Ram memory question

[kefegg]

Hi guys,

I bought a new pc in the end of may 2011, having no troubles at all since 2 weeks ago.
I've got random blue screens, reboots... Problem was that Windows 7 settings were setup like reboot after system crash. So I just saw a fraction of a blue screen and could not write down what cause it.
So I changed the settings but also did a test with Memtest86.
A few seconds after the test started error showed up.
Bummer, after this is my first brand new PC

So I contacted the store where I bought my pc and they want to have my complete system for check up. While I just want to RMA the Ram-memory.
I also contacted Corsair with the same question, they just need the Ram modules, but I wanna know who's gonna pay for the transportation.

Question: A pc without Ram doesn't work, so 2 options.
1. I shut my computer down until the new Dimms arrive at my place.
2. I buy me a pair of new once, price is pretty low now, and use them while the other are send for change. When I receive the new dimms, I just put them all together in the computer and I have an extra Ram upgrade. Or would this be a total overkill?

If option 2 is a good idea, what should I buy?
I have (had ) 2 dimms of 4 Giga out of a set of 8 Giga.

These are my specs.

Scythe Mugen 2 rev.B SCMG-2100
MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II/OC
Intel Core i5 2500K / 3.3 GHz - LGA1155 Socket
Sea Sonic X-560
Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced
Sony Optiarc AD-7260S
ASUS P8P67 Pro B3 Revision
Corsair XMS3 - 8 GB : 2 x 4 GB - DIMM (CMX8GX3M2A1333C9)
2* Samsung SpinPoint F3 Desktop Class HD103SJ
1* Intel 320 SSD 120GB

many thanks already.

 

[stargazr]

It's your decision to either wait or spend money.

If it was me and money wasn't a concern, I'd get the same, although I doubt you (or me) need 16GB.

You could buy 4GB of cheaper RAM, and save it for troubleshooting, or spares.

 

[zzzing]

Just because Memtest errors out quickly does not necessarily mean that your ram is bad, it could easily be the voltages/settings on your motherboard's BIOS. Double check the specs for your RAM and make sure of the motherboard settings before sending in the RAM.

 

[kefegg]

Actually, I tested with different voltages. Step by step starting from 1.5 (stock) to max 1.653 and the errors stay in the same zone: 7543.2Mb

Anyone has got another way of testing Ram memory? The only other PC in the house is still running DDR2, so I cannot use that one the try it out.

I took a printscreen while Asus AI running. I just use it to check sensors.
This is taken while testing with Prime (under load condition multiplier @ 37 )
DDR XMP settings always drop to 1.5V while 1.65 is voltage in the manual of the Ram.
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1970/pscrn1.jpg

 

[FishAk]

Have you checked the modules individually, and in different slots?

The problem could also be with the board, and even(unlikely) the CPU.

Only a systematic check will pinpoint the cause for sure. Since you are concerned about down time, excluding possible causes is the best course. Guessing that the MemTest errors are caused by the modules themselves is hit and miss. If the modules are fine, and you replace them with another good set, the problem will remain.

Checking the MoBo/memory is easy (by moving the modules around), but checking the CPU/MoBo requires another known good setup (to exclude the CPU) and/or a known good CPU (to exclude the MoBo socket). Fortunately, the chance of the CPU or socket being the culprit are very low, so guessing that's OK is warranted before digging further.

 

[kefegg]

I switched the modules in to different banks, always get these errors returning.
When I remove the "bad" module, system works fine. When I put it back, from time to time, I get a desktop with huge icons and a bad resolution.
Event log tell's me that " nvlddmkm" could not load.
Problems solved when I remove that ram-module again.

Anyhow, I'm gonna pick up some cheap value-Ram (8G pack) and use it to test my system.
If the error remains, I guess that something else was wrong. But if no errors showing up, I guess it was one of the Ram modules.

Should I take care about the QVL from Asus or is just Kingston ValueRam okay? I'm not a'n OC'er, multiplier is set by the people where I bought my stuff
Just want to have a stable system.

 

[FishAk]

When I remove the "bad" module, system works fine.

Few things in life are 100 percent, but this is about as close as it gets. The only way the module could be good is if you haven't tested the good module in the slot the "bad" one gave problems- to be sure the slot wasn't the reason.

I don't think the QLV is all that important. More important is that the new module's specks match the others- if you intend to use it with the others when you get them back.

 

[kefegg]

Well, I picked up the dimms later this afternoon and plugged them in right away.
Asus suggest to place them A2&B2 for better performance. So that is what I did.
Run the Memtest and guess what... "0" errors.
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9517/img20110816182146.jpg
Can I presume that the old ones are faulty, or not?

I do have one other question, I selected "load optimized settings" in Asus Bios. Anyone know what are decent settings or basic "Bios" settings for this main board with this ram?