sidewinder_33

Here's the whole scenario.

I just built a new computer and since I started it up with windows vista, it has been experiencing random blue screen errors, usually occurring during or soon after log in, but sometimes long after it has been running fine. Error reports are inconclusive-no solution to the problem. So I ran the memory diagnostic test.

I was running my system with 2x1GB DDRII ram.

The first few times I tried, it froze up pretty early on in the test. Then, it finally got through saying there were hardware problems.

So I took 1GB ram out of the second slot and ran the test. This test concluded that there were no problems with the memory.

Then I replaced the ram in the first slot with the ram that I had taken out of the second slot and ran the test again. To my surprise, this test said that there were no problems.

When I put the other 1GB ram into the second slot, the same blue screen occurred before I could even get to the memory diagnostic tool.

I have repeated this process and gotten the same results, the computer running fine with only 1GB ram and having problems with 2GB. However, it says it has a 2GB max, so it SHOULD be working when both pieces are in. What could this mean?

I haven't tried anything to solve it yet, so any suggestions would be appreciated. When the 2GB are in, it does recognize that there are 2GB. Could it be that the second slot is causing the problems?

Sorry post is so long.

Any info you have, please.

Thank You,
Max.


p.s.
For more details about my computer, follow this link:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=018

For more details about my ram, follow this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=012

sidewinder_33

sorry, didn't mean to post this twice.

dai

check that it is seated properly don't rely on the clips clicking into place,it does not mean it is seated

sidewinder_33

I tried a couple of times, making sure that it was seated properly and securely, and both times the memory diagnostic test froze up and my computer began having problems again.

IAmNutsAboutPCs

Maybe the RAM is of poor quality, it is off Ebay? Anyone know the seller?

sidewinder_33

I'm not sure but the seller has a very good rating on ebay.

Here is a link to the page on ebay where I purchased the RAM:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=012

And Here is a link to the page on ebay where I purchased my PC:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=018


If there are no solutions to this problem, then there is one alternative for me that might work but I need some advice. As you can see on the page where I purchased my PC, my computer has "Dual Channel DDR/DDRII memory technology." This means that it has 2 slots for DDR RAM with a maximum of 2GB, and 2 slots for DDRII RAM with a maximum of 2GB. However, you cannot us DDR and DDRII simultaneously.

I'm not saying don't post any more suggestions on fixing my current problem with the DDRII RAM, in fact I'd much rather you focus on that topic. But, if no solutions can be found, would it be better to just buy 2x1GB DDR RAM and try that?

Also, what are the differences between DDR and DDRII RAM? Is DDRII a lot better? Or will DDR still run good in my system and work as effectively as DDRII RAM?

twajetmech

Consider checking your mobo manual to see how to set the memory timings manually, then make sure they are set for the correct timmings of your modules, also look for how to adjust the ddr(2) ref voltage, with large capacity modules such as yours it is not uncommon to have to up the ddr2 ref voltage up a tad when using more than one module at a time....the sticker on the memory should give you the min-max voltages the memory is rated for

sidewinder_33

The mobo manual wasn't very helpful. I found nothing on memory timings or voltage but I did find something on my own.

In the BIOS setup utility, I looked in the Chipset Configuration section and found a DRAM Voltage setting. Under that, the choices are Auto, Low, Normal, and High. However, I found nothing on the memory that gave any voltage ratings. Can I do anything with this?

speedster123

try normal in the bios setting first
clear the cmos
check the motherboard's homepage for the ram compatibilty
dont trust the sellers advertisement of a match

IAmNutsAboutPCs

What he means is:

Go into your BIOS by pressing F8 after 1st beep on bootup (as you know) and select Normal

Clear the CMOS by looking at your motherboard and finding this and taking it out for 1 minute and replacing it

Go to Crucial.com and enter the motherboard specifications, when the recommended RAM appears compare those specs to yours

Never 100% trust anyone on Ebay, expect the unexpected (or expect the expected as the case may be) :D

Mikey.

nuttyape

the mobo may not support 2gbs of ram are you sure it dose? some mobos have like 4slots but only support up 512mb sticks so the maximum would be 2gb tho you may think it could support 4 gbs

speedster123

Memory - Dual Channel DDR/DDRII memory technology
- 2 x DDRII DIMM slots
- Supports DDRII667/533
- Max. capacity: 2GB
- 2 x DDR DIMM slots
- Supports DDR400/333/266
- Max. capacity: 2GB

sidewinder_33

Let me see if I've got this correct:
1. Clear the CMOS
2. Have both 1GB DDRII modules in and start up (or should I just have one in, which is the setup that runs without any errors?)
3. Go into BIOS and change the DRAM Voltage from auto to normal

Also, how risky is clearing the CMOS? Could I damage it or put it in wrong or anything? (I will be very careful, of course) And does it only erase the BIOS settings?

I just wanted to check all of this before proceeding with the action.

IAmNutsAboutPCs

To answer your CMOS question, no you won't, just lift it out carefully with minimal force (but use more than you'd like to), if in doubt, come back here. When you put it back in just remember which way was facing up and plonk it back in, doesn't matter about direction. :)

The only thing that will happen when you put it in after a minute is that you will get warnings saying that the times all over your PC are incorrect... just correct them. :)

Yes that's right, the CMOS is what keeps your time up to date when the PC is off... it's a good old battery. :)

Mikey.

sidewinder_33

And just out of curiosity, how does CMOS effect the ram?

dai

it needs to update itself to recognise the change,this is achieved by the cmos reset

sidewinder_33

Oh ok thanks.

But wait, new information.
I'm sorry this hasn't occurred to me until now, but trust me, this situation has been very confusing and frustrating.

So I just decided to try running a few more memory diagnostic tests on each piece in hopes of finding anything at all, and I did. Previously, I ran one diagnostic test on each piece alone and both finished with no errors, but when I tried with them both in it almost always froze or said there were hardware problems. However, there was one time when it said there were no errors on a test with both of them in before blue screening the next time I logged in. This didn't make sense until now. After running multiple tests on each piece of RAM, I have found that one piece passes every time but the other fails or freezes most of the time but not always. This has led me to conclude that the piece of RAM that has failed has problems that for some reason don't always show up on the test, and I need to send that back for a new one.

Does this seem correct? Because it seems pretty clear to me now (which is a huge relief).

twajetmech

If the memory only passes the test intermittantly thn its probably bad and you should rma it.

speedster123

twa-
it was an ebay transaction, dual set.....
I would like to see him or her, hit the ram with a little more voltage.
but i wouldnt want to ruin the warranty on these beauties:

Warranty Length: 90 DAYS FROM AUCTION PURCHASE
If you discover a compatibility issue with this item and your system, please email us your system model # and brand you are attempting to upgrade, and we will assist you further with an exchange.
Warranty Length: 90 Day Warranty with Ram-Upgrades - AFTER PERIOD CONTACT FOR AVAILABLE SERVICE
After 30 Days this item is returnable to PCWonderInc for repair/replace only.
Service Contact: PC Wonder Inc On-line RMA Request
Limited Warranty Policy


Refund are offered for 30 days at full item value minus $3.00 RMA FEE per item. (Refunds issued the same way payment sent)

sidewinder_33

Ok more new information, finally the answer. Again, I'm sorry that I didn't find this info until now, but trust me I have been constantly searching and believe that I found the true Blue Screen causing problem.

I finally recieved an email back from the sellers of my RAM and it turns out, by a very small detail, it is incompatible with my system. I thought I checked every detail for compatibility, but there is one small thing that I over looked. Here is the tiny detail that I missed:
(Made With 128mx8 BIT DRAM)

That's it, and here's where its stated:
Chip Configuration: EACH 1GB STICK = 128M x 64 -Bit (Made With 128mx8 BIT DRAM)

I saw the 128M x 64-Bit and thought my system matched up but I didn't realize the 128Mx8. Here is how they put it in the email:
"We are sorry; the memory is not compatible with your system. The memory you ordered is made with 128mx8 Dram as stated. This is not a standard 1GB build and although most specs may appear to match for you, this is the most important spec to check."

They also offered new RAM for exchange that is compatible with my computer, which I will be taking them up on immediately.

Again, sorry for all the confusion, and THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR HELPING. If it weren't for all of your help, I would have been very lost throughout this whole process and I greatly appreciate every bit of your time and information that you gave me.