Multiple BSODs... May need to RMA Memory

[AstaLaVista]

OK, I am not going to bother you with the details. Suffice to say, it looks like 2 of my memory modules have some sort of animosity towards each other and they can no longer play nice.

Before going through the hassle of RMA'ng the Ram, Corsair recommends I do the following:

Q » I have two Corsair Memory modules that work fine together but when I added two more modules of the matching part number, they won’t work.

A » We test these modules as they’re sold. In other words, a 2GB kit is tested only as a pair, not with two other modules. We’re not certain how two kits when put together will perform. While it is possible to get 2 separate kits working together, it will most likely require adjustments to be made in your BIOS to get the modules up and running. If possible, we suggest lowering your memory frequency and slightly increasing northbridge voltage. Please consult your motherboard manual for information on how to make these adjustments.

If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments, or if the BIOS doesn’t allow for these adjustments to be made, you might want to consider our 4GB memory kits.

How convenient, right? The funny thing is that I didn't see a warning to make me aware of that little tid bit before I make a purchase.

I need help on this, I am not a Guru but I do follow instructions very well. I am just not sure what they mean by Memory Frequency and how much more should I up my NB voltage.

My computer specs are visible and posted below.

Thanks

 

[zigzag3143]

they are just saying lower the frequency from 1066 to 1024, and up the voltage slightly (less than 10%). a lot of times just bumping the voltage up will cure the problem. but yours seems severe

KEn

 

[AstaLaVista]

OK, I can do that...

It seems that if I leave the BIOS settings on AUTO, the RAM frequency is set to 800mhz (Ram is supposed to be at 1066Mhz from factory), voltage is set to 1.90 (2.1 is supposed to be the norm) and timings are set to 5-5-5-18 2T (5-5-5-15 2T is the factory settings).

Now, with this settings I seem to always have ramdom BSODs but not as severe as what I suffered a couple of days ago.

I used to have the settings (manually) at:

Frequency = 1048mhz anything more than that and the thing would blow up and not even boot.

Timings = 5-5-5-15 2t

Voltage = 2.1

Ever since the multiple BSODs occurance, I am only using 4GBs because, as posted again, if I try each DIMM, the computer works fine, as soon as I try to use all 4 slots, the mobo beeps and stays beeping forever.

This is getting to a point that I am not comfortable with but I am going to have to go in and waste all the time to get it fixed.

 

[mickey megabyte]

have you tried bumping the northbridge voltage up a step or two?

(the northbridge is sometimes called 'ich' in some bioses.)

 

[chev65]

Those Corsair Dom's are notorious for not wanting to run in an 8GB configuration.

If you want to run 8GB stable the GSkill pc2 8800 1100Mhz memory has a perfect record in the 780i when running 8GB. Here is the kit you want if you intend to run 8GB in the 780i.
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1100 (PC2 8800) Quad Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8800CL5Q-8GBPI - Desktop Memory

No other kits work "reliably" in the 780i with 8GB. I've been going through this for two years at the EVGA forums where they get a few complaints a week about the Dom's inablity to work with 8GB. The GSkill kit works everytime in the 780i and also won't hold back your overclock if you intend to do so.

It's also very important to run your memory using the correct divider. The Q9650 spec is slightly under 1333 FSB so you would choose Linked and choose the 5:4 divider "actually 8:5" but that isn't a very stable one to use. Best chance is to use the 3:2 divider which is 1000MHz memory speed.

It's best to overclock the FSB so you can use the more stable dividers. You really can't just guess at which memory speed to use.

And for Mickey, the 780i uses the term SPP for the North Bridge voltage. MCP for the SB voltage.

For 8GB Asta will need 1.45-1.55 SPP voltage, but even with that it's unlikely that the Corsair will run stable with 8GB. Consider yourself lucky if you get it to work using that Ram. You can also try to loosen up the timings or increasing the memory voltage.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Those Corsair Dom's are notorious for not wanting to run in an 8GB configuration.

It has been running flawlessly since March or april which is when I built this rig. It is until now that the ugly has reared its head

If you want to run 8GB stable the GSkill pc2 8800 1100Mhz memory has a perfect record in the 780i when running 8GB. Here is the kit you want if you intend to run 8GB in the 780i.
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1100 (PC2 8800) Quad Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8800CL5Q-8GBPI - Desktop Memory

No other kits work "reliably" in the 780i with 8GB. I've been going through this for two years at the EVGA forums where they get a few complaints a week about the Dom's inablity to work with 8GB. The GSkill kit works everytime in the 780i and also won't hold back your overclock if you intend to do so.

Thanks for that but I really would hate to spend more money on this since I won't be able to even get half the money for my Dom if I were to sell it and 150 bucks for DDR2 Ram is on the expensive side. But again... I thank you for going through the trouble of posting this.

It's also very important to run your memory using the correct divider. The Q9650 spec is slightly under 1333 FSB so you would choose Linked and choose the 5:4 divider "actually 8:5" but that isn't a very stable one to use. Best chance is to use the 3:2 divider which is 1000MHz memory speed.

It's best to overclock the FSB so you can use the more stable dividers. You really can't just guess at which memory speed to use.

I can follow orders very well and I know my way around computers but a Guru... I am not. This is GREEK to me

And for Mickey, the 780i uses the term SPP for the North Bridge voltage. MCP for the SB voltage.

For 8GB Asta will need 1.45-1.55 SPP voltage, but even with that it's unlikely that the Corsair will run stable with 8GB. Consider yourself lucky if you get it to work using that Ram. You can also try to loosen up the timings or increasing the memory voltage.

Thanks for this tip as well, Now I am more at easy and will try to raise the SPP (North Bridge) volts.

When you say "Loosing up the Timings", how would you set them if the default is 5-5-5-15 2t?

I am going to go back to the EVGA forum and read on the Corsair Dom threads, that's what I did before and I think that's how I had it and the reason it has worked before.

What baffled me was the fact that the modules work well on their own but won't play nice once they are together. Now I understand that voltage, timings and frequency has a lot to do with it and I got to find a happy medium... I just don't know how to go about it.

Edit:

Some how, I didn't quiet like this review on the Newegg site

Cons: On my EVGA 780i this ram does not run as specified. with the 1.8-1.9 voltage window I'm only able to pull off ~1000 mhz 5-5-5-15 no matter what settings I try.Other Thoughts: Even if the ram speed issue is due to a memory controller issue on the 780i chipset as stated in other reviews G.Skill does nothing to warn potential buyers about this issue.

My EVGA board supports a maximum tRC of 32 while this memory SPD tRC is 48. Check to be sure your motherboard can set the tRC to 48 prior to purchasing this memory and you might be able to avoid the stability issues other people report.

 

[chev65]

Those Corsair Dom's are notorious for not wanting to run in an 8GB configuration.

It has been running flawlessly since March or april which is when I built this rig. It is until now that the ugly has reared its head

If you want to run 8GB stable the GSkill pc2 8800 1100Mhz memory has a perfect record in the 780i when running 8GB. Here is the kit you want if you intend to run 8GB in the 780i.
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1100 (PC2 8800) Quad Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8800CL5Q-8GBPI - Desktop Memory

No other kits work "reliably" in the 780i with 8GB. I've been going through this for two years at the EVGA forums where they get a few complaints a week about the Dom's inablity to work with 8GB. The GSkill kit works everytime in the 780i and also won't hold back your overclock if you intend to do so.

Thanks for that but I really would hate to spend more money on this since I won't be able to even get half the money for my Dom if I were to sell it and 150 bucks for DDR2 Ram is on the expensive side. But again... I thank you for going through the trouble of posting this.


I can follow orders very well and I know my way around computers but a Guru... I am not. This is GREEK to me

And for Mickey, the 780i uses the term SPP for the North Bridge voltage. MCP for the SB voltage.

For 8GB Asta will need 1.45-1.55 SPP voltage, but even with that it's unlikely that the Corsair will run stable with 8GB. Consider yourself lucky if you get it to work using that Ram. You can also try to loosen up the timings or increasing the memory voltage.

Thanks for this tip as well, Now I am more at easy and will try to raise the SPP (North Bridge) volts.

When you say "Loosing up the Timings", how would you set them if the default is 5-5-5-15 2t?

I am going to go back to the EVGA forum and read on the Corsair Dom threads, that's what I did before and I think that's how I had it and the reason it has worked before.

What baffled me was the fact that the modules work well on their own but won't play nice once they are together. Now I understand that voltage, timings and frequency has a lot to do with it and I got to find a happy medium... I just don't know how to go about it.

Edit:

Some how, I didn't quiet like this review on the Newegg site

Cons: On my EVGA 780i this ram does not run as specified. with the 1.8-1.9 voltage window I'm only able to pull off ~1000 mhz 5-5-5-15 no matter what settings I try.Other Thoughts: Even if the ram speed issue is due to a memory controller issue on the 780i chipset as stated in other reviews G.Skill does nothing to warn potential buyers about this issue.

My EVGA board supports a maximum tRC of 32 while this memory SPD tRC is 48. Check to be sure your motherboard can set the tRC to 48 prior to purchasing this memory and you might be able to avoid the stability issues other people report.

It's not a memory controller issue at all. People simply do not understand the proper use of dividers on the 780i. The people writing those reviews are amatures who know nothing about how to work out the proper divider for the intended FSB. That person doesn't have a clue on what they are talking about IMO.

Like you said it's all Greek to me, that is about as much as anyone writing those reviews knows about memory dividers. So instead of learning how to work out the proper divider they blame the Ram for the problem instead of themselfs.

I understand about not wanting to purchase differerent Ram. I was just showing you that there is an option to run 8GB reliably on the 780i.

As for loosening the timings, you would go to 6 6 6 18, simple as that.

I run my memory at 1200MHz with my CPU at 4.05 using the 4:3 divider but for 8GB the memory boards speed limit is 1088MHz on the 780i.

Running 8GB most likely 1080MHz will be the most stable, I have already sold hundreds of sets of that Ram and every one of them has come back to the forum and thanked me. You can check out my stats at EVGA forums, my name is chevell there and I have 32 BR for fixing problems just like yours.

In fact just last week I talked to Corsair Mike about this problem with thier Ram and he blew up in my face and refused to admit the problem existed. We only get about three a week in the 780i section complaining about that Ram LOL.

Anyway if you intend to change your FSB clock you also need to adjust your memory speed settings. That is just they way these board work. There is a simple equation for working this out.

IN case you havn't tested your memory yet use this. http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100793388

 

[AstaLaVista]

Thanks Chev65, I have already tested my memory and they seem to be ok but I will try the Windows Memtest since I tried it with the Memtest +86 CD boot.

Now, w/o trying to sound like an ingrate and since you know the 780i board, would you be willing to help me set my Corsair? If it doesn't work, hey, nothing lost, well, except your time that is but I know you will feel extra good if we can get it to work

I also figure that the cons on the review was probably from a guy like me (not much experience with PCs).

As I stated before, I know my way around computers but I am a simpleton, once I get into the nitty gritty, I rather ask for help than Fry my rig since I am on a tight budget for this year.

If you decide that you can't help, no worries, I will go again to the EVGA board and hope someone there can guide me but I wanted to thank you for taking the time to set me straight.

 

[chev65]

Thanks Chev65, I have already tested my memory and they seem to be ok but I will try the Windows Memtest since I tried it with the Memtest +86 CD boot.

Now, w/o trying to sound like an ingrate and since you know the 780i board, would you be willing to help me set my Corsair? If it doesn't work, hey, nothing lost, well, except your time that is but I know you will feel extra good if we can get it to work

I also figure that the cons on the review was probably from a guy like me (not much experience with PCs).

As I stated before, I know my way around computers but I am a simpleton, once I get into the nitty gritty, I rather ask for help than Fry my rig since I am on a tight budget for this year.

If you decide that you can't help, no worries, I will go again to the EVGA board and hope someone there can guide me but I wanted to thank you for taking the time to set me straight.

I was hoping that Corsair would RMA you into a complete 8GB set which is the best chance you have of getting 8GB to work. The sets are matched by the factory to run together. But I'm not so sure they would be willing to do that for you.

It's no problem for me to work out the numbers for you on which divider to run. If you decide to overclock the FSB I can help you there also. I even have a chart that shows exactly which dividers are most likely to work on the 780i.

 

[TGSoldier]

Little confused here... We are loosening timing and dropping frequency yet upping the voltage?

This makes no sense..

 

[chev65]

Little confused here... We are loosening timing and dropping frequency yet upping the voltage?

This makes no sense..

Those are just tricks to get 8GB to run stable on the 780i which isn't easy to do.

The easier way is to get the right memory for the job which is the GSkill pc2 8800 4X2GB kit.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Well, I'll see if Corsair wants to help me out but, at the end of the day, I will doubt it very much since they will ask me why they worked before and not now but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Meanwhile, I wouldn't mind knowing what to do since, even if they want to give me the 8GBs to sync, I still need to tweak the mobo to make the Dom work with it, no?

Thanks

 

[chev65]

Well, I'll see if Corsair wants to help me out but, at the end of the day, I will doubt it very much since they will ask me why they worked before and not now but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Meanwhile, I wouldn't mind knowing what to do since, even if they want to give me the 8GBs to sync, I still need to tweak the mobo to make the Dom work with it, no?

Thanks

If the Ram tests good they may be unwilling to exchange it.

Maybe if you can get the Windows version of Memtest to produce an error and send them the screen shot of that.

I've seen that Ram test good and still cause freeze ups on more than one system so that is something to consider.

For the 8GB to work about all you can do is loosen the timings, raise the SPP voltage and the memory voltage or maybe try another divider.

 

[AstaLaVista]

chev65, ok, I know what to do with the loosening up the timings and raise the SPP voltage but, I have NO CLUE (whatsoever) as to what I need to do to play with the dividers... care to enlighten me with a crash course

 

[AstaLaVista]

I used the Windows Memtest yesterday with 2 sticks of Ram (2 x 4GB) and it went on for more than 2 or 3 hours w/o a glitch.

I am going to get home later on and try to see if by tweaking the Bios (timings + higher SPP voltage), I am able to use the 8 GBs again, if not... I will take the 4GB that worked fine yesterday and test the other 2 sticks to see what happens.

I am kinda hoping that one of the memory sticks will have, otherwise, it may mean that the board is the culprit and that's going to be a PITA to RMA again.