Memory configuration quandry

[JDShine]

I have put together a new desktop consisting of a new Intel DP35PD MOBO,
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 CPU, 4 x 1GB Corsair PC6400 DDR2 memory modules
plus existing parts. My problem is with one of the four memory modules.
For the sake of this question I will number the memory sticks 1 through
4. I started out with all 4 sticks installed and I could not boot to
CMOS, no beeps but no signal to monitor. If I install any one of the
four modules (including #4) alone in DIMM 0 Channel A I can boot. (I
have yet to install the OS) If I install modules 1, 2 or 3 in DIMM 1
Channel A I can boot but module 4 in DIMM 1 Channel A brings no signal
to monitor and sometimes the three beep memory problem code. I can
Install modules 1, 2 and 3 in any order to DIMM 0 Channel A, DIMM 0
Channel B and DIMM 1 Channel A (proper configuration for three modules)
and boot but once I add module 4 to the mix I cannot boot. Also if
module 4 is in DIMM 0 Channel A, as stated, I can boot but as soon as I
add another module I cannot. So, in essence module 4 functions
independently when installed in DIMM 0 Channel A but nowhere else.

My question is, is this a common problem with memory modules so that I
will not have problems when I try to get Corsair or Tiger Direct to
replace #4 and is there terminology that I should use when talking to
them. I only have until Tues 10/27 to deal with Tiger. (30 day return
guaranty)

TIA,
JDShine

 

[Paul]

I have put together a new desktop consisting of a new Intel DP35PD MOBO,
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 CPU, 4 x 1GB Corsair PC6400 DDR2 memory modules
plus existing parts. My problem is with one of the four memory modules.
For the sake of this question I will number the memory sticks 1 through
4. I started out with all 4 sticks installed and I could not boot to
CMOS, no beeps but no signal to monitor. If I install any one of the
four modules (including #4) alone in DIMM 0 Channel A I can boot. (I
have yet to install the OS) If I install modules 1, 2 or 3 in DIMM 1
Channel A I can boot but module 4 in DIMM 1 Channel A brings no signal
to monitor and sometimes the three beep memory problem code. I can
Install modules 1, 2 and 3 in any order to DIMM 0 Channel A, DIMM 0
Channel B and DIMM 1 Channel A (proper configuration for three modules)
and boot but once I add module 4 to the mix I cannot boot. Also if
module 4 is in DIMM 0 Channel A, as stated, I can boot but as soon as I
add another module I cannot. So, in essence module 4 functions
independently when installed in DIMM 0 Channel A but nowhere else.

My question is, is this a common problem with memory modules so that I
will not have problems when I try to get Corsair or Tiger Direct to
replace #4 and is there terminology that I should use when talking to
them. I only have until Tues 10/27 to deal with Tiger. (30 day return
guaranty)

TIA,
JDShine

You can run memtest86+ from a floppy or a CD. Try it with the bad
DIMM first, so you can get some idea what is wrong with it. If there
is a "stuck-at" fault, then the test should fail repeatably. If the
error is random, it could be that you haven't adjusted Vdimm to
a value consistent with what the manufacturer expects. And it is
hard to say, whether their Vdimm value is the maximum they recommend,
or is the value at which the timing will be met. While DDR2 is
nominally 1.8V, to get enhanced speed or tighter timing, they
sometimes suggest a slight elevation, like 2.0V. The BIOS may
have an option to do that. Only use as much voltage as is needed
to get error free operation. Testing with more than memtest is
required for final qualification, like using Prime95 torture test
or gaming for a few hours error free. Prime95 is nice, because
it does a computation with a known answer, while with a 3D game,
more than the memory could be at fault, so such a test is less
specific.

http://www.memtest.org

You can try reading the reviews on Newegg, for the product, and
see if there is a pattern of failures to the product.

The recommended timings and voltages might be in a datasheet
for the product. Corsair is here.

http://www.corsairmicro.com

Check the forums, to see if that product has failures or not.

http://www.asktheramguy.com/v3/index.php

Paul

 

[JDShine]

I have put together a new desktop [snip]
TIA,
JDShine

You can run memtest86+ from a floppy or a CD. [snip]

Paul

Thank you for your reply. The module in question is now totally dead and
I will attempt to return it.

JDShine