Problem with RAM Slot

[evilkid]

Hello,
I have an Asus N55SF, with 6 GB of ram (1x4 and 1x2)
Lately i've had many BSOD, and i found out that the memory was the problem,
so i ran a Memtest86+, and indeed the reports showed errors in the memory,
i've removed the 2gb ram(which was on the "upper" slot), and the pc never crashed once (but was laggy though)
at first i thought its the 2gb ram that caused the crashs, so i ran a Memtest on it, and i got "0 errors".
then i tried to insert the 4gb ram in the upper slot and ran the memtest and it gave me many errors, and thats how i knew i had problems with that slot,
the pc crash whenever i put any ram in that slot.

so is there anyway to fix the slot?
because using only the 4gb of ram is so laggy.

Thank you.

 

[HonorGamer]

From my experience, you cannot fix a slot. If it is messed up then no luck. You can purchase an higher amount of RAM if your MOBO supports it. Otherwise, no.

 

[evilkid]

:/ i dont think there is a 6Gb ram, and the 8Gb ones are pretty expensive ...

 

[Digerati]

According to your specs here, that computer supports,

DDR3 1333 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 8 G SDRAM

That tells me, 2 x 4Gb sticks is what you need to max out your system.

 

[evilkid]

i dont get it,
you mean i can't 1x8Gb ram??

 

[Digerati]

you mean i can't 1x8Gb ram??

No. Your motherboard's chipset does not support larger than 4Gb modules per slot.

Every motherboard, and every device on the motherboard, is totally dependent on the specific chipset used on that specific model of motherboard.

Whether you must use an AMD processor or an Intel processor is determined by the chipset. And which AMD or Intel is also determined the chipset used. Same with RAM. This is why when buying a motherboard, you need to check the QVLs (qualified vendors lists) on the board's website to see what CPUs and RAM that board supports.

It is actually the chipset that determines if a motherboard is a budget, entry level board, or an expensive, high-end motherboard.

The maximum size RAM module (stick) your particular chipset supports is 4Gb per channel. Your motherboard has two slots (to support dual channel) so you can install up to 4Gb in each slot for a total of 8Gb (2 x 4Gb).

This is actually a good thing - at least in terms of performance. With 1 x 8, if your board supported 8Gb sticks, you would be running in single channel memory mode. But with 2 x 4 your motherboard will be running in dual-channel mode and while not double the performance, significant performance gains will be seen in many, if not most computing tasks.

I hope you didn't already pay for a 8Gb stick. If you already did, don't be tempted to try it. You may permanently damage the stick or motherboard, or both. Sorry.

You might check out the Crucial Memory Advisor. You can plug in your details or let them scan your system (it is safe) and it will tell you what your board supports and offer guaranteed-to-work options. Most other RAM makers and many retail sites have have similar RAM "wizards".

 

[evilkid]

you mean i can't 1x8Gb ram??

No. Your motherboard's chipset does not support larger than 4Gb modules per slot.

Every motherboard, and every device on the motherboard, is totally dependent on the specific chipset used on that specific model of motherboard.

Whether you must use an AMD processor or an Intel processor is determined by the chipset. And which AMD or Intel is also determined the chipset used. Same with RAM. This is why when buying a motherboard, you need to check the QVLs (qualified vendors lists) on the board's website to see what CPUs and RAM that board supports.

It is actually the chipset that determines if a motherboard is a budget, entry level board, or an expensive, high-end motherboard.

The maximum size RAM module (stick) your particular chipset supports is 4Gb per channel. Your motherboard has two slots (to support dual channel) so you can install up to 4Gb in each slot for a total of 8Gb (2 x 4Gb).

This is actually a good thing - at least in terms of performance. With 1 x 8, if your board supported 8Gb sticks, you would be running in single channel memory mode. But with 2 x 4 your motherboard will be running in dual-channel mode and while not double the performance, significant performance gains will be seen in many, if not most computing tasks.

I hope you didn't already pay for a 8Gb stick. If you already did, don't be tempted to try it. You may permanently damage the stick or motherboard, or both. Sorry.

You might check out the Crucial Memory Advisor. You can plug in your details or let them scan your system (it is safe) and it will tell you what your board supports and offer guaranteed-to-work options. Most other RAM makers and many retail sites have have similar RAM "wizards".

Thank you for this detailed reply,
no thank god i did not buy a 8bg stick, although i was definitely going to,
so now i don't have any option but to use a single 4gb,
do you think if i get it back to the manufacturer they could fix my slots?

 

[Digerati]

do you think if i get it back to the manufacturer they could fix my slots?

Is it still under warranty? They won't fix it - that cost too much in time, parts and labor. They will just replace the motherboard - if still under warranty. And if you take it to a shop, they will likely say the same thing - replace the motherboard - in other words, time for a new computer.

And at this point, we really don't know if it is the slot or the slot's controller that is bad. For the slot to go bad, you pretty much have to physically abuse the slot by trying to force the wrong, or turned wrong RAM in the slot, damaging the slot or some of the contacts. Otherwise, it would be the controller, and the hard disk controller is a major motherboard component.

But do note that no software based memory tester is conclusive. If it says it is bad, the RAM typically is bad. But it can still report RAM as good, but the RAM fails when inserted or when paired with other RAM.

I would feel more comfortable if you had a matched pair of known good sticks to try before concluding the slot is bad.

FTR - without spare pairs of known good RAM sticks to try, it takes special (and very expensive) test equipment to conclusively test RAM.

 

[evilkid]

do you think if i get it back to the manufacturer they could fix my slots?

Is it still under warranty? They won't fix it - that cost too much in time, parts and labor. They will just replace the motherboard - if still under warranty. And if you take it to a shop, they will likely say the same thing - replace the motherboard - in other words, time for a new computer.

And at this point, we really don't know if it is the slot or the slot's controller that is bad. For the slot to go bad, you pretty much have to physically abuse the slot by trying to force the wrong, or turned wrong RAM in the slot, damaging the slot or some of the contacts. Otherwise, it would be the controller, and the hard disk controller is a major motherboard component.

But do note that no software based memory tester is conclusive. If it says it is bad, the RAM typically is bad. But it can still report RAM as good, but the RAM fails when inserted or when paired with other RAM.

I would feel more comfortable if you had a matched pair of known good sticks to try before concluding the slot is bad.

FTR - without spare pairs of known good RAM sticks to try, it takes special (and very expensive) test equipment to conclusively test RAM.

Im like 99% sure that it the slot,
i tried the 2 sticks (the 4gb and the 2gb), in the "working" slot and the pc worked fine.
and whenever i put anything in the "damaged" one, i get randoms BSOD,
i tried all possible combination of sticks, it only fails when there is something in that slot,
so it gotta be it, or something related to it.

and too bad, my pc is out of warranty.
and how much would a new motherboard cost?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Have you blown out and dry cleaned the slot? you may have a bit of foreign material or even dust in the slot. Worth a try? Take a clean dry tooth brush or clean dry paint brush and compressed air.

 

[Layback Bear]

It doesn't take much to mess with a ram slot.
I had a spider build a summer cabin in a ram slot and drive my system crazy.

 

[Digerati]

and how much would a new motherboard cost?

Less than $100 (plus labor) for sure, but the hassles replacing a notebook motherboard can be a real pain.

 

[evilkid]

Have you blown out and dry cleaned the slot? you may have a bit of foreign material or even dust in the slot. Worth a try? Take a clean dry tooth brush or clean dry paint brush and compressed air.

Yes, i've tried that ... :/

It doesn't take much to mess with a ram slot.
I had a spider build a summer cabin in a ram slot and drive my system crazy.

lol, im quite sure there isnt any spiders

and how much would a new motherboard cost?

Less than $100 (plus labor) for sure, but the hassles replacing a notebook motherboard can be a real pain.

fair enough, and i wont worry about that, if they mess something up they pay it

 

[Digerati]

Just make sure you backup all your data before taking it to a shop.

 

[evilkid]

Just make sure you backup all your data before taking it to a shop.

Will do, thank you so much for ur help.