Problem installing

Hi, about a week ago, i installed a new PSU and new GPU into my system. I decided to reformat because it seemed like a good idea because of this new hardware. But when i was installing windows 7, i have to take out 1 piece of ram for it to install properly. This is strange because the first time i installed windows 7, i had to do the same thing, but had my computer running stable for almost a year with both the pieces of ram in my computer. Also, i should note that it works with either piece of ram, and i tried memtest86+ and picked up no errors, it just has problems when they are both in at the same time for installing stuff. I say stuff, because i have to take out a piece of ram to install other things such as WoW, or else i get an error.

Even tho memtest86+ picks up no errors, and i can use either stick alone without problems, should i get a new set of ram? its 2x2gb btw, ddr2 800.

PooMan UK said:

I've had this problem before, a MB bios upgrade fixed my issue. (this was with a dell laptop and another time with a Gigabyte PC)

Yeah, my MB bios was causing problems too before, i updated and it solved some, but I just updated my MB bios like.. 4 days ago.

Have you tested both sticks at the same time, so that known good sticks are in the slots? The slots could be the problem.

For example, if you tested separately both sticks in slot one, slot two might be defective and you wouldn't know it from the test.

gregrocker said:

Have you tested both sticks at the same time, so that known good sticks are in the slots? The slots could be the problem.

For example, if you tested separately both sticks in slot one, slot two might be defective and you wouldn't know it from the test.

I only tested them both in at the same time. I ran for 3 hours something, and had 4 passes with 0 errors. But i would like to know, is it sometimes not an issue, or normal for somebody to take out a piece of ram to install certain things? Because its not all things, so far it has just been Windows 7 and world of warcraft.

No I don't think its normal. We have users remove all but 2gb to get Win7 install to work frequently, but rarely does the need persist after OS install.

I would pitch this to your memory maker's tech support. A good brand like Kingston backs their RAM for life and is eager to help you test and find the cause of such a failure. They may already be aware of this exact issue.

gregrocker said:

No I don't think its normal. We have users remove all but 2gb to get Win7 install to work frequently, but rarely does the need persist after OS install.

I would pitch this to your memory maker's tech support. A good brand like Kingston backs their RAM for life and is eager to help you test and find the cause of such a failure. They may already be aware of this exact issue.

Yeah this is another problem, I must have bought the cheapest and least reliable brand for ram on newegg xD. I bought wintec ram, which most people have never even heard of. The things is, i had my computer working for with it for almost half a year, so once i have everything installed on my computer, i can just leave it there, a temporary solution that can be a solution for a long time. Because the next time i plan to upgrade ram is when i upgrade mobo to get ddr3.