Memory issues. Can't run stable past 2 gigs.

A

Atwooooood

Weaksauce
Joined
Oct 28, 2009
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So I have had an ongoing memory problem with my system for months now. At the current moment I have two 1 gig sticks and one 2 gig stick. My other 2 gig stick is bad. I am trying to run 4 gigs by putting the 1 gig sticks in dual channel mode in the primary slots then tack on the 2 gig stick in the first B slot.

FYI the sticks are all the same, Corsair Dominator, the only difference is the size. My system wont even post in the above mentioned configuration unless I jack up the NB voltage but then it just blue screens while loading the OS.

When I put a 1 gig stick and the 2 gig stick in dual channel then tack on the other 1 gig stick in the B slot, it boots fine. Is there any difference in running it in this configuration and is there a reason it works in the 2nd configuration but not the first?
 
I am not sure but other members may have some good insight for you.

To me it sounds like your best option would be to sell that memory or keep it for a video encoder or htpc and go and buy a nice matched 4G set. Ram is getting really inexpensive now and you can score a 4G 1333 kit for about $25.00 after mail in rebates and the likes. Frys had a good deal, Corsair XMS3 1333 4GB matched pairs for 54.99 + a 25 mail in rebate.

I think you would run stable and get far better speeds if you were to go and buy something that matches. Given you have the cash for it.
 
Yea I did have a matched 4gb set but one of the 2gb sticks has gone bad and I'm reluctant to RMA it cause its my third replacement set. I've heard there has been compatibility issues between the p5q pro anda corsair ram, so I'm sure I'm experiencing some of that. Ill probably end up just buying some different ram cause I'm sick of rma'ing this set.
 
tangoseal said:
Ram is getting really inexpensive now and you can score a 4G 1333 kit for about $25.00 after mail in rebates and the likes. Frys had a good deal, Corsair XMS3 1333 4GB matched pairs for 54.99 + a 25 mail in rebate.
Click to expand...

The OP is using DDR2. And this is not cheap like DDR3.
 
drescherjm said:
Lower the ram frequency to 800 Mhz and test that.
Click to expand...

It has been tested all the way down to 667mhz along with using the recommended timing and voltage. As of now, I have the system running with the 1 gb stick and 2 gb stick in the yellow primary slots, and the other 1 gb stick in the black secondary slot, but as in the past, i should be expecting errors within a few days, they always come.

I was able to atleast POST with the two 1 gb sticks in the yellow slots and the 2 gb stick in the black secondary slot by cranking up the NB voltage, but it blue screens when loading the OS.

Is there any advantages/disadvantages between the two configurations I have mentioned?
 
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For an update on this grueling process i've been having with memory errors for over 6 months now, i decided to go ahead and purchase a dual channel kit. I got G Skill F2-6400CL5D for 65 dollars. Wish i didn't have to get new ram, but it appears that was my only option. Not much you can do with compatibility issues.

So far this ram has posted just fine and has been running good for a few hours. I plan on running memtest tonight after going to bed to check for errors.

For anyone with any of the p5q series boards by Asus, steer clear of corsair. Wish i would have known about that before my purchase, then again this is my first build, couldn't expect to know everything i guess.
 
I ran 2x2GB G.Skill and 2x2GB Kingston 1066 ram in my old P5Q Pro setup, no issues at all, was extremely happy with the setup.
I sold that ram a couple of months ago and is one of the rare times that you get your money back on used computer hardware. I paid $90 2 years ago and sold them for $90.
 
Wow, that must of been nice. Wondering how you were able to sell them for what you paid.
Anyways, nice to hear you had no problems with your motherboard/ram combo, hopefully the same applies to me. If all goes well, I will be so relieved that these problems have come to a stop.
 
Atwooooood said:
Wow, that must of been nice. Wondering how you were able to sell them for what you paid.
Anyways, nice to hear you had no problems with your motherboard/ram combo, hopefully the same applies to me. If all goes well, I will be so relieved that these problems have come to a stop.
Click to expand...

they were really cheap when I bought them since memory back then hit an all time low at the time. When I sold them a few months ago, they were priced at almost $90/set so $90 for 2 sets is a deal.

the 4GB OCZ set in my HTPC cost me $35 2 years ago and are $85 now.

this is the memory I sold
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104098
 
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Nice. That G Skill you linked is the same stuff I got, 'cept mine is 800mhz stock. Didn't find spending the extra for 1066 justifiable in my case considering I'm strapped on cash and was lucky to get the set I did.
 
I just added another 8GB to my system since it will end up costing me $15 after I get my $20 rebate.
Traded 4GB DDR2 800 for 4GB DDR3 1333, then traded the 4GB DDR3 kit and $35 for an 8GB DDR3 kit and rebate. I think I made out like a bandit.
 
I think you did. If only my board supported DDR3 =/
I've been looking into upgrading, just have to find out where all that money is going to come from.
 
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