RMA Ticket #6121406: Is this for both sets of RAM?

[StupendousYappi]

Hello. I have two sets of "TWIN2X4096-6400C5 G" 2x2gb ram (for a total of 8gb in four sticks). They are both the same part number, but different lot numbers.

 

When I first placed my support ticket, I found the website does not allow one to enter multiple instances of the same part number on the same ticket using the "Add Another Product" button (it took me forever to figure out why I was being told to "please use a different part number".)

 

I decided to put this information (including both lot numbers) in the ticket description, rather than juggle two tickets at a time. I also thought it might be easier for the support staff, since one case is better than two! When my RMA was approved, I added a comment, asking to clarify that the RMA applies to both sets of ram.

 

The answer I got says yes, but then refers to my ram in the singular. "A 2x2gb kit" rather than "2x2gb kits", which is confusing. So I added another comment clarifying that it is two sets of ram, referring to the ticket description for the second lot number, and again asking if it was for two sets of ram. That was yesterday morning, and I still haven't heard back.

 

Since I am off work today, this is a good day to ship out the RMA. So I thought I would ask here:

 

Does my RMA apply to both sets of 2x2gb memory (and can I ship them both in the same box), or do I need to place a new ticket for the second set? The lot number for the second set is in the ticket description.

[RAM GUY]

Why are you replacing both sets?

And you do realize if you are RMA'ing them because they do not match you may get two set that still dont match and officially we do not support mixing sets even two sets that are the same version may not work together at the rated speed. And for most DDR2 mother board when all four slots are filled you will need to set the memory frequency at DDR667.

[StupendousYappi]

The reason I want to RMA both sets is that both sets produce errors in MemTest86+, although one set produces many more errors than the other.

 

The reason I have two sets of "TWIN2X4096-6400C5 G" is because when I wanted to upgrade from 4gb to 8gb of ram, it was too expensive to get a 4 stick matched set, when I already had a working pair. If it was DDR3, that would be different, its half the price! :biggrin:

 

I knew that there was a chance the two sets might not play nice with each other, but they worked fine together. I let the motherboard/cpu memory controller reduce the clock speed for running four sticks, and honestly, I didn't notice much of a speed difference. The second set I purchased said 1.9 volts instead of the standard 1.8 volts that the online store said it was (I purchased the RAM from the same page I got the first set), but it ran just fine at stock 1.8v along with the first set.

 

Everything worked fine for about two years, then one day Firefox started randomly crashing for no apparent reason. One thing led to another and after having issues reinstalling the OS, I decided to test the memory. Which brings me to the RMA.

 

However, it doesn't matter now. After getting a response from whoever is handling my case, I've concluded that it is one set per RMA. Which is fine for now; I've already sent off the worst set.

 

The other set actually seems to be stable in the system, it never causes any crashes and only produces the occasional error in MemTest. Since I don't have anything on that computer I can't afford to lose, I'll wait until I get the replacement for the first set and see if they work together before deciding whether the RMA the second set at all.

 

It was just somewhat confusing that every response I got on my case page refused to acknowledge that I had ever mentioned having a second set, like they didn't actually read my problem description at all. Which is weird, because I didn't actually place an RMA request, I created my ticket on the "Ask a Question" page! So someone had to have read it, because the first response was "Here's you RMA number!"

 

I'm not upset or anything, I just wanted a clear answer! :):

[peanutz94]

Everything worked fine for about two years, then one day Firefox started randomly crashing for no apparent reason. One thing led to another and after having issues reinstalling the OS, I decided to test the memory. Which brings me to the RMA.

Have you considered your PSU? Or really the first culprit comes to mind is the MB.

The other set actually seems to be stable in the system, it never causes any crashes and only produces the occasional error in MemTest. Since I don't have anything on that computer I can't afford to lose, I'll wait until I get the replacement for the first set and see if they work together before deciding whether the RMA the second set at all.

What confuses me is that you said the amount of errors changed . From being a fairly large amount to a few here and there , but the machine is otherwise stable? Memory is either going to fail or it's not. It wont really change symptoms unless it's for the worse.

It's highly unlikely that both sets would just up and fail. One set sure.. but not both. I believe this is a MB issue . The fact that one set produces fewer errors when not paired with the other suggests a MB problem. As well as the one set being somewhat stable , but still producing errors.

 

Do you have or have access to another system to test them on? That would be the best way to rule out one or the other.

 

Sorry to beat a dead horse but this just doesn't sound like a typical RAM problem.

 

When you get the second set keep in mind that you may need to make other adjustments besides the DIMM voltage with two unmatched sets and all your slots filled. . Incorrect settings or not enough voltage for DIMM ,CPU,and NorthBridge will produce unreliable errors in memtest

 

It was just somewhat confusing that every response I got on my case page refused to acknowledge that I had ever mentioned having a second set, like they didn't actually read my problem description at all. Which is weird, because I didn't actually place an RMA request, I created my ticket on the "Ask a Question" page! So someone had to have read it, because the first response was "Here's you RMA number!"

Most of the RMA system is automated with no human intervention to a certain point. Even if it was read by a person Corsair almost always err on the side of caution and will just offer you a replacement.

[StupendousYappi]

Have you considered your PSU? Or really the first culprit comes to mind is the MB.

 

What confuses me is that you said the amount of errors changed . From being a fairly large amount to a few here and there , but the machine is otherwise stable? Memory is either going to fail or it's not. It wont really change symptoms unless it's for the worse.

It's highly unlikely that both sets would just up and fail. One set sure.. but not both. I believe this is a MB issue . The fact that one set produces fewer errors when not paired with the other suggests a MB problem. As well as the one set being somewhat stable , but still producing errors.

 

Do you have or have access to another system to test them on? That would be the best way to rule out one or the other.

 

Sorry to beat a dead horse but this just doesn't sound like a typical RAM problem.

 

When you get the second set keep in mind that you may need to make other adjustments besides the DIMM voltage with two unmatched sets and all your slots filled. . Incorrect settings or not enough voltage for DIMM ,CPU,and NorthBridge will produce unreliable errors in memtest

 

You are correct, of course. I have considered the motherboard and PSU as part of the problem, and they may yet be. As for the results changing, what I meant was that both sticks of RAM on the second set produce far fewer errors in Memtest, when tested separately or together, than the single totally bad stick from the first set, in any configuration. That one stick is obviously, consistently bad. I just tested the second set of RAM in a friends computer for several hours and it worked fine, so I think if the replacement set I get back works with the RAM I've got, my system will probably work fine.

 

As for the motherboard potentially having issues, I did consider upgrading. Since I'm running a socket AM3 cpu in a socket AM2+ motherboard (try something like that with Intel!), an upgrade to an AM3+ motherboard is super easy. I even have a spare 4gb of DDR3 RAM I could put in it. I was very tempted! :):

 

The simple fact is I can't afford to spend much money on what is really just an HTPC at this time. Hence the RMA. If problems continue after I get the replacement set of RAM, then I might just go for it anyway.:winking:

 

Thanks anyway for your input!