Memory RAM advice

graphomet · 18 Jun 2015

Hi Forum.

I'd like to add some more memory to my PC, I got my PC upgraded 3 years ago, and the Tech guy left in my PC my old RAM and I spotted the new ones called Mushkin silverline. So My main question are ram sticks compatible with other brands, or is it better to have the same brand used? for example I saw my Mushkin silverline are the budget price ones, but If I can go for the Mushkin redline, which is considered super duper, would it cause issues having a more advanced memory stick as opposed to the ones with less performance?

Thank you.

Boozad · 18 Jun 2015

It's always best to run RAM in kits, I certainly wouldn't pair new with your old RAM. What are your system specs and the exact specs of the new RAM? We wouldn't be able to advise on compatibility before we knew all of that.

graphomet · 18 Jun 2015

Hi, Here are some of my pc specks... I know they are old.

Its been like 2 years now Im getting the BSOD.. its been one day since Im taking each memory out and seeing if it crashes, so i can see which ram stick is faulty.

I have installed on my PC 2 of each of these RAM sticks. maybe they are conflicting with each other and its causing this problem Im assuming.

Also what would be the best solution if I am to buy new ram sticks. I use Adobe products, for video editing and design. Ill be getting a new machine done up by the end of the year. So whats the best temporally low cost ram just to be safe for now. I can spend up to $300 for now.

Boozad · 18 Jun 2015

Right, first of all can you fill in your system specs by following the link in my signature, that's what's needed. Secondly I wouldn't be running that RAM together, while it may not be the cause of the BSODs it's certainly could be causing issues.

Fill in your specs as above first, then post up your BSOD logs following Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions

To test your RAM follow the instructions below.

Download and run MemTest86+ to test your RAM. RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Note

Run MemTest86+ for at least 8 passes. Ideally set it off before you go to bed and leave it overnight, we're looking for zero errors here. A single error will show something's going bad with your RAM.

graphomet · 19 Jun 2015

I actually laughed for a sec, when you said post your BSOD! I know them off by heart now. These are the messages I get when my PC crashes.

PFN List Corrupt
Bad pool header in non page area
IRQL_NOT_LESS_EQUAL
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

These are the ones I remember occurring once a day.

AddRAM · 19 Jun 2015

Please post a link to your motherboard, we need to know what you have so we can advise you.

GokAy · 19 Jun 2015

The joke is on you :)

You are supposed to run the diagnostic tool provided in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions and attach what is being asked. Read the instructions. Posting that message like that won't help anyone.

graphomet · 19 Jun 2015

Here are the specks, Ill do the BSOD instruction now.

graphomet · 19 Jun 2015

Here is the zip file. I did the dm log collector.

GokAy · 19 Jun 2015

If you ask me, you should remove the old RAMs, then load BIOS defaults and check whether RAM settings are correct (adjust if not). Then test for a while (until you get BSODs or feel confident they are alright).
And only then, add your old RAMs into the mix. If BSOD, then make sure you run them at the slower timings (whichever set is slower) or add some voltage (may not work). At the end it is possible they won't work together.