computer freezing - bad RAM?

[mlaidman]

I just built a new (and first) computer.

RAM is OCZ DDR3 1333MHz 4GB - here: http://global.gmarket.co.kr/ch...sp?goodscode=159248818

Mobo is MSI 790GX-G65.

I'm running Vista Ultimate 64 bit. The system will (very) often crash suddenly, with the screen going all garbled. I figure it might be the RAM as I can't run prime95, super pi, or the AMD Overdrive tests without it crashing almost immediately. It doesn't crash to a blue screen though, the desktop or program just goes all checkered and the speakers play a horrible white noise kinda sound. The Vista memory checker will run for a bit without crashing though.

I just ran memtest86+ though and it said no errors. Should I run it overnight? How do I do that? Is there anything else I can try, or should I send it back? Or maybe it isn't the RAM and is some funky Vista thing?

Help please! I'd like my new computer to work!

System specs:
above mobo and memory
x3 720 (with Zalman cooler - 9500)
Cooler Master RS-650-PCAR-E3 - 650 watt
WD 1001fals 1TB hard drive

 

[mlaidman]

I hadn't checked my voltages.

Supposed to run 7-7-7-20 @ 1.8v. Went to 1.92v (I think), ran a little little bit longer, went to 2.0v, ran longer but had crashed when I came back to the room an hour or so later. Now running 2.09v, all three cores @ 100%, but it's only been a few minutes. Maybe this was all I needed to do.

But isn't 1.8v to 2.09v a ways off for "rated" to "stable" operation?

And the RAM is getting pretty warm now too, hot actually. Is there a limit?

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm a building/adjusting n00b and just want my little project here to run.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: mlaidman

But isn't 1.8v to 2.09v a ways off for "rated" to "stable" operation?

And the RAM is getting pretty warm now too, hot actually. Is there a limit?

The JEDEC industry standard voltage for DDR3 is 1.5v
So it's not suprising that the overvolted OCZ is running warm/hot.

Whatever the reason you bought the overvolted OCZ in the first place...
Next build look for memory that's rated at a standard voltage, even if it costs $1.75 more.

BTW, I wouldn't run DDR3 at 2.09v at all. If it doesn't run at OCZ's overvolted rating of 1.8v, RMA the crap.

 

[mlaidman]

Thanks for that Blain
.
I didn't know that there was a standard fr DDR3 voltages. I think I'll try and send it back. Geil has a few kits on Gmarket that are rated at 1.5 volts, but I checked a bunch of others and many of the OCZ, Patriot, and Corsair kits seem to run at between 1.6v-1.8v.

Even with the voltages tweaked it still isn't super stable, so I gues my best bet is to send 'em back. Thanks.