Bad Ram?

[Strangelove]

Howdy,

I attempted to do 3 things to upgrade a computer:

1.) Upgrade from Vista to 7 64 bit. After installing the latest mobo realtek drivers all worked.

2.) Upgrade video card to EVGA SuperClocked 012-P3-1572-AR GeForce GTX 570 . Functions. Downloading the latest drivers as we speak.

3.) Add Ram. I had 2 sticks of G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel in a GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 mobo. When I added 2 more sticks (initially in the wrong sockets) I got a "windows will not start to prevent damage" error). As a last resort, I looked at the manual (lol) and installed the sticks in the proper channels. After that the mobo would not post. I removed the 2 new sticks and (after windows startup repair) all is well.

Does this mean the ram is bad? The photo from new egg shows a box with graphics for the ram, but it only had a clear plastic cover when I got it. Makes me wonder if it had already been returned.

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

[David M]

First try one stick at a time and see if any cause the computer to fail to boot.

If they all succeed in allowing your computer to boot then test each stick using this...
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

[Strangelove]

David,

The manual has instructions for 2 or 4 sticks of dual channel memory, but doesn't mention 1 or 3 sticks.

The slots are numbered: 2/1, 4/3, 6/5

Two sticks go in 1 and 3. Four sticks in 2,1,4,3.

Where would you put them for 1 or 3 sticks?

(3-channel ram would go in 1, 3, 5)

Thanks

[David M]

You can put one stick in at a time for testing purposes. Read your motherboard manual for where you put RAM if you only have one stick, otherwise for if you have two sticks.

[glc]

If you are going to be using an X58, you should use triple channel, and G.skill has been having quality and compatibility issues.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by glc If you are going to be using an X58, you should use triple channel, and G.skill has been having quality and compatibility issues.

That is correct sir, and I would strongly recommend 1.65V. The Corsair Dominators seem to work the best from my experience.

[Strangelove]

Wow. Thanks for the ideas. The original Gskill ram seems to work fine. I've been using this mobo/ram combo for 2.5 years. Adding more Gskill for $31 seemed a reasonable way to go. 6 gb of Corsair Dominator runs $130.

Any recommendations on a less pricey triple channel DDR3 in the 6+ gb range?

How about: Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C9

[jdeb]

In my experience the Dominators seem to perform the best and are very stable with this chipset. On the budget side, I have also used 1.5V Kingston triple channel RAM but the performance is not as good as the Dominators. However, the stability is perfectly stable. These are the only two I have found to meet stability, reliability, and performance with this finicky chipset. I imagaine there are others but I have yet to run across them.

Kingston 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
Newegg.com - Kingston 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3N9K3/6G

[Strangelove]

That sounds like just the ticket. Thanks