RAM issues

[Teknic]

My new computer bluescreens every once in awhile; it is usually pretty rare. It usually doesn't bother me too much, but my friend suggested that these issues could lead to a file system corruption and I should have it checked out. As a result, I decided to run memtest+, which indicated memory errors.

RAM: 12GB DDR3 1333 (2GB sticks) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820159026)
Timing is currently at 8-8-8-20, DDR3 1066.
HD 1TB WD Caviar Black
Motherboard: ASRock x58 Extreme
CPU: i7-930
Videocard: 1GB GTX-460

I tested each stick of RAM individually in the first RAM slot to see if I could isolate the problem, but each stick of RAM was found to be normal after one pass of memtest (~20-25 min). My friend suggested I try tRFC = 168, but the test still failed.

Anybody else know what to do?

 

[FishAk]

I don't know that much about memory, but I do know about troubleshooting.

Since each of your modules check out individually, the problem could with the board. Try 3 sticks. I think you are limited as to how you can populate the slots, so if I remember right, you can't try just one stick in each slot. If three check out, move those same three to the other set of slots that are allowed.

It may also be possible that you need just a little more voltage to push all 6 sticks of memory. You didn't say what voltage you are running, but remember that you can't go above 1.65v with your processor and it's integrated memory manager.

It is also possible, but very unlikely, that the problem is with the CPU. To check this, you should use a known good motherboard. Again, this is unlikely, so should be one of the last troubleshooting steps, but it is possible.

 

[Blain]

I decided to run memtest+, which indicated memory errors.

The memtest site explains that not all errors found are from faulty memory.

"It is impossible for the test to determine what causes the failure to occur.
However, most failures will be due to a problem with memory module."

 

[Teknic]

I don't know that much about memory, but I do know about troubleshooting.

Since each of your modules check out individually, the problem could with the board. Try 3 sticks. I think you are limited as to how you can populate the slots, so if I remember right, you can't try just one stick in each slot. If three check out, move those same three to the other set of slots that are allowed.

It may also be possible that you need just a little more voltage to push all 6 sticks of memory. You didn't say what voltage you are running, but remember that you can't go above 1.65v with your processor and it's integrated memory manager.

It is also possible, but very unlikely, that the problem is with the CPU. To check this, you should use a known good motherboard. Again, this is unlikely, so should be one of the last troubleshooting steps, but it is possible.

Thanks! I can't remember if I tested 3 at a time or not. I will look into the voltage...according to Newegg, my RAM is rated for 1.5v, so I will see about increase the voltage to check if it makes a difference.

The memtest site explains that not all errors found are from faulty memory.

"It is impossible for the test to determine what causes the failure to occur.
However, most failures will be due to a problem with memory module."

Aw crap.

 

[john3850]

The memtest site explains that not all errors found are from faulty memory as said by the op

Try using memtest for windows run one memtest for each thread or 8 with ht.
Set memtest to use all your memory or close to 2gigs on each test.
If errors show up there usually in cpu caches then adj voltage or timming as needed.

A p2.40 bios may help your memory.
Dont use auto oc as it will raise your vtt to 1.41v

 

[FishAk]

John3850;

I appreciate English may not be your first language. Still, I have read through your post several times, and it simply makes no sense whatsoever. Perhaps a couple strategically placed comas would help.

 

[Shmee]

hmm, I managed to understand it. I assume you aren't overclocking, but it may be a problem with not enough uncore voltage. There may be a recommended value for your RAM setup, for the uncore voltage value.

You are using 2 of the same kit? keep in mind that 6 sticks will put more stress on memory controller.

my recommendation is to check uncore settings, if the uncore voltage is not right, or if the multiplier is set too low or too high, this can also cause instability issues related to memory.

 

[Teknic]

What's uncore voltage? Yeah I was using two of the same set in a non-overclocked system.

However...I manually set the voltage settings to 1.609v for my RAM and it passed memtest twice! Hurrah

Thanks everybody!!