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trouble mixing Hynix and Kingston Valueram memory

M

manko

Golden Member
I just picked up a Sempron 3300+ system for my Dad and tried to add another 512MB stick of Kingston Valueram KVR400/512R (no-name chips) to the stock 512MB Hynix DDR400. After adding the Kingston, I couldn't even get through Windows Update and uninstalling the junkware because of crashing and reboots.

The motherboard is a FIC K8M-800M with two DIMM slots. I ran Memtest86+ and Microsoft's Memory checker in all possible combinations, with the following results:

slot 1: Kingston, slot 2: Hynix - errors in slot 2
slot 1: Hynix, slot 2: Kingston - errors in slot 2
slot 1: Hynix, slot 2: empty - ok
slot 1: Kingston, slot 2: empty - ok
slot 1: empty, slot 2: Hynix - ok
slot 1: empty, slot 2: Kingston - ok

So, errors only occur in the DIMM2 slot and only when both sticks are in at the same time. Neither stick has errors when tested alone in either slot. When combined, whichever stick is in the DIMM2 slot has errors.

I'm not sure if mixing the brands is causing the problem, or if there is a problem with the DIMM2 slot (or memory controller?), since neither chip in DIMM1 has errors in any combination. Also, I had this same Kingston chip paired with a 256MB Samsung chip in another similar Sempron machine without any problems at all.

I'm not sure whether to just stick with it and hope I eventually find some memory that works in the second slot or return it (or try dealing with an RMA). Unfortunately, it was the last unit in my area and it will be tough to get the same deal.

Is there any way to narrow down the problem to mixing memory brands or a bad dimm slot/motherboard/memory controller without trying a dozen different sticks of memory?

Any suggestions for a good brand to pair with Hynix and a Sempron 3300+?

Thanks.
 
I have Kingston Valuram pc3200, and i had to try two different sticks to get one that would work with it. It was picky.


I use a msi nvidia based k7n2 with my mobile athlon fwiw.
 
I don't think I was clear; I had the Kingston 512mb, and wanted to add another 512mb. I couldn't get another kingston, so i tried two different manufacturers.
I have 3 memory slots, and i tried various permutations. I *think* I ended up with a generic Patriot pc3200 working with the kingston.

PITA.
 
Thanks. I've given up on retail Kingston Valueram now, since the machine came with Hynix. I may just pay the price to Crucial for "guaranteed compatibility".
 
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