Problem with new RAM

[romeovf]

Motherboard: MSI K9N Neo V2

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4000+

RAM DDR2:

Always had 2 of these: KVR667D2N5K2/2G (Kingston 1GB each one, don't know why the stickers say "2G")

Now I bought 2 of these: KVR800D2N6/2G (Kingston 2GB each one)


The problem: If I put the two new memory sticks (4GB total), the computer boots but one or two minutes later it freezes.

If I put only one of the new sticks, it works ok. If I combine one new and one old stick, it works ok.

I checked at MSI`s website and the new memory is OK in the memory test report, so it`s compatible.

Plus, the Motherboard supports up to 8GB, so 4GB shouldn't be a problem!.

Already tried the "just even/odd numbered slots". In MSI they come orange and green, but didn't help. Plus, I read that for this model it is indifferent.

What could be the problem?

 

[GhislainG]

Have you checked the timings and frequency with CPU-Z?

When using an old module, the timings should be automatically set to 5-5-5 at 333MHz (667MHz). The new modules should definitely work if manually set at those timimgs and speed. By default they probably are set to 6-6-6 at 400MHz (800MHz).

 

[C12Friedman]

The problem is simply that the ram modules do not like each other. Ram is strange like that which is why mixing and matching ram modules is not recommended. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. It is always recommended to purchase ram in 'kits' for the same reason - even the same brand, model and size ram may not play nice with each other - I suspect here you purchased individual modules and not a matched kit . Manufacturers make kits by matching modules that are friendly to each other to avoid those issues (which also can explain why 4 module ram kits are expensive - harder to match 4 modules).
I'm going to suggest you run the original ram until you purchase a full kit of matched ram - sell the new stuff on Ebay or...
Note: if the two new ram modules were purchased in a package as a kit, Kingston will work with you to ensure proper function but if purchased individually they will likely tell you what I did here.
Hope it helps

 

[romeovf]

Have you checked the timings and frequency with CPU-Z?

When using an old module, the timings should be automatically set to 5-5-5 at 333MHz (667MHz). The new modules should definitely work if manually set at those timimgs and speed. By default they probably are set to 6-6-6 at 400MHz (800MHz).

I'm gonna run CPU-Z and post the images.

Meanwhile, this is how my PC was originally before buying the new RAM:

CPU


Motherboard


Memory (summed up)


Memory Slot 1 (Slot 2 has the same values)

 

[romeovf]

The problem is simply that the ram modules do not like each other. Ram is strange like that which is why mixing and matching ram modules is not recommended. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. It is always recommended to purchase ram in 'kits' for the same reason - even the same brand, model and size ram may not play nice with each other - I suspect here you purchased individual modules and not a matched kit . Manufacturers make kits by matching modules that are friendly to each other to avoid those issues (which also can explain why 4 module ram kits are expensive - harder to match 4 modules).
I'm going to suggest you run the original ram until you purchase a full kit of matched ram - sell the new stuff on Ebay or...
Note: if the two new ram modules were purchased in a package as a kit, Kingston will work with you to ensure proper function but if purchased individually they will likely tell you what I did here.
Hope it helps

Interesting.

I've just checked my old RAM, the stickers on it do say the words "Kit of 2" below the description.

The new RAM's stickers don't say that.

 

[romeovf]

Have you checked the timings and frequency with CPU-Z?

When using an old module, the timings should be automatically set to 5-5-5 at 333MHz (667MHz). The new modules should definitely work if manually set at those timimgs and speed. By default they probably are set to 6-6-6 at 400MHz (800MHz).

CPU-Z's detection for the new memory (1 stick)

 

[GhislainG]

Since you're running the memory below it's rated frequency, it should be stable even at 1.8v, but increase the voltage to 1.85v or 1.9v to see if it helps. Running Memtest86+ for several hours would also be helpful to ensure there are no memory errors.

 

[smorizio]

check your mb bios rev. there a bios patch rev 2.6 that fixes ddr2 800 hangs when run at 533 speed.

 

[Wisecracker]

Those MSI s939 have always been finicky with RAMs.

I believe the *Tweaking* options are in the **Cell Menu** of the BIOS


(I can't for the life of me remember if you could set individual timings in it, though)