Problems with RAM running at 2133MHz (9-11-9-27)

Extr3me Rob · 16 Jul 2011

Hi all.

This might not be a question for this forum, but I'm keeping my options open. I have 8GB (4 x 2GB) of Kingston HyperX RAM in my PC (model: KHX2133C9AD3T1K4/8GX) and I can't seem to get it to work well in XMP profile 1 (2133MHz 9-11-9-27). When I run either Prime95 or Memtest, I get errors occurring. I also get BSOD's as a result when playing games or doing intensive tasks.

I have it currently set at 1866MHz (9-9-9-27) and can run Prime95 and Memtest all day long. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do about this?

Many thanks

Rob

Wishmaster · 16 Jul 2011

Its obviously not stable.

1 reason could be the RAM itself.
Have you tried running a Memtest86 test at those speeds?
RAM - Test with Memtest86+

This will test just the memory, where as Prime will be stressing CPU as well.

The motherbaord will support such speeds, but its at the upper end and considered a OC.

Since i7s have the memory controller integrated into the CPU, its possible its to much stress at those speeds if running stock.

So, it may take more voltage to stabilize.

I would NOT go adjusting these values however if you are not knowledgeable about Overclocking or Voltages/Heat ranges.

Extr3me Rob · 16 Jul 2011

I've tried using Memtest86+, at 1866MHz it showed no errors after 3 passes and at 2133MHz, it didn't even manage to complete 1. I'm not overtly fussed as I probably don't need 2133MHz to be honest. But I paid for the RAM and it's not meeting the expectations I had.

Is it possible the XMP Profile #1 settings on my mobo are not correct and it causing instability?

Wishmaster · 16 Jul 2011

Extr3me Rob said:

I've tried using Memtest86+, at 1866MHz it showed no errors after 3 passes and at 2133MHz, it didn't even manage to complete 1. I'm not overtly fussed as I probably don't need 2133MHz to be honest. But I paid for the RAM and it's not meeting the expectations I had.

Is it possible the XMP Profile #1 settings on my mobo are not correct and it causing instability?

The RAMs profile itself should be correct.

However, it is possible the Motherboard itself is not actually using it, and just using a "best guess" for that speed.
The only way to know for sure, check CPUz and see what it says the settings are for that speed.
Then, check the bios for the voltage, speeds, and all the sub-timings and see if they are the same.

And I would agree, 1866 VS 2133 is not going to be much. You probably would only see the difference in a synthetic benchmark.
Also, I would let Memtest run overnight just be sure the RAM itself is good @ 1866. Sometimes, it can be bad yet not show issues untill a few hours later.
But if its passing Prime at that speed for 9hrs or more, it should be fine.

Extr3me Rob · 16 Jul 2011

I've used Prime95 overnight before at 1866MHz. I've also emailed Kingston Technical Support to see if they have anything to bring to the table. If I get a result or find a way to resolve this I will let you know. Many thanks!

nuclearwintur · 07 Dec 2011

Did you get an answer to this? I'm not an expert, but it sounds like your PSU is not giving enough power. As I understand, BSODs while doing intensive tasks and unexplained hardware failures is an indication of this. I would run down the # of amps you're getting on each rail versus what your hardware needs, and account for the 80% decrease in (power?) under load that many PSUs are rated for (the +80% certification most PSUs have). If you're under power, or cutting it close, a new PSU might be in order.

Best of luck mate!

Extr3me Rob · 07 Dec 2011

The problem came about in that my VCCIO was not high enough for the RAM speed to be stable. At the default of 1.05v, i could run at 1866MHz no problem, but not higher.

My 2600K is now at 4.8GHz with 1.415 VCORE, 1.8v CPU PLL and 1.1325 VCCIO and can run Prime95, memtest86+ and LinX (Linpack) for hours on end, no problems.

Corazon · 08 Dec 2011

nuclearwintur said:

...account for the 80% decrease in (power?) under load that many PSUs are rated for (the +80% certification most PSUs have)...

Quick correction, if I may :)

PSUs aren't rated for any decrease in power under load - although voltage does decrease once a PSU's capacity is nearly fully used, it's actually the PSU's job to keep that voltage as stable as possible. A decrease of 20%, even less than that, would be catastrophic to the system.

What the 80% certification really means is that of the power that enters the PSU from the AC wall socket, 80% will still be available at the other end after some power is lost due to transformation, regulating/stabilizing outputs, and most of all, heat generation.

Thus a PSU rated such would draw, for example, 480 watts of power from the AC socket to provide 400 watts of power to the system.

Wishmaster · 09 Dec 2011

One other thought on this as well ...

SandyBridge CPUs have the Memory controllers on the chips.

As many Ocers know, when you buy a chip its kinda like playing the lottery.

Sometimes you get a decent one, that OCs fairly well, but never really does anything amazing. Good performers, just nothing that stand out from the crowd.
Or, you may get a beastly monster that OCs like a madman, at low votages and temps. and will love every minute of it.

The point Im making is, I think this may have some impact on the IMC as well.

You may have a chip that does well at 1600 and 1866 RAM, but 2133 is just out of its range.
Meaning, the RAM itself is OK, but the chips IMC can not handle that speed.

Since SB CPUs are really only rated to run at 1333, anything over that would be considered OCd.

I know some have no issues setting them to run at 2133. Others require alot of tweaking, and some simply cant get it to run there with any stability.

Looks like some extra voltage was all that was needed though :)

Problems with RAM running at 2133MHz (9-11-9-27)

Problems with RAM running at 2133MHz (9-11-9-27)

Too low power from your PSU?