GA-PA65-UD3-B3: 4 RAM sticks problem, single-sided modules

[pewusoft]

Hello.

I have 4x2GB GoodRam 1333MHz CL9 sticks (all identical). When all 4 installed, mobo goes through POST, but Windows BSODs and memtest shows a lot of errors. If I put only 3 of them (or less), everything works just fine. Of course I have tested all sticks individually and eliminated the memory problem.

I tried increasing memory voltage, lowering timings to 8-8-8-20, lowering memory speed down to 800MHz, but nothing works. Finally I RMA’d the mobo, but new one has the same problem.

Mobo model: GA-PA65-UD3-B3, rev. 1.0
RAM sticks datasheet: http://goodram.pl/files/Download/datasheet/ddr3/gr1333d364l9-2g_256x8.pdf

Thanks for answer in advance!

EDIT: I also forgot to mention that this happens even after BIOS upgrade (tried on F5 - stock-installed and F9 - newest)

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

What is the Stop code on the BSODs as this will give us an indication of the problems cause.

You say you have four sticks all identical but just because they are the same part number and timing doesn't mean they are identical and this is why they sell matching kits of modules. They have been tested to make sure that they are electrically the same. So that could be your problem and why individually they are fine.

[pewusoft]

I bought them in two dual-channel kits, so I suppose both pairs were tested (and they work really well in pairs, both pairs (and single sticks alone) were put through 10 passes in memtest).

It's now hard for me to tell what is the stop code, because I have reformatted my HD when I got new mobo, just to reinstall Windows, when memory problem is gone (but it obviously isn't, so I didn't bother reinstalling). I just remember BSOD appeared right after first reboot after installation, then also a few times while trying to use Windows. They appeared because of different reasons, at least one of them was IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. I'd like to avoid reinstalling Windows again until I solve memory problem, but if it's really important to note the stop codes, I will do this.

I'm very close to assume that those sticks won't ever work with this mobo... but why? They meet all of the requirements.

[Dark Mantis]

Are the memory modules listed as compatible on the manufacturer's website ? They should have a QVL with a list of motherboards that the modules will work with stably.

[pewusoft]

Unfortunately, they don't have any QVL list or anything similar.

[pewusoft]

Sorry for double-posting, but there is no edit option. I solved the problem by replacing 4x2gb sticks to 2x4gb. Thanks for your help!

For future customers: this mobo (or maybe chipset itself) seems to have problems with too many RAM modules. 

[Dark Mantis]

It is not that the motherboard has a problem with more memory but that as in the case of most motherboards/chipsets the memory controller requires some extra power to run all four banks when full. It is quite normal to have to increase the voltage a touch when loading fully. Quite often the northbridge needs tweaking slightly too.

Good idea though to swap the modules for two larger ones as it also gives you the opportunity to add more later.

[pewusoft]

I tried increasing memory and northbridge voltage one step higher, maybe it was too low. Of course it makes perfect sense what you're saying, but I'm just unfamiliar with messing with voltage - on my old Gigabyte on 945P chipset 4 sticks work fine 

Anyway, thank you once again for help

[Dark Mantis]

You are very welcome. Sometimes you can get away with the auto setting but it is pure luck in those cases.

[Dark Mantis]

aravindan88

If you would like some help, please write it as a post here and I am sure that there are many people ready to give aid. That is not what the reporting button is for.

[Aussie Allan]

  When all banks are full.....increasing QPI/VTT will sometimes increase stability (one or two bumps)

  CRITICAL!.....Never exceed 0.5V differential of memory voltage to QPI/VTT voltage.....unless you want a new memory controller

  Aussie Allan