Dominator 4x1GB Modules & IP35 PRO

[silvercue]

Hi,

I have a post on the HEXUS ABit Care section, and have had some great help there. One of the recommendations was to post here to get your views.

If you want all the detail thread is:

IP35 Pro and 4x1GB RAM Modules

Short version is:

I have IP35 Pro with Q6600 @ 3g stable with 2x1GB Corsair Dominator PC2-8500. 5-5-5-15 2T (2.1v ~1066)

Decided to add two more identical sticks and system is not stable. Have tried upping MCH a few notches - no luck. Set timings to auto and still no luck. Also upped DRAM voltage with no luck.

Memtest shows modules as fine.

Only way to get a stable run is dropping the speed to ~800 from ~1066 and upping MCH and volts a little....but nothing I do can get 4x1GB to run at anywhere near 1066.
Any ideas if I can do this?

I know 2x2GB is better, but I can't afford to buy anything else and would like to run at 1066 as I feel the "upgrade" is more like a "downgrade" otherwise.

Thanks for reading.

[Yellowbeard]

It sounds like you have found the limit of your memory controller. You may be able to start at 800 and clock up from there.

[silvercue]

Yellowbeard - thanks.

I have taken it to 800 - and its stable. Any faster and it doesn't like it.

So, you think it is the motherboard that doesn't like 4x1GB of this RAM then? I know the board runs other, similar spec, RAM in 4x1GB at those speeds.

I'm, assuming throwing more volts at it is not really going to be the answer.

If that's the case, it looks like I have limited options:

1. Get rid of my new RAM and get 2x2GB -
2. Or run it slower

[Yellowbeard]

You can test for yourself. Try OCing each kit seperately running 2 up. If the board clocks better with both separate kits, you have your answer. More NB voltage may help but, it's up to you to test it.

And, your options look right to me. FWIW, unless you get your C6600 to go substantially past a 400FSB, then you are not losing out on much by running at DDR800. If it was my system, I'd aim for a 400FSB x 9 for 3.6ghz, run the memory synch at DDR800 CAS4. If your CPU does not like this speed, go for 400 x 8 for 3.2ghz.