior to 4 X 4 GB sticks in my case? I was under the impression as long as they matched and were in the same slot set that there should be no problems. I obviously have a lot more learning to do :D

[Synthohol]

hello, you said

loaded optimum BIOS settings

, did you try the default settings or remove the battery for 10 minutes? try different slot combinations?

does the old ram still run stable?

let us know.

[o0tweak0o]

Yes, I removed CMOS battery to reset all settings, then restarted and loaded BIOS defaults.

 

I now have the old RAM back in the machine after reformatting and it's completely stable, not a single crash since. As soon as I put the new RAM in issues begin immediately. memtest 86 still shows not a single error after multiple passes, So I am relatively certain it's my settings, I just have no idea how to set them even being pretty confident with overclocking and voltages and such. I just don't know why I have a ton of RAM settings and none seem to be named anything I've got exp. with.