TWIN2X4096-8500C5 Acting Strangely

[jim]

Hi there, just trying to figure out if my freezing troubles are likely to be a RAM problem.

I've got a P35-DQ6, and I just put these modules into the PC yesterday, but I've had a few freezes. I've tried putting them in virtually every single memory slot available, and basically I am getting a pretty easily-repeatable scenario whereby running memtest (in Windows) with both chips installed (in dual channel) gives me a near-instant freeze at 0.2% coverage, and with one chip installed usually around 15-25% coverage before the machine freezes. No errors, just a complete system freeze needing the power button held down to shut down.

I've tried the same thing with memtest86 outside of windows, which results in random freezes with both chips but seems to be able to run passes properly with just one chip. I tried lowering the speed right down to 333MHz and loosening the timings, at both 1.8V and 2.1V, but no luck.

I would normally be pretty happy that it's just a dodgy module, but both of them seem to be doing pretty much the same thing, so I'm not so sure. If you have any ideas/suggestions I'd appreciate your advice.

[Yellowbeard]

Try clearing the CMOS, reboot with a single module in the 0 slot, enter the BIOS and manually set the memory voltage to 2.1v. Run Memtest for 3-5 passes each on each individual module.

Make sure you have the most recent version of Memtest. www.memtest.org

[jim]

Just tried with those settings, and the first module is causing memtest to lock up on the moving inversions, random patterns test. I'm about to try the second module now.

UPDATE: Seems like the second module is failing as the same point as the first.

[Yellowbeard]

It is rare to have 2 failing modules at the same time, yet it is possible. Can you test any of your components in another known working system?

[jim]

I've asked around, but I haven't had any luck finding someone who isn't still on DDR.

I think I'm going to try to get hold of some other DDR2 to test in my system, see if I can get it stable that way before deciding for sure that it's the XMS2s. If it's the motherboard I think I might just go a *little* bit mental though

[jim]

Right, as I needed another 4GB set of RAM I bought some more Corsair modules at PC2-6400 and it's done exactly the same thing again, so it looks like it's Gigabyte's fault.

[jalyst2]

Could well be a faulty mobo, but....

According to corsair's site none of the TWIN2X4096-8500C5x range has been tested with this mobo.
/testreports/report_list.aspx?partner_id=238134
Only the TWIN2X4096-6400Cx range....

Sorry about the link, new forum poster so I can post the full URL, add corsair.com etc. in front.

Corsair, can you please confirm whether it's okay to use this range with GA-P35-DQ6?

Cheers

[Yellowbeard]

Yes, that memory should be fine with the GA P35 DQ6.

[jalyst2]

how do you know?

cheers

[jalyst2]

Is it total overkill going for 1066 if I don't intend to OC much...
It depend what CPU it's paired with & if I'm doing a lot of something that would take advantage of added bandwidth right?

I can't recall exactly what my CPU is but it's naturally from the 'Core' microarchitecture family, is around 2Ghz, & would be a Core2Duo Alendale or Conroe.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_C...re%29#Desktops

We're prolly best continuing this discussion in this fresh thread created by me, instead of hijacking this one.
forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?p=415780#post415780

Cheers

[Yellowbeard]

how do you know?

cheers

Because it's been tested.

http://www.corsair.com/configurator/...aspx?id=160729

[jalyst2]

Hmm must've been looking at wrong part of site, first time I've been on it, thanks!

Any further thoughts RE my other questions? If yes just respond in this thread: forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?p=415780#post415780
Only if you feel confident answering, I can always try my luck with the lurkers there.

Cheers