Problems installing RAM - HELP!

I've just finished a new-build, and although most of it works fine, the RAm is giving me a big headache...

OS - Windows XP SP3 (32-bit)
RAM - OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB, PC2-6400, 800MHz, Dual Channel)

If i put one stick in one slot, the machine will run fine.

If i put the same stick in the other slot, windows will fail to load (BSOD or it'll just hang forever)

If i use both sticks, windows will fail to load, with BSOD or will just hang.

Whenever I change any of the sticks about, I'll get a CMOS checksum error, but I assume this is normal...?

I know a 32-bit OS and $GB ram don't really go together, but I got the RAM cheap, and I don't mind only being able to see around 3GB of it.


Any help is greatfully received!
 
The problem i see is the motherboard.
And an x64 version of the OS would help here, because not all the 4 gb will be seen by the 32-bit version.
 
Since it sounds like you tried a working stick in the second slot and it failed to boot I have to agree. You most likely have a motherboard problem and should exchange it.
 
I had a problem just like that and thought my RAM was faulty at first. I was working a lot and did not have time to mess with it too much. Sent it back to Newegg and the new RAM did the exact same thing......?

Make sure you have set the voltage for the RAM you are running. The default voltage is 1.8v on motherboards. You can go the OCZ website and get the voltage requirements and timings for your RAM. Enter all these and see what happens.

My RAM needs to have 1.92v to run so I had to bump it up in the BIOS. Then I set all timings that were on the Corsair website and now everything runs smooth as silk:) The "auto timings" in my BIOS were wayyyyy off what my RAM need to run.

Now....I have not had a problem in over 3 months:)
___________________________________________
Case : XION II w/12” green cold cathode
Motherboard : Asus P5N-E 650i @ 1532 FSB
CPU : Intel Q9300 @ 2.875 GHz
CPU Cooler : Cooler Master Hyper TX2
RAM : Corsair XMS2 Pro/pc6400/ 4x1GB/ @800 MHz
Graphics : Evga 9800 GTX @ 760 MHz
PSU : Antec Neo Power 650w / modular cables
OP: Vista Home Pre 64 bit
 
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