RAM speed BIOS and CPU-Z and Win 8..oh my~

[jinshiel777]

After reading the forums here and elsewhere, I've now completely exhausted my capacity to understand and figure it out. So I turn to the experts in need of some help and understanding.

My setup:
OS : Win 8 (64-bit)
CPU : Intel Pentium (R) G645
Mobo : Lenovo Mahobay H61
Memory : DDR3 4Gg 1600 PC3-12800

Problem #1:
BIOS is telling me that my RAM speed is 1333 MHz, CPU-Z also confirms this, even though it's able to handle 1600 MHz. I've read somewhere (no clue where due to having read so many forums) that the H61 chipset can handle only up to 1066 MHz. But it seems that this isn't the case.

Win 8 reads:
Memory: DDR3 4GB
Speed: 1333 MHz

CPU-Z reads:
Max Bandwidth: PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
DRAM Freq: 665.1 MHz
CL: 9
tRCD: 9
tRP: 9
tRAS: 24
tRC: n/a
CR: 1T

So does this mean that my computer downclocked to 1066 MHz and then overclocked to 1333 MHz?

Problem #2:
Basically I'm trying to upgrade my memory to 8GB but having bought a new 4GB 1600 stick, it failed to read both with my current memory stick and when installed solo. So then I bought a 1333 stick and did the same; installed with the current stick and without and both times failed.

Attempt #1: Old 4GB 1600 + New 4GB 1600 = Win & CPU-Z reads only the old stick at 1333
Attempt #2: New 4GB 1600 + Empty slot = Mobo fails to boot
Attempt #3: Old 4GB 1600 + New 4GB 1333 = Win & CPU-Z reads only the old stick at 1333
(CPU-Z does recognize that another memory stick is installed but Win doesn't read it)
Attempt #4: New 4GB 1333 + Empty slot = Mobo fails to boot

So not wanting to waste anymore money, please help me find out what's going on with my current memory stick and exactly which memory stick I need to buy.

Thank you in advance

 

[brispuss]

Basically it is the memory controller which limits memory frequencies, although there may be limitations via BIOS also.

The memory controller is part of the CPU (G645), and the MC supports up to 1333 MHz memory natively. If wanting to run memory at higher frequencies (1600 MHz for example) then overclocking will be required, but there is no guarantee of successful overclocking either.

The system is basically running memory at the highest native system compatible frequency (regardless if the memory is rated at 1600 MHz or higher frequency), which in this case is 1333 MHz.

The new memory (4 GB 1600 MHz, and 4 GB 1333 MHz) may be just incompatible with the system.

What are the make and model/part numbers of the old memory and of the two new memory modules?

 

[jinshiel777]

Basically it is the memory controller which limits memory frequencies, although there may be limitations via BIOS also.

The memory controller is part of the CPU (G645), and the MC supports up to 1333 MHz memory natively. If wanting to run memory at higher frequencies (1600 MHz for example) then overclocking will be required, but there is no guarantee of successful overclocking either.

The system is basically running memory at the highest native system compatible frequency (regardless if the memory is rated at 1600 MHz or higher frequency), which in this case is 1333 MHz.

The new memory (4 GB 1600 MHz, and 4 GB 1333 MHz) may be just incompatible with the system.

What are the make and model/part numbers of the old memory and of the two new memory modules?

Firstly, thank you for the quick reply. I am slowly getting a better picture of what's going on with issue #1 at least..

As for issue #2 and answering your question about parts; I live in China so the parts I have are all Chinese brands bought online from Chinese sites...but just in case:
Old memory stick: [Image]
Make: Ramaxel
Model: ??

New memory stick #1: (I already returned it)
New memory stick #2: [Image]
Make: Heoriady
Model: 4GB DDR3 1333 PC3-10600 CL-9

Would you know specifically which memory I would need to get for it to be compatible?

 

[brispuss]

Thanks for the additional details, and for the very clear photos!

To keep things simple, it would be the better option to get a system compatible 2 x 4 GB dual channel memory kit (to replace the existing Ramaxel 4 GB module, which could be sold or kept as a backup memory in case of problems with the dual channel kit memory). The modules within the kit are guaranteed to be compatible with each other, so they should work immediately in the system without any issue.

Trying to match individual memory modules is a bit of a gamble (even for modules with the same model/part number) due to variations in module characteristics. In this case it might require trying several different modules until a compatible combination is found. This process, therefore, can be time consuming and expensive.

Further details will follow a bit later when certain data has been found regarding Ramaxel and Heoriady memory.

 

[jinshiel777]

Thanks for the additional details, and for the very clear photos!

To keep things simple, it would be the better option to get a system compatible 2 x 4 GB dual channel memory kit (to replace the existing Ramaxel 4 GB module, which could be sold or kept as a backup memory in case of problems with the dual channel kit memory). The modules within the kit are guaranteed to be compatible with each other, so they should work immediately in the system without any issue.

Trying to match individual memory modules is a bit of a gamble (even for modules with the same model/part number) due to variations in module characteristics. In this case it might require trying several different modules until a compatible combination is found. This process, therefore, can be time consuming and expensive.

Further details will follow a bit later when certain data has been found regarding Ramaxel and Heoriady memory.

I did think about that solution; buying 2 x 4GB memory modules, but when I installed the new module by itself (taking out the old mem module), all I got were boot failure beeps. Having 2 memory slots I tried to install it in the other slot, but same...boot failure.

Would buying two new identical mem modules that is compatible with the mobo work, even though I tried with one mem module that is supposedly compatible? And if so, could you offer a suggestion as to which mem modules would be good? (Without considering brand, just any make that will/should be compatible ^^)

Thank you again so much for your help~~~


Here's the detailed specs for my mobo: [Image]

 

[brispuss]

Thanks for the additional photo and details!

This Lenovo motherboard you have, has it been removed from a Lenovo desktop computer? Or is this motherboard still inside a Lenovo desktop computer? If the motherboard is still inside a Lenovo desktop computer, what is the model name/number of the Lenovo computer?

So there is no misunderstanding, two separate 4 GB modules is NOT the same as two 4 GB modules from a dual channel kit.

Buying 2 x 4 GB separate memory modules (that are not from the same dual channel memory kit) is NOT really recommended.

Buying 2 x 4 GB memory modules that are contained within the same kit or package (a dual channel kit) is the preferred option. In other words the one "dual channel" kit contains two 4 GB modules that have been tested together and guaranteed for compatibility.

Separate (individual) memory modules have not been tested for inter-module compatibility. This means having to try several individual 4 GB modules to find a compatible combination which can take time and more money. So this is not a recommended procedure.


There are some difficulties in finding data for the Ramaxel and Heoriady memory modules as there seems to be little information on them, particularly for the Heoriady memory. So recommended memory is not able to be made just yet (sorry).

If possible, could a clear closeup photo be taken of one the memory chips used on the Heoriady memory module? Ideally the photo should show clearly all of the characters written on the memory chip. Or, maybe copy the data written on the memory chip and post the details here?

Thanks.

 

[jinshiel777]

Thanks for the additional photo and details!

This Lenovo motherboard you have, has it been removed from a Lenovo desktop computer? Or is this motherboard still inside a Lenovo desktop computer? If the motherboard is still inside a Lenovo desktop computer, what is the model name/number of the Lenovo computer?

So there is no misunderstanding, two separate 4 GB modules is NOT the same as two 4 GB modules from a dual channel kit.

Buying 2 x 4 GB separate memory modules (that are not from the same dual channel memory kit) is NOT really recommended.

Buying 2 x 4 GB memory modules that are contained within the same kit or package (a dual channel kit) is the preferred option. In other words the one "dual channel" kit contains two 4 GB modules that have been tested together and guaranteed for compatibility.

Separate (individual) memory modules have not been tested for inter-module compatibility. This means having to try several individual 4 GB modules to find a compatible combination which can take time and more money. So this is not a recommended procedure.


There are some difficulties in finding data for the Ramaxel and Heoriady memory modules as there seems to be little information on them, particularly for the Heoriady memory. So recommended memory is not able to be made just yet (sorry).

If possible, could a clear closeup photo be taken of one the memory chips used on the Heoriady memory module? Ideally the photo should show clearly all of the characters written on the memory chip. Or, maybe copy the data written on the memory chip and post the details here?

Thanks.

Not sure how I will go about find a dual channel kit, but I will try that option. Then, in doing so would I buy a DDR3 PC3-12800 1600, 1333, or go even lower to 1066?

Heoriady Closeup pics:
Image 1 - Front
Image 2 - Back 1
Image 3 - Back 2

 

[brispuss]

Thanks for the photos again! They have provided vital information!

Get a dual channel kit (with two 4 GB memory modules inside) at 1333 MHz, or at 1600 MHz (the 1600 MHz memory will automatically be down clocked to 1333 MHz by the system).

The Heoriady memory chips use 4 bit memory data width which is not compatible with the G645 CPU, that is why the Heoriady module doesn't work.

The tricky part is to find modules that use 8 bit memory data width instead of 4 bit memory data like this Heoriady module has. But the good news is that MOST DDR3 standard (unbuffered) memory modules use memory chips with 8 bit memory data width. So it shouldn't be too difficult to find suitable memory.

In summary, you should get a dual channel kit with two 4 GB modules in it, rated at either 1333 MHz or at 1600 MHz, and that use 8 bit memory data width memory chips.

Could you confirm if the Lenovo motherboard is currently installed within a Lenovo desktop system? If it is, what is the Lenovo system model name (is it model H430 maybe?, or is it something else?). Once I have this information I can advise specific brands of memory modules that will be compatible.

And/or, if you wish, if you can provide details of memory you wish to purchase, we'll look at it and confirm its compatibility. But please note that compatibility can only be readily provided for major memory brands such as - Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, G.Skill, Patriot and PNY. Smaller memory manufacturers such as Ramaxel and Heoriady etc, compatibility can only be determined by examining in detail the memory chips used on the modules.

 

[jinshiel777]

Thanks for the photos again! They have provided vital information!

Get a dual channel kit (with two 4 GB memory modules inside) at 1333 MHz, or at 1600 MHz (the 1600 MHz memory will automatically be down clocked to 1333 MHz by the system).

The Heoriady memory chips use 4 bit memory data width which is not compatible with the G645 CPU, that is why the Heoriady module doesn't work.

The tricky part is to find modules that use 8 bit memory data width instead of 4 bit memory data like this Heoriady module has. But the good news is that MOST DDR3 standard (unbuffered) memory modules use memory chips with 8 bit memory data width. So it shouldn't be too difficult to find suitable memory.

In summary, you should get a dual channel kit with two 4 GB modules in it, rated at either 1333 MHz or at 1600 MHz, and that use 8 bit memory data width memory chips.

Could you confirm if the Lenovo motherboard is currently installed within a Lenovo desktop system? If it is, what is the Lenovo system model name (is it model H430 maybe?, or is it something else?). Once I have this information I can advise specific brands of memory modules that will be compatible.

And/or, if you wish, if you can provide details of memory you wish to purchase, we'll look at it and confirm its compatibility. But please note that compatibility can only be readily provided for major memory brands such as - Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, G.Skill, Patriot and PNY. Smaller memory manufacturers such as Ramaxel and Heoriady etc, compatibility can only be determined by examining in detail the memory chips used on the modules.

I'm pretty sure the mobo isn't a Lenovo desktop system. What I do know is that CPUZ tells me it's an H61 chipset(?), or at least if I add that to my search parameters it will bring up my motherboard and not just the Thinkpad results.

But I think I did find dual channel ready mem sticks from an online store in China...so fingers-crossed and hoping~~

Thanks again for your help and detailed explanations