BSOD with all ram slots filled

[jered6323]

I'm about at my wits end here trying to figure this out. I recently bought some new ram (2x4gb) to go along with my current ram (2x4gb), and have been getting random BSOD ever since. I've ran memtest for multiple passes and all the sticks check out. Through some googling and trial and error, I've found that I only get the BSOD when all 4 ram slots are occupied. If I only have 2 slots filled like I have for the past year, everything runs smooth. Any help on figuring out how I can get things running smooth again with all my ram being used would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Megahertz07]

Did you clean the memory slot before inserting the new memory?
Is the new memory same brand, same speed and same timings?
Is the old memory on slot 1 and 2 and new on slot 3 and 4? Note that slot sequence is 1 - 3 - 2 - 4.

Is your BIOS up to date?

 

[Bertison]

If you followed Megahertz07's advice and still have no luck with the new RAM setup, think this may have something to do with the problem: (quote from your post) - "If I only have 2 slots filled like I have for the past year, everything runs smooth."

I had this problem with an older Gigabyte board about 4 years ago. Every time I installed the old RAM or the new sticks, into any two sockets, it worked. Add any two (same) sticks and it didn't. I asked my network engineer grandson and he told me that is a known problem in some boards (of any make) - RAM sticks will only run in any two slots, not in all four. Apparently no one knows why this should happen, and no two examples of the same board can have the same problem. Is it possible to return the new RAM, in exchange for (2x8 GB) sticks? Check if the board will take 8 GB in one slot of course.

 

[jered6323]

The whole case, including the memory slots, were cleaned out as part of regular maintence when I installed the new ram. New memory is exactly the same as what I've had, Gskill Ripjaw X. Old memory is slot 1 and 2, new is in 3 and 4, as you described. I've tried switching it around and it makes no difference. BIOS is up to date.

Bertison, it's funny you mention that, because this is a gigabyte board.

 

[Bertison]

After another conversation with my gson, he tells me that it is a relativity rare problem, not just confined to Gigabyte boards.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
The only true test is to use a different brand/ manufactures ram 4x4gbs.
Corsair/ Crucial/.... sort of an expensive test to rule out G-Skill which does have a high defective rate or at least what I've read and the one time I tried some it did not work with one stick
Only ones profited were shipping costs

 

[Bertison]

Hi,
The only true test is to use a different brand/ manufactures ram 4x4gbs.
Corsair/ Crucial/.... sort of an expensive test to rule out G-Skill which does have a high defective rate or at least what I've read and the one time I tried some it did not work with one stick
Only ones profited were shipping costs

Ain't that the truth!

jered6323, can you borrow some RAM to try that? Anything else is going to be expensive, unless you can talk to Customer Services/Sales at the supplier: if you really need 16 GB, you might propose to them a return of the (2x4 GB) you bought from them, in part-exchange for (2x8 GB). Will the board take an 8GB stick in one slot? Check your Gigabyte manual, or the Gigabyte website Support for your board.

 

[Mellon Head]

A couple of things to check on before you give up, or pull out your hair.

1. Check that the RAM voltage is correct. Now that you have four sticks in the PC, the RAM voltage could be drooping a little from the load.

2. You could try loosening the RAM timings slightly. Four sticks puts a little stress on the memory controller, and it may not be able to run the RAM at the specced timings. This happens occasionally with AMD systems (I know you have an Intel rig, I'm just making a point)

3. You could try giving the memory controller a very slight voltage bump. And I do mean small here, like maybe one increment, and see if it runs better then.

Try those things before you go nuts and buy new RAM.