Increased RAM, Now Won't Complete POST

[greggster59]

This problem is driving me crazy.

I added two identical DIMMS to round out my RAM at 4Gb in Dual Channel mode. At startup, the BIOS detects the CPU and the memory test says passed and then, usually, nothing. Occasionally, I'll get as far as the RAID Utility screen.

If I move around any of the DIMMS and keep it at 3Gb or lower I have no problems. All of the Dimms and all of the RAM slots are working, just not in the 4Gb configuration.

Does anyone know what might be causing this?

Thanks,
Gregg
OS: Vista 32 bit Ultimate (OEM)
MB5N32-E SLI Plus
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
RAM: Super Talent PC6400/DDR2 800 (5-5-5-15) 1GB x2
Cooler: Zalman 9500 LED
Case: Antec Nine Hundred
GPU: EVGA GTS8800 640 MB

 

[Alopez777]

greggster59,

Alright homeboy, here is what u do...

It may be as simple as updating BIOS

ASUS BIOS link

NOTE: had to edit my post as I didn't realize u already verified all DIMM slots and all DIMM MODULES are in working order...

I assume u did the teadious work of testing each DIMM module all by itself in each slot?.

good luck

alan

 

[Captante]

The first thing to do is go into the BIOS & set all memory-timings to AUTO & see if that does the trick because most motherboards require slower timings when 4 DIMM's are installed.... you might also try backing RAM speed down to 667mhz & see if that helps any.

 

[greggster59]

"you might also try backing RAM speed down to 667mhz & see if that helps any.
"

Thanks. Lowering the Ram speed to 667 did the trick. Now I'm wondering if I'd be better off at running 2Gb at 800 Mhz. The system seem to be running smoothly enough, though.

Thanks,
Gregg

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: greggster59
"you might also try backing RAM speed down to 667mhz & see if that helps any.
"

Thanks. Lowering the Ram speed to 667 did the trick. Now I'm wondering if I'd be better off at running 2Gb at 800 Mhz. The system seem to be running smoothly enough, though.

Thanks,
Gregg

If you're really concerned, the only way to be sure is to try running benchmarks under both configurations to see ... one thing to be aware of however is tha 32-bit OS's have trouble making efficient use of RAM beyond 3gb's ... its only when stepping up to 64-bit Vista/XP etc that you'll see the full benefit of 4gb's over 2.

 

[Fike]

Don't forget the 3GB switch in your ini file. Otherwise you won't really get much bang for your extra memory buck.