Msi board gd41 + 8 gbs ram = Problem

[Jrmurder]

Hey ppls,

I hope everybody is well. I have a problem that i can't undestand or more like figure out.
My Pc:
Windows 7 ultimate 64bit
thermaltake smart PSU 730W
MSI MB P55M-GD41
VIDEO CARD EVGA GTX560 2GB DDR 5
Processor: intel core i5-650 OC 3.7ghz
dvd writer
3 hard drives two 320 gb and a 500 gb

Now currently in the pc I am using 4gb of ram ddr3 (2x2GB) it works fine like this. The MB has four slots, the two 2gb sticks are in DIMM 1 & 3 (dual channel). Pc works fine plays all games on high or ultra settings .

I purchased a single 4gb stick same type of memory (kingston 1333mhz). When i installed the 4gb stick in DIMM slot 2 the computer does not boot. When its insterted in DIMM slot 4, the computer boots fine, but as soon as i log on and start any game with in 15-20 mins the computer restarts itself. btw never had this problem before.

Frist though came to mind is a bad memory stick. So I went back to the same store, I purchased a new 4 gb stick same memory (kingston 1333) to try in which if the other one was faulty i will be given a full refund.

Went home tried the same thing again with the 4gb stick same error. no boot in DIMM 2, boot in DIMM 4 but same crashes.

Now for experiment purposes i took out the (2x2gb) and insterted the (2X4gb) one in DIMM 1 & the other in DIMM 3. Computer boots, but same problem as i started a game or any memory extensive application the computer restarts without no warning this time i got a error kernal-power.

I tried on single stick (4gb) one at a time in DIMM 1 computer boots runs normal, plays games etc.

I want to be able to use the (2x4gb)=8GB or even (2x4gb) + (2x2gb) = 12gbs and i cant't.
The MB manual states its able to handle 16GBs of memory (4X4GB)

Any assistance would be great

thanks

 

[fireberd]

I checked the MSI site but I didn't see a list of memory that is certified for the motherboard. Many motherboard vendors post lists (I know Gigabyte and ASRock do).

Here is the listed memory specs for your motherboard. Make sure the memory you have meets these specs
Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.5 Volt DDR3 1066/1333/1600*/2000*/2133* (OC) DRAM, 16GB Max
- Supports 1Gb/ 2Gb/ 4Gb DRAM size
- Supports Dual channel mode

Are you using Kingston or Kingston Value RAM? I used to do a lot of support on the Dell forums and Kingston Value RAM generally would not work or work correctly.

 

[Jrmurder]

I know its kingston but it does not say anything on the packaging about valueram.
This is the model number:
KVR1333D3N9/4G
4GB PC3 - 10600 CL9 240- PIN DIMM

The 2gb sticks have the same number
KVR1333D3N9/2G

 

[Jrmurder]

I saw they have some test reports
MSI Global ? Mainboard - P55M-GD41
see if this means anything to you.

 

[fireberd]

That's the list I was looking for.

The memory you have is the crappy Kingston Value Ram, the "KVR" in the part number gives it away. I would go for something in the memory list and NOT the KVR (Kingston Value Ram). I worked with a user on a different forum, and not a Dell, and they were having memory problems that turned out to be the Kingston Value RAM that was causing it.

 

[Jrmurder]

So what memory do you suggest i purchase?

Would it make any diffrenece between 8gb or 16gb?

The only main thing i do on my machine is just game would i notice a diffrenece?

 

[fireberd]

I would only use memory listed in the motherboard memory list you linked. Others may work, but its iffy.

My old PC had 8GB of RAM, my new PC has 16GB, and is used in my recording studio which can be memory intensive at times. I've never used over about 6GB of RAM at any one time.

 

[Jrmurder]

hmmm

I have gotten blue screens to....would the memory be a cause of that ?

 

[fireberd]

Memory can cause blue screens, although its not the only thing that can cause it.

 

[Jrmurder]

ok if be it the memory is the problem then, what i don't understand:

2x2gb = 4gb works fine
1x4gb = 4gb works fine (Currently Installed in system since the day i posted this and no crashes)
2x4gb = 8gb crashes

Each time i changed the memory i actually saw the amount changed in the bios and in windows.

Do you think it could be a setting? I just find it odd that its when i add more than 4gb it crashes.

 

[fireberd]

It may be a voltage tweak, if available in the BIOS, to make it work. Are the 4GB modules 1.5V? DDR3?

 

[Jrmurder]

yes they are i saw some settings like that in the bios...but i dont have a clue as to what to do

 

[Jrmurder]

Quick Update:
Tweaked DRAM VOLTAGE: 1.701
Installed the 12gb of RAM (2x4gb) + (2x2gb) = 12 gb (4x2x4x2) dual channel
ran for about 20 mins crashed.

Got 2 more 2gb sticks.

installed 2x2x2x2 = 8gb

and you know what SAME PROBLEM

IM GOING CRAZY!

i have noticed that this problem only happens when i try more than 4gb of ram

someone please help

thank you

 

[JMV2009]

You could try to slow down the timings of the memory in the bios.

use hcidesign/memtest to test your memory in windows.

 

[Jrmurder]

how do i slow down the timings ?
i tested the 4 gb sticks one at a time and passed no errors.

 

[Jrmurder]

UPDATE:
I bought a 16 GB corsair vengeance ddr3 ram kit (4x4GB). You know what the same problem!!!!! this is sending me crazy! I am gonna throw my motherboard out the window. My next step is to re install the os. I bought a Kingston hyper x ssd 90gb.

So i am going to install a fresh copy of the OS on the ssd. Wish me luck!

Please anybody.........help

 

[Jrmurder]

The speed on the RAM kit is 1600 mhz

 

[Jrmurder]

I have BSOD too : 0x124 errors sorry for the re post but please guys i really could do with some help...thanks

 

[Jrmurder]

wow! no help

 

[Dave76]

0x124 is a hardware Stop code, probably the RAM.

If your DRAM voltage is still at 1.701v, that's way too high, put it down to 1.60v.
Change the CPU VTT voltage to 1.150v, this is the CPU Integrated Memory Controller (IMC).
The maximum allowable voltage difference between the DRAM and CPU VTT is 0.50v, this is to prevent CPU damage.
Start with 2X4GB RAM in DIMM 1&3 (Black slots), if it won't boot or crashes then remove one RAM card, leaving one in DIMM1, boot and check for stability.
Also change the Command Rate to 2N.
Advance DRAM Configuration > CH1/ CH2 1T/2T Memory Timing


If these settings aren't stable, we can make more adjustments.

Your RAM slots are numbered kinda strange, Slots (DIMM) 1&3 (Black slots) are, counting from the CPU, slots 2&4, is that how your are installing them?
If you don't have your motherboard manual, download it here: P55M-GD41
Your manual page 2-7:

• In Dual-Channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules of the same type and density in different channel DIMM slots.
• To enable successful system boot-up (Lynnfield CPU especially), always insert the memory modules into the DIMM1 first.
• Due to the chipset resource deployment, the system density will only be detected up to 15+GB (not full 16GB) when each DIMMs installed with a 4GB memory

​

module.

First bullet, same brand and size (example: 2GB) in DIMM 1 & 3 (count from CPU: slots 2&4), same brand and size for DIMM 2 & 4 (count from CPU: slots 1&3).
Second bullet, when using one RAM card it must be in DIMM1 (count from CPU: slot 2), your CPU is a Lynnfield.

With either one or two RAM cards installed, which ever is stable, download CPUZ and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.
For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums

What BIOS version do you have?

I did a quick search, there are many MSI boards that are having the same problems. Many with the MSI P55M-GD41.

Try the settings posted above.