Strange DDR2 memory problem -- only in dual channel

Charliel

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Feb 5, 2007
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Hello,

I'm having a strange problem with a pair of DDR2 PC5300 (667) memory sticks. They're identical, from a 'generic' brand called TitanMemory, and I'm using them with an ASUS M2NPV-MX motherboard. If put them in the slots with the same color, they work in dual channel mode but memtest86+ report an error: always at the same address, only one bit is wrong and always is with test #7, all other tests are OK. If put them in the slots with different colors, so they work in non-dual channel mode, memtest86 doesn't report any error. It also happens with WinDiag: dual channel fails, non-dual channel it's ok.

This means that even the sticks are identical, they can't work in dual channel or it's a memtest86+/windiag problem?

Thank you very much
 
There have been numerous reports of errors in only tests 5 and 8 on Athlon systems. Often the memory works in a different system or the vendor insists that it is good. In these cases the memory is not necessarily bad but is not able to operate reliably at Athlon speeds. Sometimes more conservative memory timings on the motherboard will correct these errors. In other cases the only option is to replace the memory with better quality, higher speed memory. Don't buy cheap memory and expect it to work with an Athlon! On occasion test 5/8 errors will occur even with name brand memory and a quality motherboard. These errors are legitimate and should be corrected.