W7 x64 doesn't like 4GB of ram...

[neoshi]

So I can use any of the 2GB sticks in slot one or two, but I can't use both (memory is Crucial XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5C, DDR2-800).

The moment I start trying to use both, W7 will start giving me "Windows Explorer has crashed" app errors for explorer.exe. Ran memtest on each stick and had no errors. Then ran each separately in slot 1 and then in slot 2. No problems.

This is a fresh install of W7 on a clean drive and the error has occured since first boot.

The only things I've loaded are the motherboard's drivers (motherboard is the MSI 785GTM-E45 with stock settings), Nvidia drivers for the 9800GTX+, Nero 9, and the onboard Realtek HD Audio. No matter what, the computer will run just fine on 2GB, but not 4GB. Think any of these could have an issue with 4GB?

Using these variables, I've ruled out the following potential issues:
-Bad RAM (did Memtest86 off of bootable disc)
-Bad mobo RAM slots (tested RAM, ran good RAM sticks in both slots individually)
-Driver conflict (could still be an issue I suppose)
-Please do not tell me it's a context menu issue because it is not (fresh install, nothing added)
-BIOS shouldn't be an issue since the computer runs with 4GB when W7 is not running. The issue is in W7 ONLY (checked, newest)

Thanks in advance.

Equipment links (newegg):
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145241
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130237&Tpk=785gtm-e45
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680&cm_re=x2_550-_-19-103-680-_-Product

 

[Tews]

Has it given you a BSOD??

 

[neoshi]

That's a negative. No BSODs at all.

 

[dave1812]

Call me crazy, but I'm not in agreement that just because another OS can run with 2 slots filled that it can't be a hardware issue. If I were you, I'd be a bit more open-minded about the cause of your problem.

 

[Qdos]

Might be your mainboard BIOS needs a flash update, and it sounds likely that you may not have got your memory settings quite right at BIOS level either.

Are you certain your sticks are sound? Can you swap them out and run Memtest on them individually...

Does your motherboard manufacturer state your board has been tested with that particular physical memory?

 

[neoshi]

Have any suggestions Dave?

Checked for BIOS updates. Have the most current.

Did memtest already. 7-8 passes on each individually. Then 3 passes together. Nada. Should have stated this in OP actually. Forgot it when I had to retype everything.

Yes, MSI states that it has been test with this memory @ 1.8V.

Mm.. running SFC check at the moment but won't have time to check results until later.

 

[Qdos]

If the memory tests fine, and your BIOS is up to date and correctly set, and the DIMMS are approved then perhaps you have a faulty mainboard... :huh:

 

[neoshi]

Can you think of any other ways to test for a faulty mainboard besides the method I tried (ran the tested RAM in each slot individually with no issues)?

Thanks guys. I need help jogging my mind with this issue. I'm stumped.

I sure hope it isn't a mainboard issue because I doubt I can return this mobo to Fry's 500 miles away within the required 15 day limit

 

[Qdos]

Can you think of any other ways to test for a faulty mainboard besides the method I tried (ran the tested RAM in each slot individually with no issues)?(

Try and replicate the results with different DIMMS...

 

[iseeuu]

I have a Gigabyte motherboard with 4 DDR slots. I can use 4 512s, 1, 2, or 3 1GB sticks, but not 4. Even with the most current bios, no go. I have a Foxconn motherboard with the same chipset and 4 GB is no problem. Why one and not the other? Who knows?

Cheers!
Robert

 

[dave1812]

Have any suggestions Dave?

Checked for BIOS updates. Have the most current.

Did memtest already. 7-8 passes on each individually. Then 3 passes together. Nada. Should have stated this in OP actually. Forgot it when I had to retype everything.

Yes, MSI states that it has been test with this memory @ 1.8V.

Mm.. running SFC check at the moment but won't have time to check results until later.

From the info you have provided, it SEEMS as it's a MOBO issue. "Latest" drivers are always being replaced by newer drivers, as mfgrs find out there are still issues. Or it could be a defect that won't be resolved by an update. Either way, from all appearances, I'm still suspicious of the MOBO.

Let me give an example: I just bought a very newly released Vizio 23" TV for use with one of my PC's and with Comcast TV service. It won't work properly (junk near the top of the screen that can't be eliminated by adjustment) with an HDMI input and Motorola STB's, when running 1080i. I have had TWO of these models this week, with both having the identical issue. Tried 2 other STB's, but one was DOA and the other gave an HDCP error with the Vizio, despite working fine with one of my other Vizio monitors (not a TV). The new Vizio works fine with component cables (but thats not an option of me, due to placement), and works fine with 720p, etc (sucks). My point being, just because a product works with other OS's, doesn't it mean it will work with another.

 

[usasma]

Run Memtest overnight to see if that spits out any errors. Beyond that, I'd try looking at the MSI website and the Corsair website to check to see that the memory settings are OK. I've been seeing lot's of issues with Corsair RAM recently (in Gigabyte P45 and Asus P5 mobo's).

Please do the following:

MSINFO32:
Please go to Start and type in "msinfo32.exe" (without the quotes) and press Enter
Save the report as an .nfo file, then zip up the .nfo file and upload/attach the .zip file with your next post.

If you're having difficulties with the format, please open an elevated (Run as administrator) Command Prompt and type "msinfo32 /nfo C:\Users\Public\Desktop\TEST.NFO\" (without the quotes) and press Enter. Then navigate to the C:\Users\Public\Desktop directory to retrieve the TEST.NFO file. If you have difficulties with making this work, please post back.

 

[Qdos]

I have a Gigabyte motherboard with 4 DDR slots. I can use 4 512s, 1, 2, or 3 1GB sticks, but not 4. Even with the most current bios, no go.

Got all four slots on my Gigabyte board crammed with 2Gb DDR3 DIMMS, not a single memory issue or BSOD since inception, and I'm using OCZ which wasn't on Gigabytes supported memory list - so sods law will swing both ways...

 

[neoshi]

So sfc /scannow produces corrupted files... I guess I may need a repair install. I wonder what the heck is wrong since I installed from a retail disc.

usasma, i already did a memtest as stated in the OP. i'll try to produce a test.nfo but it can't get anywhere in explorer as it crashes every time i use something in explorer (e.g. simply opening my computer or the start menu).

 

[neoshi]

OK resolved it. it was a mixture of dram voltages and the amd cool and quiet.