Windows7 only accept 2 GB RAM

[ickymay]

Here is my latest minidump - i hope you guys can help me

this latest minidump shows vsmraid.sys as the cause ?




this is your version

• vsmraid.sys vsmraid.sys+d6fd fffff880`015b3000 fffff880`015dd000 0x0002a000 0x4983a701 31/01/2009 01:18:57

can you check to see if your VIA raid drivers are the latest ?

I have found the newest driver, and Win7 was picking it without problems. But I don't understand how some VIA RAID drives have to do with the RAM... But they are updated now

your raid drivers aren't related to ram but they may be related to your bsod

could you humour me here as I don't think i linked the right version of memtest so please download , burn to CD and run from boot memtest86+ for at least 3 passes

do you know yet if your ram is compatible with your motherboard ?

 

[Freekyzone]

this latest minidump shows vsmraid.sys as the cause ?





this is your version

• vsmraid.sys vsmraid.sys+d6fd fffff880`015b3000 fffff880`015dd000 0x0002a000 0x4983a701 31/01/2009 01:18:57

can you check to see if your VIA raid drivers are the latest ?

I have found the newest driver, and Win7 was picking it without problems. But I don't understand how some VIA RAID drives have to do with the RAM... But they are updated now

your raid drivers aren't related to ram but they may be related to your bsod

could you humour me here as I don't think i linked the right version of memtest so please download , burn to CD and run from boot memtest86+ for at least 3 passes

do you know yet if your ram is compatible with your motherboard ?

My RAM should be compatibel - I have been running with Xp for 2 years without problems.

I have now upgrated my BIOS (after writing with "technical support from MSI") ti a BETA 1.79. And it is still not working.

So now I have bought 2 x 2 GB Kingston HyperX RAM - I will try to see what happen if all of my slots ar filled out - and I want to see if it does any different that is is Kingston insted og Geil.

 

[ickymay]

My RAM should be compatibel - I have been running with Xp for 2 years without problems.

that is a dangerous assumption

windows 7 uses ram differently than XP and stresses it by fuller usage so I am not saying it must be ram but I wouldn't assume it couldn't be based on the performance of a 9 year old Operating System

 

[Freekyzone]

My RAM should be compatibel - I have been running with Xp for 2 years without problems.

that is a dangerous assumption

windows 7 uses ram differently than XP and stresses it by fuller usage so I am not saying it must be ram but I wouldn't assume it couldn't be based on the performance of a 9 year old Operating System

Good point .

My RAM is:

Kingston: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G
Geil: GX24GB6400DC

Status:
I have now tryed with 4 x 2 GB RAM (2 x Geil and 2 x Kingston).
I have tryed with Kingston alone, and Geil alone.

Nothing works, execpts only one RAM-block in a singel slot alone - that works.

Win7 restart with a short BSoD just whenn Win7-logon-screen should appear.

It is strange that BIOS is finding the RAM withoute any problems.

Compatibel RAM is: http://eu.msi.com/uploads/test_report/TR10_1479.pdf
And I can't see the different between the Geil at the list and my Geill and I canøt see the different either at my Kingston and them who is listed.

What shall I do next?


Regards Freeky (who is canfused and realy sad to have 8 GB RAM and only can use 2 GB ...)

 

[whest]

Have you looked in boot options in msconfig? If not do the following - type msconfig.exe in the search, and select - in the open window select boot, and then advanced options - is the maximum memory option selected? Deselect it if it is, and reboot. You can also type msconfig.exe in RUN to open the utility.

If it isnt selected you could try selecting it - it isnt selected in mine, and I have read of a fix here a while back, so might be best to try it.

 

[ickymay]

Status:
I have now tryed with 4 x 2 GB RAM (2 x Geil and 2 x Kingston).
I have tryed with Kingston alone, and Geil alone.

Nothing works, execpts only one RAM-block in a singel slot alone - that works.

Win7 restart with a short BSoD just whenn Win7-logon-screen should appear.

It is strange that BIOS is finding the RAM withoute any problems.

Compatibel RAM is: http://eu.msi.com/uploads/test_report/TR10_1479.pdf
And I can't see the different between the Geil at the list and my Geill and I canøt see the different either at my Kingston and them who is listed.

What shall I do next?


Regards Freeky (who is canfused and realy sad to have 8 GB RAM and only can use 2 GB ...)

please fill out your system specifications to help us nail this issue

please forgive me if I am asking the same question again anywhere ..........

have you updated your BIOS to the latest version ?

what make and model is your Power Supply ?

have you got proof from the motherboard makers website that your ram is listed as compatible ?

I need to mention that memtest86 is not definitive and memtest will only show if you have extremely faulty ram.

Microsoft say

Memory checking programs are not adequate because they don't test the memory the way that Windows uses it. Most, if not all, memory checkers use read/write cycles when scanning memory. Since Windows is executing code from the memory, it uses execute cycles. Execute cycles are physically different from read/write cycles and are more vulnerable to parity errors. It is possible for memory checking programs to find parity errors if the memory is extremely faulty.

in the absence of a definitive test memtest86 is the best we have.
--------------------------------
now could you boot your machine using one stick of the geil ram and from within windows download and run CPU-Z and take a screenshot of the memory and speed tab, then shutdown swop the one stick for the Kingston ram and do the same within windows taking screenshots of the memory and speed tabs, then upload and post them here please

 

[ickymay]

My RAM is:

Kingston: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G
Geil: GX24GB6400DC

Status:
I have now tryed with 4 x 2 GB RAM (2 x Geil and 2 x Kingston).
I have tryed with Kingston alone, and Geil alone.

Nothing works, execpts only one RAM-block in a singel slot alone - that works.

I have checked the spec on your ram and I seriously doubt you will be able to run them all on the same board

• Kingston 4GB (2x2GB) HyperX DDR2 Dual Channel Memory, DDR2 800 (PC2-6400), 240-Pin, Unbuffered, Non-ECC, Model: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G
  Kingston's KHX6400D2LLK2/4G is a kit of two low-latency 256M x 64-bit 2GB (2048MB) DDR2-800 CL4 SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) memory modules, based on sixteen 128M x 8-bit DDR2 FBGA components per module. Total kit capacity is 4GB (4096MB). Each module pair has been tested to run at DDR2 800MHz at low latency timing of 4-4-4-12 at 1.95V. The SPD is programmed to JEDEC standard latency 667Mhz timing of 5-5-5-15 at 1.8V. Each 240-pin DIMM uses gold contact fingers and requires +1.8V.
  
  Features & Specifications:
  Model: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G.
  Type: 240-pin DIMM SDRAM.
  Capacity: 4GB (2GBx2).
  Speed: DDR2 800MHz (PC2-6400).
  Cas Latency: Low-Latency CL4 4-4-4-12.
  Voltage: 1.95V.
  ECC: No.
  Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered.

• Geil DDR2 Value Dual Channel kit
  PC2-6400 DDR2-800 C5 & C6 VALUE DUAL CHANNEL
  SKU#: GX21GB6400DC | GX22GB6400DC l GX24GB6400DC
  
  What is the best DDR2 performance module available at value-pricing? GeIL introduce to you the new model added to the VALUE Series of DDR2 – PC6400 DDR2 800 Mhz, CAS 5-5-5-15 The Value 800 Series, delivering best performance with the most competitive price.
  
  Specification PC2-6400 800MHz CAS5 & CAS6 Dual Channel
  - Available in 1GB, 2GB & 4GB Dual Channel Package
  - Available CAS: 5-5-5, 6-6-6
  - 240 pin, Non-ECC, Un-buffered DIMM
  - Working Voltage 1.8~1.9V
  - Aluminum Heat-spreader
  - DBT (Die-hard Burn-in Technology) Enhanced
  - Lifetime Warranty

the first problem is that they run at different voltages which might be difficult for a BIOS to accurately discriminate , the second problem is that they use different timings which is another issue where the BIOS might struggle to discriminate or run the more aggressive timings slower with any consistency ?

the third issue is a biggie , where the Geil ram is value ram , this effectively means it was branded ram that failed the tolerance tests or it was produced as value ram in the first place which is where the manufacturers use the cheapest components at the time Dependant on the price of metals when they built them, these are very unlikely to match to any other ram with the same spec that wasn't bought from the same factory at the same time, let alone trying to match it to different spec branded

the Kingston ram is not on that compatibility list as the 2g sticks , and it's likely they might not be compatible, the Geil are not listed

the Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G are listed as being two dimms totalling 4gb ram
these run at 1.8v

I suggest focus on borrowing some ram to get a pair that work without crashes

 

[Freekyzone]

Have you looked in boot options in msconfig? If not do the following - type msconfig.exe in the search, and select - in the open window select boot, and then advanced options - is the maximum memory option selected? Deselect it if it is, and reboot. You can also type msconfig.exe in RUN to open the utility.

If it isnt selected you could try selecting it - it isnt selected in mine, and I have read of a fix here a while back, so might be best to try it.

I isen't set - and if I try to set it, I can only set it at 2048.
I tryed to set it at 4096, but it is returning back at 2048.
If it is because I only have 2048 in the PC right now (cause of this issue), I don't know?

 

[Freekyzone]

My RAM is:

Kingston: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G
Geil: GX24GB6400DC

Status:
I have now tryed with 4 x 2 GB RAM (2 x Geil and 2 x Kingston).
I have tryed with Kingston alone, and Geil alone.

Nothing works, execpts only one RAM-block in a singel slot alone - that works.

I have checked the spec on your ram and I seriously doubt you will be able to run them all on the same board

• Kingston 4GB (2x2GB) HyperX DDR2 Dual Channel Memory, DDR2 800 (PC2-6400), 240-Pin, Unbuffered, Non-ECC, Model: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G
  Kingston's KHX6400D2LLK2/4G is a kit of two low-latency 256M x 64-bit 2GB (2048MB) DDR2-800 CL4 SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) memory modules, based on sixteen 128M x 8-bit DDR2 FBGA components per module. Total kit capacity is 4GB (4096MB). Each module pair has been tested to run at DDR2 800MHz at low latency timing of 4-4-4-12 at 1.95V. The SPD is programmed to JEDEC standard latency 667Mhz timing of 5-5-5-15 at 1.8V. Each 240-pin DIMM uses gold contact fingers and requires +1.8V.
  
  Features & Specifications:
  Model: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G.
  Type: 240-pin DIMM SDRAM.
  Capacity: 4GB (2GBx2).
  Speed: DDR2 800MHz (PC2-6400).
  Cas Latency: Low-Latency CL4 4-4-4-12.
  Voltage: 1.95V.
  ECC: No.
  Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered.

• Geil DDR2 Value Dual Channel kit
  PC2-6400 DDR2-800 C5 & C6 VALUE DUAL CHANNEL
  SKU#: GX21GB6400DC | GX22GB6400DC l GX24GB6400DC
  
  What is the best DDR2 performance module available at value-pricing? GeIL introduce to you the new model added to the VALUE Series of DDR2 – PC6400 DDR2 800 Mhz, CAS 5-5-5-15 The Value 800 Series, delivering best performance with the most competitive price.
  
  Specification PC2-6400 800MHz CAS5 & CAS6 Dual Channel
  - Available in 1GB, 2GB & 4GB Dual Channel Package
  - Available CAS: 5-5-5, 6-6-6
  - 240 pin, Non-ECC, Un-buffered DIMM
  - Working Voltage 1.8~1.9V
  - Aluminum Heat-spreader
  - DBT (Die-hard Burn-in Technology) Enhanced
  - Lifetime Warranty

the first problem is that they run at different voltages which might be difficult for a BIOS to accurately discriminate , the second problem is that they use different timings which is another issue where the BIOS might struggle to discriminate or run the more aggressive timings slower with any consistency ?

the third issue is a biggie , where the Geil ram is value ram , this effectively means it was branded ram that failed the tolerance tests or it was produced as value ram in the first place which is where the manufacturers use the cheapest components at the time Dependant on the price of metals when they built them, these are very unlikely to match to any other ram with the same spec that wasn't bought from the same factory at the same time, let alone trying to match it to different spec branded

the Kingston ram is not on that compatibility list as the 2g sticks , and it's likely they might not be compatible, the Geil are not listed

the Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G are listed as being two dimms totalling 4gb ram
these run at 1.8v

I suggest focus on borrowing some ram to get a pair that work without crashes

Thanks!

(RAM is not my expertice)

Well - if I can't borrow some RAM.
Please tell me what kind of RAM I should buy - I would like to have minimum 4 GB RAM (that works in my machine).

Regards

F.Z.

 

[rick475]

I had a similar problem, I ran memtest countless times for 12+ hours It never found anything on the memory.

When I installed BurnInTest it found over 250 memory errors.

Give it a try before buying anything else.

 

[whest]

sorry if it wont boot with with 4gb you cant test it so disregard what I said

 

[ickymay]

(RAM is not my expertice)

Well - if I can't borrow some RAM.
Please tell me what kind of RAM I should buy - I would like to have minimum 4 GB RAM (that works in my machine).

Regards

F.Z.

are you 100% confident you have the latest bios ?

The Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G are listed on your compatible list as being two dimms totaling 4 gb but they are value ram :shock:

Looking over your compatible list it's possible this motherboard isn't very keen on anything more than 4gb, yet the spec states 16gb max

If I did find a supplier for suitable ram at a competitive price I would want to be sure I could return it if it failed

this supplier in the states says their memory is guaranteed compatible 30 day money back :huh:

It might be a good idea to email or phone Kingston and tell them your issues with their Kingston: KHX6400D2LLK2/4G and ask if theres any returns exchange they might do ?

you need unbuffered DIMM of 1.8 Volt DDR2 800/1066 definitely branded , preferably compatible

N.B. running the Kingston ram have you had a look at the timings and voltages stated, do they look correct , can you manually adjust anything to meet the stated ram spec ?

 

[whest]

You go to the manufacturer of the memory,and they will tell you which memory is for the board by typing in your motherboard's name or selecting it from a list - reading a compatibility list is of no use, as the board manufacturers only test a certain amount - personally i wouldnt of bought any ram, as there is nothing pointing to faulty ram. You really need to get some professional help, as your throwing away money, before you do anything else. If you try to reinstall WXP with 4 gb of memory and it wont boot or whatever your motherboard has packed it in. If not its your bios, or bios settings with W7 - I thought we came to this conclusion.

 

[ickymay]

You said it worked in xp well there is no problems with your hardware

I have worked with more than one system which ran XP with no issues then when windows 7 was installed crashed repeatedly , then fixed it by matching ram to the motherboard.

My conclusion is XP will tolerate badly matched ram and windows 7 often will not
mostly determined by the "juggling" abilities of the northbridge chipset