Bad memory modules?

[Apocolypse007]

I am running these: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 ...

with my 1090t. When I first installed them, they worked ok. I had to relax some timings but I assumed that was because these were designed with I5 systems in mind.

The problem arises now several months later, I am getting blue screens occasionally that reference memory errors, AMD overdrive stress tests fail on calculation tests, and Windows 7 memory diagnostics tool detected a hardware failure on the memory.

I have tried just about everything to make them work. I run my CPU at factory spec, I tried increasing voltage to the modules, I've tried loosening timings, I've also tried running them at a reduced frequency. They still produce errors and fail stress tests.

Supposedly G.Skill has a lifetime warranty on this product. That would be great if I didn't need this PC for college and other critical uses. I am sure it will be several weeks minimum to RMA these things.

Currently I am thinking it is best to order a replacement and just RMA the ripjaws when the replacement RAM gets here. I would then sell the replacement modules in order to help recoup the cost of replacement.

As for a replacement, I have these in mind: Patriot Viper II 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ...

These are rated for 1.9v so I am sure they are geared toward Phenom II systems rather than I5 and I7 systems. They also have a decent Frequency and low timings. I will likely order these tonight.

Does anyone have any possible solutions I may have not realized or know about the reliability of these Viper II's?

 

[ron732]

Did you check the Memory QVL list for the mobo? Does the mobo support the memory density, voltage, and timings that you are using?

I have never had an Asrock mobo but it may be picky about the memory you can use. Someone with more experience with Asrock can address that issue for you.

 

[overclocking101]

did you try one memory stick at a time?? also did you up your NB voltage as well?? idk much about amd but i know that the memory controller is on the cpu therefore if certain voltages are not in line memory will be shitty.

 

[Apocolypse007]

Thanks for the replies.

@ron732: I checked the QVL list. I don't think my RAM is on there, but if I only go by that list, I limit myself to a small fraction of RAM available. Lets face it, most of us ignore those lists and just configure timings to spec as I did.

Yes the motherboard supports up to 4GB per module and can supply voltages up to 2.2v-2.3v (cant remember exact voltage off of the top of my head). All timings are adjustable in BIOS.

@ overclocking: If one DIMM is bad, I will have to order a pair anyway. I have tried adjusting NB voltages.

QVL List found here: http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory/890FX Deluxe3.pdf

 

[ron732]

I assume you have updated the BIOS since you are tweaking the memory settings. Did you see in the manual that Asrock says "If you adopt DDR3 1800/1600 memory modules on this motherboard, it is recommended to install them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots." ? Not sure why they recommend this but it's worth a shot if you haven't already tried it.

I agree with you on the QVL list limiting your choices. I use it as a guidline when picking memory. To bad you are having these problems cause that mobo and the Ripjaws got some pretty sweet specs. Good luck with the Vipers and let me know how you make out. I was thinking about doing an AMD build myself.

 

[Apocolypse007]

Thanks ron. I'll try using the different slots, but I am pretty sure at least one of the dimms is bad because it still produced errors even after lowering the frequency below 800mhz. I tried ordering the vipers yesterday but they went out of stock right before i could order. I will get them ASAP.