PC + Additional RAM ≠ Happiness (BSOD / Rage)

[docbadwrench]

That's all the math I know. Anyway, there are many threads that all orbit this problem. I know because Google keeps sending me to them. Note to website staff: SEO appears to be working frickin' well.

There are long-dead threads which I could resuscitate. Perhaps this one? Or this one? Then there's this one which sounds very much like my own problem. Let's use that one as a basis.

The other night, I installed my new RAM into my PC, had irritating BSOD episodes and thought I identified the RAM as bad (although I did not run rammon because after hours of frustration, I just guessed) So I returned it. Now I have replacement RAM and the BSOD fun is back. This obviously leads me to different conclusions.

Some basic stuff:

• 
  My MOBO: Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P (rev 1.4)
  RAM Slots 1 & 2: Micron 2GB DDR3-1333 – No ECC (x2)
  RAM Slots 3 & 4: HyperX 4GB DDR3-1333 – No ECC (x2)

Slots 1 & 2 have been in this rig for years. They are the reason I can type this. Slots 3 & 4 are the new chips. Immediately after inserting them into this rig, I BSOD after all the initial MSDOSsy-lookin’ stuff but before the Windows logo pops on the screen.

When this happened a few nights ago, I removed everything and then added one 4GB chip to my mobo, booting, confirming Windows could, like, sit there. Then I’d shut down and add the next 4GB, then the 2GB’s one at a time. I thought everything worked great until I ran the Windows Experience eval-tool. Instant BSOD.

Booted safely again. Ran the eval again. Instant BSOD. This is why I thought my experience sort of rhymed with the this thread. I am guessing that both sets of RAM that I purchased are not the problem.

The odds, while possible, are remote. I’m open to thoughts and additional troubleshooting.

 

[dark_lord69]

memtest86 for 24 hrs or more.
The bad stick should cause a failure.

I still think you have a bad stick of ram.

However, if I was you i'd be running a matching pair to run my system in dual channel mode.

 

[docbadwrench]

Thanks. Both sets are a matching pair. I'm unconvinced (at this stage) that the RAM is bad. I find it hard to buy receiving two sets of RAM - in a row - both having exactly the same issue appear. Possible, but unlikely. But I'll be running MemTest, because I have few options.

 

[FreshRestart]

Did you try to run some tests with only the 4 GB pair installed? Mixed brand/size RAM generally isn't a good idea.

 

[docbadwrench]

Good question! I did. With just the original 4GB pair, it still BSOD'd. I haven't tried it with *this* set yet, but will. Thank you.

 

[FreshRestart]

You should definitely try running some tests with the 8 GB set, it is probably an issue with the mixed RAM setup. Worst cast scenario you will have to run your system with the new 8 GB kit you have purchased. Still that is a good upgrade.

 

[docbadwrench]

I am stable with the two 4GB sticks (although my Windows Score went *down* for some reason unrelated to the RAM subscore). I'm going to give this a little longer to make sure; I declared victory much too early the last time. Thank you very much.

 

[FreshRestart]

Edit: Sorry didn't read your last post properly.

 

[indsup]

Ok one thing you have wrong is that you have your memory mixed up. It should be slots 1&3 then 2&4. The way you have your ram can cause your problem with just that setup alone. different mfg's, timings, capacities, on the same channel. Also did you check your compatibility chart to see if it will work with your board, the new ram you bought? The Windows experience tool will stress the timings of your memory of which is when you bsod by what you said above. change your memory to the 4gig sticks in 1&3 then the 2gig sticks to 2&4. But only after you check and make sure your memory is compatible with your board. Some do not play well together.

 

[FreshRestart]

Oh..I haven't even noticed that was an AMD mobo, but since it is, what indsup said is probably true. AMD motherboards use slots 1,3 for one dual channel and 2,4 for the other, unlike Intel which use a 1,2 , 3,4 set up.

 

[Tradesman1]

What set of new sticks? the model #. There's a number of things it could be, since it boots my first thoughts would be to increase DRAM voltage up + 0.06 and raise the CPU/NB voltage to prob about 1.3 or so