RAM How to get stability (In General)

[tie23he]

This is a general question.
I'm trying to get my RAM to pass memtest and prime95 through configuring in BIOS.

So.... Is it true that underclocking to lowerspeed helps stability?
Is it true that loosening timings helps stability.
What else INCREASES stability?

 

[geekapproved]

What do you mean what increases stability???

There is no need to underclock or lower timings. If it doesn't pass testing at it's stock settings, return it, its' defective.

Not sure why you would think that you need to underclock or lower timings from the manufacturers specified settings to be stable.

 

[T_T]

^+1 This is especially true if you haven't overclocked the CPU. Generally speaking, if your RAM doesn't pass MemTest86+ v4.2 (and you are using MT86+; not MemTest, right?), chances are one of two things are the problem:

1. You didn't correctly configure the BIOS to the settings shown on the sticker on the side of the RAM stick(s); or
2. The RAM is indeed defective.

So, if you're absolutely sure that the RAM is set to the specs shown on the sticker, then I would strongly consider replacing the RAM. Conversly, if you haven't set the BIOS correctly, do so, and try running MT86+ again.

 

[pepe2907]

It even may cause instability if you underclock below some level /below the minimum speed for the platform/.

 

[geekapproved]

True, underclocking or under timing the memory could cause instability itself.

 

[tie23he]

Alright thanks guys. I set everything to stock AND then also tested manufactuerer settings.
Going to RMA.

Thanks for clearing things up.

 

[tie23he]

Best answer selected by tie23he.