RAM not compatible?

[spittledip]

Hey all,
I have an ECS GeForce6100SM-M (V1.0). I tried to install Windows XP on it with some Kingston Value RAM KVR800D2N5K2/1G. It is compatible according to Kingston, But all it did for me when I tried to install XP was give me BSODs . I was able to install XP using some Corsair I had (value RAM, 667 MHZ 2x512). Then I put the Kingston back in to test it. I got through 2 hours and 5 minutes torture test Prime95 first time, 2 hours and 6 minutes second time (stopped with errors at those times). I then ran it through Memtest86- it went through 9 times flawlessly.

After that I installed motherboard monitor to check on my voltages. After I did that, the PC kept shutting down after a couple of minutes with nothing really prompting the shutdowns. Keep in mind it had been on all night as I left it on for testing purposes, so this shutting down thing seemed to ahve more to do with installing mobo monitor. Uninstalling didn't help, nor did system restore or attempting a repair via XP disc.

So, I decided to re-install from scratch. Again, the Kingston memory did not work, but again I was able to succesfully install with the Corsair.

Anyway, I was wondering if there could be a compatibility issue or what could the problem be, as the RAM passed the MEMtest86 flawlessly for 9 full runs of the standard tests (for several hours in other words) and also got through Prime95 for 2 hours, but was unable to install Windows using it. What do you all think? Should I RMA the RAM? Or is it perhaps something else? ???

thanks!

 

[spittledip]

mods could you lock this one and open the other post in motherboard section? thanks. sorry about the cross post. wasn't aware

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Those Kingston "N5" modules are generally very good. It appears that you have a single-sided stick. Any label on the chip? Are you mixing these sticks with other RAMs? I was able to run this pair up to 602MHz at 5-5-5-18-2T with 2.1Vdimm. Once you're in the BIOS, make sure the RAM timing is set at the right speed and 1.8Vdimm. Also manually adjust the timing to 5-5-5-18-2T. Save BIOS and exit.

Finally, you may want to remove the battery and reset CMOS. Reflash with the lastest BIOS and reboot PC. If problem persists, then RMA the memory. Kingston's RMA is excellent.

 

[spittledip]

Aha! Apparenty the voltages are not exaclty compatible despite the Kingston claiming compatibility for the mobo and the RAM. The voltage differences are slight- the lowest voltage the mobo offers for RAM is 1.84. Apprently that was enough of a difference to prevent the board from working. I lowered the speed from 400 mghtz to 333 and it is now going through Prime95 without a hitch. On about 6 hours right now. Also, the mobo bios is very basic and does not allow for voltage changes and some other things, which is the reason why I changed the clock speed. Thanks for the heads up on the voltages. One assumes if the manufacturer claims compatibility then it will be compatible. Not the case apparently!

edit: However, I do find it a bit strange that such a small voltage increase would so negatively affect the RAM. I guess I got some not-so-hot sticks or something. Also, they have chips on both sides.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

The voltage should not affect stability. These modules can easily absorb 2.0V. I think you may have one or more defective module. Run memtest at 400MHz, 1.84V, and 5-5-5-18-2T timing to check for failure.

Call Kingston and ask them to swap with this batch:

KVR800D2N5K2/1G

code ID
9905315-084.A00LF
2961948-0244338

BVMP0870702

They should be able to match you with the same chips.

 

[spittledip]

How long is Kingston's RMA process (fromt he time they receive the product back)?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Depends on your location. A few days in CA.