Solved RAM Troubles

[Teekz]

I have here an Acer Aspire T180-UB7Z, and it has a stick of RAM that isn't listed on the RAM manufacturer's website as being compatible with the motherboard. I don't know if this is because they haven't tested this particular stick with this motherboard, or if it is incompatible.

Basically, no memory tests (Memtest86, Memtest86+, Windows Memory Diagnostic) report any errors or problems, but I suspect this ram may be the cause of many random errors, and BSODs etc.

Having the ram installed makes the system run a lot better, so I really don't want to remove it unless absolutely necessary.

Any advice as to what steps I need to take next? I only have this machine for another 12 hours or so, and pretty much need a solution by then, such as whether the ram is the culprit of these errors, and if the ram needs to be removed.

Thanks a lot, in advance.
Tom.

 

[richc46]

If you act quickly I will try to examine the bsod report and see if it can be from memory.
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

 

[ken9122]

Did you add an additional stick to the one that came with the system? Is it the same as the other?
Mis-matched memory can cause trouble.

Ken

 

[Teekz]

Did you add an additional stick to the one that came with the system? Is it the same as the other?
Mis-matched memory can cause trouble.
Ken

The system is running in single-channel mode, so I imagine it won't make a difference.

In the system, there are 3 sticks of 512mb, and the 2gb stick which was added most recently (this is the one I believe to be causing the problems.

If you act quickly I will try to examine the bsod report and see if it can be from memory.

I did this and attached the results, but the few BSODs that have occurred have all been different stop errors, and an automatic cleaning software deleted most of the error reports about an hour ago, I believe. There is only one minidump in the Windows\Minidump folder.

 

[richc46]

This is what I know. One report is rarely definitive, but this shows memory.
When there are many reports in a short period of time, it is usually hardware. In this situation memory is considered hardware.

Did you run the memory test for 8 passes?

 

[sygnus21]

In the system, there are 3 sticks of 512mb, and the 2gb stick which was added most recently (this is the one I believe to be causing the problems.

Did you check your motherboard's manual on the proper configuration of this RAM setup? Most motherboards have a certain configuration they like the RAM run in when using different densities (2gig stick + 3 512 sticks).

And it really isn't a good idea to mix RAM like this, and it will cause problems.

 

[Teekz]

Did you run the memory test for 8 passes?

Not at once, but I've definitely run a lot more than 8 passes, using various different tests.

Did you check your motherboard's manual on the proper configuration of this RAM setup? Most motherboards have a certain configuration they like the RAM run in when using different densities (2gig stick + 3 512 sticks).

I don't have a manual for the motherboard, but I'm looking for one online as we speak. I think I found one here (Foxconn Support - Download), but it won't let me download it. The icon that appears just says loading, and doesn't change.

I've attached a screenshot of CPU-Z on the mainboard tab, if that helps.

 

[richc46]

Everything point to ram problem

 

[Teekz]

I changed browser, and managed to download the manual. Am I looking for anything specific?

Everything point to ram problem

That's bad news. The system obviously runs better with it in (apart from the errors ). Is there any action that can be taken to make it work as it should, or is it doomed to be removed?

 

[richc46]

I think that you should return it and get identical ram.
If you plan to test it first
SDRAM, DDR2 and DDR RAM memory upgrades from Crucial.com

 

[Teekz]

So there is nothing that can be done to make the RAM work without error? BIOS settings, Windows settings, nothing?

 

[richc46]

My only answer is there is nothing that I know that can be done.
It is very well known not to mix and match ram

 

[sygnus21]

As has been stated, that's a bad combination you have there. I know it looks nice, but it's mixed and causing problems. With RAM being so cheap get a matched pair and lose the troubles

Peace

 

[Teekz]

Since this isn't my machine, I didn't buy or install this RAM. I'll let the owner know the error of their ways.

So, in terms of removing RAM sticks, could someone determine which sticks need to be removed in order to achieve the maximum amount of functioning RAM left in the machine? The obvious answer would be to remove the 2gb stick, leaving 1.5gb, but is there not some combination where the 2gb stick can stay, and be functional? Perhaps remove the odd 512 stick? (two of the three 512 sticks are a pair, which came with the machine).

I've attached some screenshots from CPU-Z, if that helps.

 

[James Colbert]

Remove the 2GB stick, run the system long enough to determine if your issues have stopped (I suspect so), leave the 2 GB stick out if so. RAM is indeed cheap, so buying matched RAM as per system compatibility is cheaper than taking your girlfriend to the movies . Here is a 'configurator' that will help you find compatible RAM:

Welcome to Corsair :: Memory Configurator

Buying compatible RAM also ensures the best, trouble free performance. The Acer system you mention will support up to 4 GB. However, only 64 bit will use all 4 GB. 32 bit will use about 3.25 GB.

James

 

[thefabe]

Your problem has been well pointed out but if you'll look at screenshot 3 and 4 you'll see the problem. Besides the size they are different speeds, sometimes you can get away with doing this but the faster ram will default to the lower speed.
In your case this is not working out for you.
Fabe

 

[Teekz]

Fair enough. Thank you all for the assistance, sincerely. This is a great forum, with a very helpful and friendly community.

 

[sygnus21]

Besides the size they are different speeds, sometimes you can get away with doing this but the faster ram will default to the lower speed.

Fabe hit the nail on the head. The 2gig stick makes no sense in this instance.

 

[Teekz]

This might sound like a silly question, but why does it matter if the RAM is running slower than it should? Surely that would be a good thing, since it isn't working as hard, and putting too much pressure on performing?

Sorry, I'm just trying to learn.

 

[sygnus21]

Well, you're right.... but then it's a waste of RAM, and issue could arise like the ones you're experiencing. That's the quick answer.

The long one can get complicated as it has to do with the way the motherboard deals with mismatched densities as well, which can impact performance of the other modules. That's why it's always better to match sets.