RAM failing memory diagnostic util

[sleepyhead]

Hiya,

I have a thread going elsewhere in the forum (here) regarding an issue with the memory.

Anyhow, my real question is...would upping the voltage to the notherbridge (above stock) help stabilise the RAM? I am currently on my third set (1st set RMA'd successfuly, 2nd set is still with me but no longer installed, 3rd set installed) of RAM and I do not believe it is possible for me to get 3 sets of DDR2 RAM faulty out of the box.

Everything is running at stock.
E6750
FP-IN9 SLi
CAS4 PC6400 DHX 2x1GB @2.1v but with 5-5-5-18 timing as 4-4-4-12 will not POST.

Just a thought as I read elsewhere hear of upping northbridge voltage to get 4 sticks of ram to maybe operate.

[Yellowbeard]

Are you running 2 modules or 4 modules? And, have you flashed to the latest bios?

[sleepyhead]

2 modules.

Bios version is 15 (I think), but 16 is out.

My wording is bad on my thread titlle; not really a diaagnostic tool but testing/check tool.

[Yellowbeard]

Try the most recent bios and you may also want to check out with ABIT support. I agree that it is not likely that you got 3 consecutive bad sets of memory. And, the fact that you can post and run at 5,5,5 but not 4,4,4 could be sign of a bios issue.

[sleepyhead]

I have used memtest86+ V2.01 for the first time It's a very nice program and not as scary as I thought.

Anyhow, please see screenshots* for info:

Bios settings:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BIOSPage1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BIOSPage2.jpg

Memtest result with Slot 1 and 3 installed:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../Slot1and3.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 1 in Slot 1:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick1Dimm1.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 1 in Slot 2: (ignore pass, I was playing with memtest...oh and i deleted the wrong picture by mistake, 1 pass had not yet been completed!!!)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick1Dimm2.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 1 in Slot 3:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick1Dimm3.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 1 in Slot 4:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick1Dimm4.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 2 in Slot 1:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick2Dimm1.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 2 in Slot 2:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick2Dimm2.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 2 in Slot 3:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick2Dimm3.jpg

Memtest result with Stick 2 in Slot 4:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...tick2Dimm4.jpg

To surmise, RAM modules passed all the tests in 1 pass with exception to Test 7 (Random Number Sequence) which failed miserably. It is noted the error margin (?) is the same on every error with each stick in each slot.

So where do I go from here?

*I apologise for the utter crap photo taking from my semi-decent camera phone. I hope you can make it out, I left the resolution at maximum.

[Yellowbeard]

What were your bios settings when you ran these tests? Also, did you run them on each module seperately?

[sleepyhead]

Woah, quick reply.

The first two pictures are my BIOS settings. I reverted to as much as possible to Auto/Default. Each picture is dictated that the first test was done with both modules, then subsequent tests were performed with single modules in each slot.

[Yellowbeard]

Auto/Default is not going to get the job done on the RAM voltage. And, those pages are loading VERY slowly for me here in the US. Can you tell me what your settings were please? And, did you ever flash to that newer bios?

[sleepyhead]

I need to goto work and make a dos bootable CD or USB stick...I don't trust my PC enough to even try making a bootable CD/USB stick, let alone try and flash through windows. BIOS will be flashed in due time (most likely tomorrow dependent on DOS BOOT device).

I apologise for the big pictures.

SLI-Ready Memory - Disabled (I enabled it once and it failed to POST so not going back there)
CPU Operating Speed 2666 (333)
FSB:Memory Ratio - Auto
Mem (DDR2) - Auto
Estimated DDR2 Data Rate - 800
NB PCIe X16 Clock 100Mhz
CPU Core Voltage - Auto
DDR2 Voltage - 2.1V
DDR2 REF Voltage - Auto
CPU VTT Voltage - Auto
NB Voltage - Auto

Memory TIming - Auto
tCL (Cas latency) - 5
tRCD - 5
tRP - 5
tRAS - 18
Command per clock - 2T
Advanced memory settings:
tRRD - 3
tRC - 22
tWR - 5
tWTR - 9
tREF - 7.8uS
tRFC - 42

[Yellowbeard]

At those settings your modules should pass with no errors in any test. If you believe the memory is at fault, we'll replace it. Try th e new bios and see what happens. If you have been thru 3 sets, I don't think it's the memory . You should check with ABIT.

[sleepyhead]

Many thanks yellowbeard.

I also doubt it is the memory at fault (especially 3 sets in a row).

I'm researching how to do a CD Boot BIOS flash

I'll move this along to the Abit forum and see if anyone there has ideas

Thanks for your precious time.

[Yellowbeard]

Go to www.bootdisk.com

They have the tools you need to make a USB or CD based flash disk. Sorry I am not more help but I don't have much experience with that MOBO.

These guys may be able to help also: http://forum.abit-usa.com/index.php

[sleepyhead]

You have been more than helpful Yellowbeard

Thank you for your assistance

[TAKTAK]

.....Ignore Me.....

you allready knew

[Agent]

Originally Posted by sleepyhead

Anyhow, my real question is...would upping the voltage to the notherbridge (above stock) help stabilise the RAM?

It sure can - but only if its the NB at fault

The memory controller on current Intel based boards is on the NB (unlike AMD's, which have it on the CPU). If this is struggling, the extra voltage can really help. I have to do it on my AB9 QuadGT for 4 DIMMS

[Yellowbeard]

In this case, you should not need more voltage to run at only DDR800. It could be a bad NB or, as hot as those 650i NBs get, it could be cooling.