Installing My New RAM

DayTrader

DayTrader

New Member
I received my new RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3952373&SID=5e38nmhmwm - and just put the 4 sticks into my computer. In the BIOS, I set everything to what the manufacture suggested: 5-5-5-18, 1.8V. I read somewhere that I should run memtest at the stock settings, and if I receive errors, to then turn up the voltage until I pass memtest for 12 to 14 hours. Is this correct? I've already ran it twice and got errors at 1.8V and 1.9V. If I keep receiving errors, at what point would I determine that the problem is bad memory rather than voltage? Any other advice? This is the first time I've done this by myself, so I appreciate everyone's help!
 
Exchange it for new RAM. You shouldn't be getting any errors at 1.8V with the manufacturer recommeded settings.
 
Thanks, Cromewell, for you quick reply. On another thread on this site which I was asking what RAM to buy - found here - on the last post on the first page, Aastii says that he knows from experience the OCZ Gold needs to be ran at 2.1V if using 8GB other wise there will be BSOD etc.

I read the following on another site. Tell me if it's true or not:

Try leaving the motherboard's adjustments for MCH / Northbridge, CPU, and DDR voltages at their factory default values (after you reset all settings to factory default at least once when you install the board).

Download memtest86 and run it for like 12 hours and see if you get memory errors;
if you do get some, and you know that the Corsair suggested RAM voltage is higher than your motherboard is set to (e.g. hypothetically motherboard default = 1.8, corsair suggested = 2.0), then do not hesitate to increase the DDR voltage setting in the BIOS to the lower end of Corsair's suggested values and repeat the memtest to see if that solved the problem.

If you are unable to run with the RAM's suggested voltage settings when you run the CPU and RAM at their nominal guaranteed operating frequency / timings, that is a problem, and you shouldn't try to overclock the CPU / RAM or use the system until you've got things sorted out.

Typically RAM will run with zero errors at a voltage somwhat lower than the suggested operating voltage the RAM's maker lists, so if they list 2.0-2.1 for 800 MHz rated RAM at 5-5-5-15 nominal timings, maybe it'll actually run at those frequencies / timings at only 1.8, or 1.9V. Always choose the lower voltage that gives you reliable (14+ hours memtest86, prime95 small-FFT) stable performance.
 
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Your best bet might be to just try and run your 2 new sticks at 1.9V (perfectly safe voltage). If they work on their own then put all 4 sticks in and increase the voltage, if they don't work on their own then you know you have a problem.

I have never had the need to bump the voltage when using all 4 slots but since Aastii knows that you do need to bump the voltage there's not much to lose. It's not working now, at worst it still doesn't :)

You can try bumping the MCH up 0.1V as well but usually you only need to do that when trying to overclock.

The memtest thing is fine, I generally don't run memtest until I have problems. Since you are having problems it's a good test :)
 
Cromewell, thanks for your advice. I'll try testing 2 sticks at 1.9V as you said and see what happens. Thanks! :good:
 
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