BSOD all the time, suspect RAM problem, please help

[crazlunatic]

Hi. So I upgraded to 4*2GB Patriot Viper DDR2 1GHZ ram a few days ago. Just today, I'm getting BSOD pretty much as soon as I boot up and if I do get past boot up, I BSOD within 20-40 minutes.

Specs:
cpu: intel c2d e6750 2.66ghz
mobo: gigabyte p35 ds3r rev 2.0
ram: 4*2GB ddr2 patriot viper 1ghz - stock everything 5-5-5-15

Something strange about the RAM is that in CPU-Z and memtest, it shows up as 5-7-7-16

I checked my BIOS, voltages were high enough. Tried going down to 800 mhz, still BSOD. Ran memtest with all RAM modules (too lazy to do one by one, do I really need to do that) and got 40000+ errors and just 1 pass. (Don't really know how to use memtest to be honest) but Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility found no errors (it obviously sucks.)

Should I just take the RAM to the store and ask for new ones or is this related to something else? Thanks in advance for your help

 

[taltamir]

there is nothing to KNOW about using memtest, if it gives even a SINGLE ERROR on MULTIPLE PASSES that means something is horribly wrong.

on a health system your error rate should be one in every few YEARS. not 4000 in a single pass.

Either your ram is defective, not compatible with mobo, or mobo is defective, or PSU is defective...

 

[NXIL]

So I upgraded to 4*2GB Patriot Viper DDR2 1GHZ

Hmm, "1 GHZ" DDR2? 800mhz? 1066? 1333?

Also, it seems that there are unresolved timing issues: 5-5-5-15 versus 5-7-7-16--

Recommend you use CPU-Z to see what the JEDEC timings programmed into your mem sticks, and then completely clear your motherboard's CMOS, and let the memory run at the standard timings, confirm that it is stable, then start to tweak timings, voltages, etc.....

Also, agree w/ Taltamir about checking those other possible issues as well.

HTH

NX

 

[NXIL]

Looks like there are at least 3 Patriot Viper models with those timings:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...0315%2CN82E16820220314

They all need 2.1V. (Note: the one review for your memory at Newegg mentions it needs 2.3v: ??)

And, I see your 1GHz model right here: I did not know that existed:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820220345

That 1Ghz speed seems sort of wrong to me....and, since the difference between DDR2800 and DDR21066 is minuscule in the real world, not sure what Patriot is doing with that 1GHZ speed. (For overclocking?)

With that odd FSB speed and the non-standard voltage, I think it's just a matter of you getting the BIOS settings for that (odd) memory correct.

GL

NX

 

[Gillbot]

There are loads of sticks out there "rated" at PC2-8000 instead of PC2-8500.
See Here

 

[crazlunatic]

this is what I have right now its pc2-8500
http://canadacomputers.com/ind...018562&cid=RAM.346.754

timings are default, voltage is set at 2.1

 

[crazlunatic]

sorry but can somebody please help me? I can't return the RAM until I find out it works for sure because I bought it from a local store I always go to and I've already made myself look a fool before

 

[NXIL]

Hi--

did you clear the BIOS CMOS?

What settings are you running at, besides that 2.1 V?

Looks like it can be set at 5 5 5 15--assuming your motherboard and CPU can handle that....the P35 board is fine, but it looks like your processor wants to run a 1333 FSB--and you have 1066 memory. That may mean another manual setting you need to put in, ie FSB/DRAM ratio.

Did you use CPU-Z to see what the JDEC standard timings at 800Mhz are?

Then, after you clear CMOS, you can bring it back up, and start some tweaking of settings.

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

in cpuz its 5-5-5-10
how do i clear bios CMOS? I updated my BIOS last night so everything should be reset I suppose?

I forgot to state I increased MCH voltage by +1. The ratio is set to manual and at 667MHZ now, I got a BSOD when I boot up this morning but not anymore. 667 a lot less BSOD, but 800 and 1066 a lot. When I set the ratio to auto, RAM and CPU hertz are at default.

 

[NXIL]

in cpuz its 5-5-5-10

Hmm, that is some pretty tight stock timing--is CPU-Z reading what the RAM is *set* at, or what the RAM timings are at different "stock" speeds? (I.E. CPU-Z >> SPD tab, or, are you reading off CPU-Z >> MEMORY tab? If it's off the memory tab: you really need to clear that CMOS....)

To clear CMOS: see your mobo manual. There is a jumper you need to move for 30-60 seconds; and, with your timings as hosed up as they are, I would take out the battery for a few minutes too....but that may be voodoo. it has worked for me, though.

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

here are my JDEC Times:

Why do i have to restart my CMOS? can you check your private message btw, I want to contact you via IM

 

[NXIL]

Why do i have to restart my CMOS?

Because it is all hosed up. Trust me on this.

You can download mobo manual here, if you do not have easy access to it, so you can see where the jumper is you need to move over for a few minutes, then move back.

http://www.gigabyte.us/Support...oductID=2746#anchor_os

After the CMOS reset, you are going to be restarting your RAM at the stock 400 (800Mhz FSB) values:

400Mhz/800FSB

5 5 5 12 23

Then, you can up voltage on RAM to 2.1, restart....then start to tighten the settings, i.e. speed and timings.

Will check PM....

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

stock hertz are at 1ghz actually, ok I will check it out, thanks for your help

 

[NXIL]

stock hertz are at 1ghz actually

1066 is "stock" for that RAM, but it's not really stock....JDEC stock values only include 800-anything more than that (and more than 1.8V) is over stock/overclocked DDR2 RAM.

And, it's confusing--that "400" is for the "800" stock setting--and it's even more confusing that than, because Intel "quad pumps" RAM.....so it's really 200 quad pumped to 800--

But, yes, your RAM is rated to run reliably at 1066/2.1V--but "standard" DDR2 RAM is 800/1.8v.

And, there is the issue of your 1333 FSB (333 quad pumped?) CPU....and the FSB/DRAM ratio, which I hope gets set automatically (and correctly) on your board.

NX

 

[NXIL]

CLR CMOS on your mobo: check page 7 of the manual. And, for good voodoo vibes, I would take battery out as well.

Recommend:

remove mobo battery. (See page 27 of manual)

Touch CMOS clear pins for 30 seconds.

Reinstall MOBO battery.

Also, see page 32: make sure power supply completely unplugged.

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

thanks for your help. im gonna go try it but i really dont have that much time to try this and try that. i bought this ram 5 days ago and still have direct waranty from the store, would problems be fixed if i just went in and exchanged ram

EDIT: There are no pins next to my battery. CLEAR_CMOS word is beside the battery but no pins =o Can you give me your MSN or AIM please, it'd be so much easier

 

[NXIL]

bought this ram 5 days ago and still have direct waranty from the store, would problems be fixed if i just went in and exchanged ram

Not necessarily: I think you still need to clear out the CMOS, and get everything re-set.

BTW, this is why I am a fan of plain standard 1.8V DDR2800 RAM: plug it in, it works. Same reason why I used to like unusual cars, but don't buy them anymore: (British, Swedish: very fun and fast, until they needed service. Parts were hard to find, and expensive. Now I am a big fan of Honda, and Ford: run well, lots of parts, service is easy.....)

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

ok, cleared CMOS (i think by putting jumper on the two pins), set to 800mhz and 1.8V, what should I do next?

EDIT: my monitor can't detect a signal from my graphics card now. also the graphic card runs at 100% fan speed too

 

[NXIL]

1) You sure you took jumper off of CLR CMOS pins before restarting?

2) Very odd that CMOS pins not where they should be, as in manual: could you see silkscreened letters on board to confirm jumper you shorted was CMOS jumper? Those pins are right next to the battery.

3) Since pins were apparently under your graphics card: did it get unseated? Would take it out, put it back in to make sure it's locked down.

4) I have a bad feeling about the pins you shorted....unusual for them not to be where mobo manual says they are. Rewiring a motherboard to move those pins away from battery: doesn't make sense....

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

1) yes
2) I'll check again, right beside the battery said CLR_CMOS but there were no pins. Pins were top right of the battery under the GFX card. I tightened some cables, turned on the computer and it worked. Everything was reset but I don't know if CMOS was "cleared". I changed speed to 800mhz and therefore, PC had to restart and the same thing happens now, no signal to monitor and gfx card fan goes to 100%

3) i'll check again

do you have Instant Messaging , it'd be easier

edit: tried what you said, still BSOD

 

[NXIL]

Hi--

PM'd you my IM about an hour ago....

Yes, found a photo of rev2 board: it is different from what is shown in manual.

CMOS: did you have to reset date and time? If not, it didn't clear.

NX

 

[crazlunatic]

you mean did it ask me to set the time and date?

 

[NXIL]

Most CMOS's do not ask you to reset it, but, when cleared, will revert to 12AM a few years ago...1-1-2002 is what one of my old boards goes to.

 

[crazlunatic]

turns out that all sticks can run memtest for 7 loops fine but one of them gets an instant memtest error. thanks for all the help from yesterday, really appreciate it