4Gb RAM Won't boot :(

[Laybob]

Hi,
I use Vista 32-bit and i know there is problems with the 4Gb of RAM issue... i understand that if you try to use 4Gb of RAM in Vista 32-bit then not all of it will be recognized due to my 512Mb VRAM on the Graphics Card and some BIOS memory. The trouble i am having is that when i put in all 4 identical 1Gb 5-5-5-18 800Mz sticks... it just doesn't boot. It gets past the BIOS post and then tells me there is an error with Vista's boot files, however when i take 1 stick out and run only 3Gb it boots up fine.
I was wondering if there is a know workaround and if anybody could help me because i have looked about (searched Google e.t.c) and cant find anything
Thanks in advance
Laybob

[staffsMike]

Perhaps they aren't set at the correct voltage in the bios? Or one of them is a duff stick?

Tried memtest?

[GoNz0]

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/...2561&SiteID=17

i asked google your question and got this

[TAKTAK]

4 identical 1Gb

i think thats the key TBH, some boards don't like 4 DIMMs unless you up the NB voltage a little bit...

but try what staffsMike says first to rule that out...

[Agent]

Most Northbridges need more voltage to run 4 sticks. My QuadGT won't post with 4 sticks without a boost to it.

[Laybob]

Any ideas what voltage to up it to? this is the RAM: the webproduct ID from scan is 585722 (i cant post links yet lol)
I've never tampered with voltage before... done a little Mz tweaking though lol
Thanks for your help.
Also i've heard memtest mentioned before but not used it yet, i'll give it a try although how can i use it if i cant boot with all the RAM? is it a software program? sorry, i'm a little 'inexperienced' in this area
Thanks,
Adam

[TAKTAK]

just bump the voltage up a notch and see if it stabilises it, and just try it a notch at a time
it shouldn't need too much, and if it isn't working after you've bumped it by 5 (dependant on the size of the increases....) or so notches then i'd try other areas

and memtest86+ you just download it, burn it to a disc and boot from it and allow it to test the memory with a few passes

[inonefly]

are you using the bios default volt (1.8v?) on the rams? may bump that up a bit as well

[Laybob]

Ok... I'm on holiday at the moment so i'll give memtest a try when i get home.
About the voltage, it is set to 'auto' so i'm not sure what the 'auto' voltage actually is, what is an average voltage for me to start at?. I'm on an ASUS P5N32-E SLI Mobo if that helps...
Thanks for all your help

[Thorsson]

Auto is generally 1.8v. Some RAM needs more. But check that yours does before upping it.

[Dano]

I am using the P5N32-E SLI and having the same problem as well, but I am using Win XP 32bit. Will try to increase the NB volt and see what happens next.

[Agent]

I am using the P5N32-E SLI and having the same problem as well, but I am using Win XP 32bit. Will try to increase the NB volt and see what happens next.

You are probably aware of this already, but even when you fix the booting issue, Windows XP (32bit) will not support the full 4gig

[Koolpc]

Could it be that your mobo does not like that make of ram?

[Dano]

You are probably aware of this already, but even when you fix the booting issue, Windows XP (32bit) will not support the full 4gig

I know that XP 32 bit won't recognise all the 4G RAM, i am planning to upgrade to Vista 64bit also to take the full advantage of DX10.

UPDATES: The RAM voltage was set at 2.1V and the NB voltage was set up to 1.45V, but I still can't get the PC boost up using 4G RAM.

[mrt9888]

Specifically its the MCH voltage you want increase, on the P35 boards that I have there are different voltages for the fsb and MCH etc.