Bad RAM? Help Interpret Memtest86 (28,416 errors then 0 errors)

On a side note to others... MemTest is okay to test for faulty ram. At this point this seems less about faulty ram and probably configuration issue. In the past, I have seen memory not have problems, but still have bios config issues when Windows gets involved. I don't know if there is any real serious ram tester that can really strain a system on the level of Windows tasks to help identify BIOS configuration issues.

Keiichi25 said:

On a side note to others... MemTest is okay to test for faulty ram. At this point this seems less about faulty ram and probably configuration issue. In the past, I have seen memory not have problems, but still have bios config issues when Windows gets involved. I don't know if there is any real serious ram tester that can really strain a system on the level of Windows tasks to help identify BIOS configuration issues.

It's typical for the chipset voltage to be increased a bit depending on how much memory is being run. For my Nvidia board with 4GB memory, it absolutely will not run stable unless I bump up the NB voltage to 1.45, even if I'm not overclocking. If was to install 8GB then it's very likely I would need to bump the NB voltage to 1.50. The T1 and T2 setting can also have an effect on stablity.

So you are correct in that sometimes other adjustments are required to get memory running stable depending on the amount of memory and the board being used.

Also, memory speed needs to work with the correct divider and FSB.

Pc2 8500 is made to run at 1066Mhz where the pc2 6400 is made to run at 800Mhz. But you can easily turn the 8500 down to 800Mhz where it should be just as stable. These adjustments are typicaly required for any type of enthusiast board. :)

Great to know guys. I'm glad it's most likely a configuration issue. I'll get right on CPUZ and updating my system info so you guys can be more specific in your help. I'll report back shortly.

You might need to go into bios and switch the memory over to the Manual memory settings, with my board it's called the "Expert" memory settings, in order for the other memory settings to show up in bios.

Getting the exact Corsair memory ID numbers would be helpful for looking up the correct specs for your memory. Sometimes the auto settings work ok, other times not.

Reporting back with the details and CPUID results...

Corsair CM2X2048-8500C5D (XMS2-8500 2048mb 1066mhz 5-5-5-15 2.1V ver2.1)

CPUID results attached, system info updated, the more I am researching the more I am confident this is a BIOS configuration issue also, that stuff is just mostly greek to me and I need help from someone walking me through what settings I should change and what I should set them to.

Roger that. Here is a screenshot from my BIOS screen where I believe the voltages in question are...

Hey Dave, on the Gigabyte boards the MCH Core voltage is the Northbridge voltage, that just call it MCH Core for some unknown reason. Is 1.10 correct or should it be higher (1.2-1.4 range)?