Windows 7 crash after login with 4GB of memory

[sqrmap]

Hello!

I have a rather bizarre problem with a new computer build and I haven't been able to find any answers yet via internet searches.

The short version is that my newly built system boots and runs just fine (e.g. I can play games like Dragon Age for hours) with 1 2GB RAM module installed, but when I install the second 2GB module, my system locks up completely approximately 30s to 1m after logging into Windows. There is no blue screen or error message in the event log other than the Kernel Power error from the required hard reset, the whole system just locks up completely. Even Windows setup locks up this way after approximately a minute. However, I am able to boot into Safe Mode and run that way for an indefinite amount of time without any lock-ups. I thought this was a driver issue at first, but I have never heard of a driver issue that only manifests itself with 4GB of RAM and only after being logged in to Windows for about a minute.

My system:
Antec EarthWatts 650W
Gigabyte P55M-UD2 Rev 1.0
4GB Corsair DDR3-1333 RAM
Intel Core i5 750
Radeon 4850
64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate

Everything is being run at stock speeds and timings. I have not done any tweaking.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken So Far:
Verified that the memory modules and their speeds and timings show-up correctly in the BIOS status screens.

Ran several passes of MemTest86+ with 4GB RAM installed. All tests passed.

Tried multiple sets of 2 x 2GB RAM modules. All show same behavior: stable with 2GB, lock-up with 4GB.

Tried memory in both dual-channel (slots 1 and 3 on my mobo) and single channel (slots 1 and 2) configurations.

Upgraded my BIOS with QFlash (NOT @BIOS) to both the F5 and F7c versions. Same behavior.

Tried disabling most of the on-board mobo features in the BIOS (like Audio, Firewire, USB, etc) to narrow down the problem, but it had no effect.

Tested all of my connections on the motherboard.


One thing that I have NOT been able to do is get my hands on a 4GB RAM module, so I don't know if this is a problem with the AMOUNT of memory or the number of modules. I suspect that it's the latter, but I can't be sure of that.

I am totally stumped. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Intexity]

i would make sure the bios settings are adequate for the amount of ram being inserted. it sounds like a bios setting. make sure your timings and voltage are dialed in properly for the amount of ram...

 

[Gamingphreek]

i would make sure the bios settings are adequate for the amount of ram being inserted. it sounds like a bios setting. make sure your timings and voltage are dialed in properly for the amount of ram...

Well just set the BIOS to SPD and let the hardware ID's tell them what they need to be set to.

OP - First off, welcome to the forums. Excellent excellent job at a first post!!

As for your problem that is weird. Just to verify what you said in the original post -- When you run boot from a Windows Disc into Windows setup, the computer hangs there as well? If not, could you clarify this sentence?

Even Windows setup locks up this way after approximately a minute.

My first thought is that there is a problem with your motherboard - particularly the memory controller/interconnects.

-Kevin

 

[oynaz]

I would suspect the motherboard as well.

Try grabbing an Ubuntu image and boot into Ubuntu with 4 Gb of RAM. If the system locks up again, you have completely elimoinated the possibility of it being a software/driver problem.

 

[NoQuarter]

I don't know, the fact the memory passes memtest86+ fine does imply the hardware is ok.

Two things come to mind, this install of Win7 isn't carried over from another hardware config is it? I've never seen Windows work properly after a motherboard swap.

2nd is, with my mobo and the ram set to auto detect in bios it doesn't bump up to the manufacturer's specified voltage, it works fine at the lower voltage anyway so I don't bother upping the voltage on it but it may be something to check.

 

[Numenorean]

I cannot tell from your post if you have tried this, so if you have you can ignore it, but.

The slot that you use to stick the 2nd 2GB stick in - have you tried running a single stick in that slot by itself, if possible?

Another thing to check with a new build - pull the motherboard out and check the standoffs and be sure you don't have an extra one - if you do it can cause strange things to happen or simply not work at all. I have seen this happen before where an extra one was put in and it wasn't noticed. Easy to do but one of those things that you don't think about often.

 

[mania112]

Hi guys,

thought i'd bump this thread rather than starting a fresh, found it after a google search.

I have an odd problem, which sounds similar to the OP.

With Win7 x64 and 2x2gig of Dominator ram I cannot get passed the Windows loading screens (usually freezes at the 'starting windows' screen, before the logo rolls in)

I thought I had 1 dead stick, because it worked with 1 in (i can't remember if i initially tried both sticks) so I got them replaced by Corsair (great service btw).

Now I have the same problem with the new ram. Only loads into Windows with 1 stick in.

This must be a software/bios issue. Does anyone have any ideas how to rectify this?

Many thanks for any help