Problem using all four DIMM Slots with Gskill RAM

[ctxmultsican]

I just built a custom gaming rig using an MSI P45 Neo-FR3 motherboard. I bought 2 4GB DDR2 Kits (G.Skill-1066 PC2-8500, 2048 MB x2). My motherboard supports up to 16GB of memory. When I use DIMM slots 1 & 3 or 2 & 4 with any of the four sticks of RAM there are no problems (i.e., I have tested each individual piece of RAM they all work fine). However, as soon as I use 3 or more of the RAM slots, the computer wont load the operating system (Windows Vista 64 bit Ultimate). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IH8U]

This is a common issue with Vista, use only 1 of those kits. Install the OS, after you finish with the Registration crap. Power off, then install the other set.

 

[ctxmultsican]

That is what I did. I installed my OS first, made sure it was working fine and then, to no avail, added the additional sticks and encountered problems.

 

[zenmaster]

Did you Increase the RAM Voltage? Frequently it needs to be updated with 4 dimms.

What Speed are you running trhe RAM at?
It may not reach as high of speeds w/4 dimms as well.

 

[IH8U]

I think I may have found your problem, you have a MSI board. (it explains a lot, they have issues with compatibility, and their customer service is worse than Compaq)

 

[ctxmultsican]

I have not increased the voltage for the RAM. I'm pretty sure everything is set to default because I have not tweaked it:
DRAM voltage: auto
Adjusted DRAM frequency: 1067
Spread Spectrum:enabled

If I do not need to adjust the voltage would you please tell me how I would do this and what the risks are?

 

[ctxmultsican]

I mean if I do need to adjust the voltage would you please tell me how?

 

[IH8U]

The DRAM voltage needs to be 2.1V (BIOS sets it to 1.8 automatically).

Change Voltage to manual, then set the voltage up to 2.1 (should be in .05v increments)

Edit, risk in upping the RAM voltage .000003% (mainly issues with PSU, and/or MB), by not raising the voltage to factory specs, you could void the RAM's warranty.

(I have the same RAM, it's voltage should be 2.1V, not 1.8V)

 

[jaragon13]

I think I may have found your problem, you have a MSI board. (it explains a lot, they have issues with compatibility, and their customer service is worse than Compaq)

Heh,you've never used any motherboard Customer Support? I've got support from Biostar,they're one of the worst rated.Just don't try their online service.

Generally,don't depend on Customer Support. Although,MSI DOES make some of the best motherboards,albeit not the most forgiving.

 

[ctxmultsican]

I increased the voltage in the Bios to 2.1v Booted with just two sticks to see if it would be ok and it was. Added the other sticks and when i try to boot i get the following message : "The file is possibly corrupt. The file header checksum does not make the requested checksum."

 

[ctxmultsican]

Cleared CMOS, raised ram to 2.1 v and booted with two sticks, when i add the other two i get the same error message: "The file is possibly corrupt. The file header checksum does not make the requested checksum"

 

[dokk2]

QUICKLY NOW,,,rma the board and get the P45 ASUS or DFI or Gigabyte even an Abit if available in your area,do not even think of wasting your time on any mobo that will not do what it should right out of the box,,,BTW you do have the latest bios..??....
Furthermore the error message does not make any sense ,,,did you try both sets of ram separately first 2g and then the other 2g

 

[ctxmultsican]

It was at version 1.4, the latest. Good advice dokk2, I am RMAing that thing and getting the ASUS Maximus instead:-O