Solved G.skill ram in new z97x build barfs up errors in memtest86+ v5.01

[RyougaLolakie]

Hello!

Right now, I'm starting to have some major ram issues when I'm currently using a z97 build, which my specs are included in my profile. What happen was I was having problem installing some programs. I google around and the forums and I thought it could be the ram. So, I popped in memtest86+ v5.01 and at 30 mins, it reported errors. I was right all along. How could this be happening? Right now, I'm retesting it I all 4 rams and it barfed up more than that, approximately 6912. Looking at it, these errors are spreading like cancer.

I'm about to use one ram stick at a time, but to be honest, I've never done this before since this is the first time I've ever had this problem. I heard some bad stories of ESD and frying ram and mobo while doing the procedure and I'm feeling nervous. Though I'd figure I need you guys to figure why this is happening other than the obvious faulty ram.

At bios, the ram was settled at xmp profile 1 at 1600mhz at 1.5v, while the other settings are at auto. Got any suggestions and precautions on how I doing this procedure? Thanks!

 

[carwiz]

Start here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

Are all the modules the same make/model? I'm not sure what you mean by the last paragraph.

 

[Mellon Head]

Not knowing the exact model of RAM, so that I can get the specifications for it, I can't say a whole lot about your error problem...

I can, however, help with ESD.

Any time that you're working on the guts of your machine, you want to minimize the possibility that ESD will fry things. (It's easy to do) The best thing you can do for yourself is get an anti-static wrist strap. Even the cheap disposable ones will work fine. You can get one here:

ECWS61M-1 SCS | SCP301-ND | DigiKey

If you can't get a static strap, you can do the following:

1. Bring your PC into the kitchen and place it on a table or counter. Don't to this on a carpeted floor.
2. Wear cotton clothing, like jeans and a t-shirt
3. Take off your socks.
4. Touch the water taps for a second or two to dissipate static electricity in your body.
5. (This part is optional, but I do it) Plug your PC into the wall - but switch the power supply OFF
6. Open the case and do your thing. Handle parts only by their edges and don't touch pins or circuits.
7. Put the parts you take out (like the RAM Sticks) into an anti-static bag (one should have come with your motherboard, or a hard drive or the RAM packaging)
8. Put the case back together and test.

This won't completely eliminate ESD, but it will minimize the possibility of destroying components. The important thing is to not do the procedure where there is a possibility that fabrics can rub together, like socks on a rug.

Hth

 

[RyougaLolakie]

Not knowing the exact model of RAM, so that I can get the specifications for it, I can't say a whole lot about your error problem...

I can, however, help with ESD.

Any time that you're working on the guts of your machine, you want to minimize the possibility that ESD will fry things. (It's easy to do) The best thing you can do for yourself is get an anti-static wrist strap. Even the cheap disposable ones will work fine. You can get one here:

ECWS61M-1 SCS | SCP301-ND | DigiKey

If you can't get a static strap, you can do the following:

1. Bring your PC into the kitchen and place it on a table or counter. Don't to this on a carpeted floor.
2. Wear cotton clothing, like jeans and a t-shirt
3. Take off your socks.
4. Touch the water taps for a second or two to dissipate static electricity in your body.
5. (This part is optional, but I do it) Plug your PC into the wall - but switch the power supply OFF
6. Open the case and do your thing. Handle parts only by their edges and don't touch pins or circuits.
7. Put the parts you take out (like the RAM Sticks) into an anti-static bag (one should have come with your motherboard, or a hard drive or the RAM packaging)
8. Put the case back together and test.

This won't completely eliminate ESD, but it will minimize the possibility of destroying components. The important thing is to not do the procedure where there is a possibility that fabrics can rub together, like socks on a rug.

Hth

Carwiz and melonhead: here's the model of the ram I have. According to CPU-z, all 4 8gb models are the same model which is f3-12800cl10-8gbxl. Here's the link: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10Q-32GBXL - Newegg.com

Do you need more info of it or is that it? I'd appreciated.

Unfortunately, I don't have an anti-static bag nor anti static wrist band, but I'll order both of those right now.
Good suggestions! My room has a wooden desk I can work on but I dunno because my room floor is carpet. Would that work or not because of the friction of the carpet with my bare feet?

 

[AddRAM]

Set the memory back to default settings, don`t use XMP.

Test each stick one at a time, make sure it is fully inserted in the slot.

 

[RyougaLolakie]

Set the memory back to default settings, don`t use XMP.

Test each stick one at a time, make sure it is fully inserted in the slot.

I'm at the bios right now and I will disable the xmp setting. When I click the xmp, it says either auto or xmp 1.2 profile 1. Auto is "default" setting, correct? If so, should I retest memtest with "auto" setting on all ram sticks? Here's the ram config from my bios:

Load xmp setting: xmp 1.2 profile 1
dram recerence clock: auto
dram frequency: ddr3-1600 (1:6)
Dram performance mode: auto

 

[AddRAM]

Yes, leave it set to auto to run your tests.

 

[RyougaLolakie]

Yes, leave it set to auto to run your tests.

Gotcha! Now I'm retesting memtest on all 4 sticks at auto settings and the results.....nope....still barfs up errors immediately. Will start testing 1 ram stick at the time at auto when I get a anti-static wristband and anti-static bag. ><

 

[Mellon Head]

Unfortunately, I don't have an anti-static bag nor anti static wrist band, but I'll order both of those right now.
Good suggestions! My room has a wooden desk I can work on but I dunno because my room floor is carpet. Would that work or not because of the friction of the carpet with my bare feet?

Definitely do NOT do it on a carpeted floor. The friction of the carpet on your feet can charge up your body. You may not feel the zap, but it's there.

Use the steps that I outlined and you'll be fine.

 

[RyougaLolakie]

Unfortunately, I don't have an anti-static bag nor anti static wrist band, but I'll order both of those right now.
Good suggestions! My room has a wooden desk I can work on but I dunno because my room floor is carpet. Would that work or not because of the friction of the carpet with my bare feet?

Definitely do NOT do it on a carpeted floor. The friction of the carpet on your feet can charge up your body. You may not feel the zap, but it's there.

Use the steps that I outlined and you'll be fine.

Ah okay! I'll use your suggestions but I have a few questions. Is it possible to use an opened cardboard box to stand on while working inside the pc whether its placed on the kitchen floor or carpet? As for tapping 1 or 2 on the water taps, does it have to be done by using a cup of water to tap it? Is there any other way to disapate esd on myself?

Anti-static wristband and anti-static bag should be delivered by tomorrow.

 

[Boozad]

Best to do as mentioned previously and test each stick individually to rule out the DIMM slots as well.

If the output is like this then you have bad RAM so the stick(s) need replacing.

Test|Slot 1|Slot 2
RAM 1| Error | Error
RAM 2|Good|Good

If the output is like this then you should replace the motherboard, however you can leave that DIMM slot empty although it's not advised to use a system with a faulty motherboard.

Test|Slot 1|Slot 2
RAM 1| Error |Good
RAM 2| Error |Good

 

[Mellon Head]

Ah okay! I'll use your suggestions but I have a few questions. Is it possible to use an opened cardboard box to stand on while working inside the pc whether its placed on the kitchen floor or carpet? As for tapping 1 or 2 on the water taps, does it have to be done by using a cup of water to tap it? Is there any other way to disapate esd on myself?

Anti-static wristband and anti-static bag should be delivered by tomorrow.

Stand on the bare kitchen floor with no socks on. No cardboard, no carpet, nothing but linoleum or tile.

Touch the water faucet with your bare hand. That's ground, and you want to touch bare ground to dissipate the ESD. DO NOT touch the faucet wile handling a source of electricity, or while touching the plugged in computer.

 

[RyougaLolakie]

Best to do as mentioned previously and test each stick individually to rule out the DIMM slots as well.

If the output is like this then you have bad RAM so the stick(s) need replacing.

Test|Slot 1|Slot 2
RAM 1| Error | Error
RAM 2|Good|Good

If the output is like this then you should replace the motherboard, however you can leave that DIMM slot empty although it's not advised to use a system with a faulty motherboard.

Test|Slot 1|Slot 2
RAM 1| Error |Good
RAM 2| Error |Good

Will do! I hope its just the faulty ramstick and I'll be sad if all ram sticks passed the first slot which it would be a motherboard slot due to bad slot.

Ah okay! I'll use your suggestions but I have a few questions. Is it possible to use an opened cardboard box to stand on while working inside the pc whether its placed on the kitchen floor or carpet? As for tapping 1 or 2 on the water taps, does it have to be done by using a cup of water to tap it? Is there any other way to disapate esd on myself?

Anti-static wristband and anti-static bag should be delivered by tomorrow.

Stand on the bare kitchen floor with no socks on. No cardboard, no carpet, nothing but linoleum or tile.

Touch the water faucet with your bare hand. That's ground, and you want to touch bare ground to dissipate the ESD. DO NOT touch the faucet wile handling a source of electricity, or while touching the plugged in computer.

Ah...alright, I'll work on the kitchen then. Good thing is that the kitchen wasn't that far away from my room, however the weight of a pc can be a bit heavy to carry. Also, the kitchen floor is tiled floor (might be ceramic-like?).

Good idea on tap the water faucet. Unfortunately, I've never done that before and I hope I don't make a mistake. If else, I'll look for a tutorial about disapating esd. I mean, it shouldn't be that hard, right?

 

[RyougaLolakie]

Currently testing 1 ram at the time in the first slot. So far, no errors after the first pass. I'll let it run until it completed the 7 pass.

I just realized, when I took all 3 ram sticks, these sticks all labled as f3-12800cl10s-8gbxl. As far as I'm concerned, the "s" stands for single channel. Is that the reason why I get these errors because these sticks are made for single channel? I'll test the second stick afterwards.

 

[Boozad]

It needs to complete 8 passes.

 

[RyougaLolakie]

It needs to complete 8 passes.

Oh, right. Whoops! My bad, Boozad.

I'll test the second stick when memtest completes 8 passes.

 

[carwiz]

I just realized, when I took all 3 ram sticks, these sticks all labled as f3-12800cl10s-8gbxl. As far as I'm concerned, the "s" stands for single channel. Is that the reason why I get these errors because these sticks are made for single channel? I'll test the second stick afterwards.

Mmmmmmm. No. You have 8GB sticks. For some reason the OEM choose not to sell the 8GB modules in a "Dual Channel Kit". (8GB x2 = 16GB) The 8GB modules are sold Each or as a "Single Channel Kit". (8GB x1)

They sell a 8GB DCK but it is 4GB x2.

 

[RyougaLolakie]

I just realized, when I took all 3 ram sticks, these sticks all labled as f3-12800cl10s-8gbxl. As far as I'm concerned, the "s" stands for single channel. Is that the reason why I get these errors because these sticks are made for single channel? I'll test the second stick afterwards.

Mmmmmmm. No. You have 8GB sticks. For some reason the OEM choose not to sell the 8GB modules in a "Dual Channel Kit". (8GB x2 = 16GB) The 8GB modules are sold Each or as a "Single Channel Kit". (8GB x1)

They sell a 8GB DCK but it is 4GB x2.

Yeah the 8gb sticks are single channel kits. Likewise, if I add the same stick with the same model that is designed for single channel kit, will that cause memtest errors? I think I might've found the answer since g.skill reccomend it buying either 16gb (2x8gb) and 32gb (4x8gb) in kits, not individually.

As I'm testing, I've completed testing the first 2 sticks, no errors in 8 passes. Testing 3rd stick right now.

 

[carwiz]

What's more important than what G.Skill advises is what the motherboard manual says. A single module in a channel will not run in dual channel mode. If the other channel has two modules, it's capable of dual channel mode but that doesn't mean it will run in dual channel mode. The extra module could slow access to the entire memory package. Some motherboards (BIOS) allow it but assign the extra module to System Reserved Memory or run all the modules in single channel mode. Some just flat error-out or even won't boot. It's never been advisable to have an open slot in a channel but your manual should describe if and where the extra module should be placed.

I didn't catch that you had three modules before. Windows looks at all installed memory as a single block. The modules are NOT accessed sequentially so data could be spread over the beginning of the block as well as the end of the block. (Or anywhere in between.) Having part of the block running dual channel mode and part in single channel mode used to cause all sorts of problems but I'm not familiar with the newer hardware. That's where your MB manual is your best friend.

 

[ThrashZone]

Quite a few bad reviews on that board
ASRock Fatal1ty Z97X Killer LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com

Which exact set of ram did you buy
G.Skill Ripjaws X 32GB - Newegg.com