RAM or Motherboard bad?

[elementx]

First time build, I used a GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 AM3+ AMD 970 motherboard and PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) RAM.

The computer boots up fine and runs ok, but windows update is failing a lot, the computer is freezing up occasionally, and I have gotten several blue screens. I tried reinstalling windows 7, but it gave me an error that was indicative of bad memory (I forget the code). So I ran Memtest86 and found a ton of errors. I assumed that it was just my memory that was bad, but I decided that before I ship it off for a replacement I would find which one was the problem, and then install updates with only the good RAM installed, so that I could at least get that set up. I went to test the ram individually, but found that they were both giving me errors in the same slot individually. They were returning different errors though, so I tried them in different slots, and memtest86 gave me similar locations of the errors for each memory board, but different locations between the boards. This is a small sample of what the location address of the errors I got:

Stick 1

00117adf998 test 8 Slot 4
001171d3998 test 8 Slot 2
001176df988 test 8 Slot 1

Stick 2

00108a45470 test 7 Slot 4
0010ac4d470 test 7 Slot 2
00102183638 test 7 Slot 1

I know it is unlikely that both sticks happen to be bad, but because the errors are similar in different slots, but different between memory sticks, is it a possibility that I just got two bad sticks of RAM?

 

[davcon]

Anything is possible and running Memtest86 is a very good idea.
Btw did you use Memtest86 or Memtest86+? + is better imo.
http://www.memtest.org/

 

[inzone]

It is either that or the memory controller , do you have a way to test the ram sticks on another computer , friend , relative.

 

[geekapproved]

It's totally possible, especially if your running them at the wrong voltage. You didn't mention what cpu you have, but the memory controller is likely on the cpu, not mobo.

Ram has a lifetime warranty, so replace it and don't worry about it unless it happens again to the new memory.

 

[jaquith]

Make sure the RAM is installed in the SAME colored DIMM slots (Blue + Blue <or> White + White).

CPU | DDR3_4 | DDR3_2 | DDR3_3 | DDR3_1 |

CPU | blank | DDR3_2 | blank | DDR3_1 |
CPU | DDR3_4 | blank | DDR3_3 | blank |

Next, it might be a good idea to update to BIOS F4 -- use the Q-Flash method:

Nice 3-part video:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCCId1Mcrw4
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlx5GBkiaM0
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX78S4qyHu0

Memtest (Test 7) is often the CPU's IMC where 1T vs 2T is used, so it's best to either Clear CMOS (Jumper Method) and/or manually set the RAM.

Assuming PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model MD8192KD3-1333

BIOS:
Set Memory Clock -> 6.66 ; 6.66 * 200MHz = DDR3-1333
DRAM Configuration /Enter
1T/2T Command Timing -> 2T
CAS# latency -> 9
RAS to CAS R/W Delay -> 9
Row Precharge Time -> 9
Minimum RAS Active Time -> 24
--
DRAM Voltage -> Auto ~ 1.55v ; increase slightly if errors persist, stock is 1.50v

Save & Exit = Yes