Memory problems, need advice

[TechnoPro]

I just built a new system to replace my aging workhorse:

Asus Maximus III Formula
Intel i7-860
Mushkin 996657 DDR3 1600 (2 of these kits for a total of 8GB)
Sapphire Vapor-X Radeon HD 4870
SeaSonic M12D SS-850

Currently running XP Home (32bit) with intentions of using Windows 7 64bit. Vista would not install properly.

The system has Blue Screened 4 times, typically during video encoding; each time, the Online Crash Analysis points to a memory issue. I ran MemTest and it produced no errors. Temps are fine.

After digging, I came across this thread, suggesting that the RAM I bought is not compatible due to voltage issues. The motherboard manual included the Mushkin 996657 on its compatibility list, so I thought I was in the clear.

Two questions:

* Could this voltage issue be causing the BSOD's?

* More importantly, what RAM should I get to get instead of this Mushkin? I have no brand loyalty. As long as I have a rock-solid 8GB, I'll be happy. Performance is important, but stability is crucial.

Thanks!

 

[TechnoPro]

Anyone?

 

[Blain]

Mushkin is good quality memory, but you should have bought DDR3 rated at 1.5-1.6v (the JEDEC DDR3 voltage standard).

BTW, You're NOT running all 8GB's of memory with your 32-bit Windows XP are you?

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Blain
Mushkin is good quality memory, but you should have bought DDR3 rated at 1.5-1.6v (the JEDEC DDR3 voltage standard).

BTW, You're NOT running all 8GB's of memory with your 32-bit Windows XP are you?

I am, yes. I didn't think it would cause any problems, only that XP would not "see" it. Enlighten me, please.

 

[Yellowbeard]

32bit XP can't "see" the memory and therefore cannot use it, at all. It's a total waste of memory, electricity, heat, wear and tear on your motherboard , etc etc to run 8GB with it.

Also, your stability issue is most likely related to your memory controller voltage. In your case, remove 1 kit and your stability issues will likely go away.

 

[Blain]

All you're doing by running 8GBs in a 32-bit XP PC is using more power.
Besides the regular all slots populated drag on the system.

Pull the extra 4GB's and see if your blue screens go away.
Keep the extra 4GB's out until you actually load a 64-bit OS that can utilize it.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
32bit XP can't "see" the memory and therefore cannot use it, at all. It's a total waste of memory, electricity, heat, wear and tear on your motherboard , etc etc to run 8GB with it.

Also, your stability issue is most likely related to your memory controller voltage. In your case, remove 1 kit and your stability issues will likely go away.

I appreciate the response. Indeed, it is a waste like you said. However, my plan was to have XP installed for only 1 week and install 7 when it arrives in a few days. So it made sense for me in the short term to install all 8GB to see if they would be recognized by the BIOS and pass a few rounds of MemTest.

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: TechnoPro

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
32bit XP can't "see" the memory and therefore cannot use it, at all. It's a total waste of memory, electricity, heat, wear and tear on your motherboard , etc etc to run 8GB with it.

Also, your stability issue is most likely related to your memory controller voltage. In your case, remove 1 kit and your stability issues will likely go away.

I appreciate the response. Indeed, it is a waste like you said. However, my plan was to have XP installed for only 1 week and install 7 when it arrives in a few days. So it made sense for me in the short term to install all 8GB to see if they would be recognized by the BIOS and pass a few rounds of MemTest.

From a hardware tuning standpoint, that is a good idea to tune the system while you wait for WIN 7.

Try bumping your memory controller voltage just a bit. At stock, they are best suited for 2 modules so you may need a bit of extra voltage there. Try 1.2v or a little above that and see how it goes.