Z68 w/4GB RAM gtg; memory dump w/8GB RAM

[RZTBP]

I am using a micro Z68 (GIGABYTE GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3) with G.Skill RAM (F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL), 2GB per stick.  The board is awesome with 2x2GB of RAM, but when I go 4x2GB RAM it causes a memory dump.  Either set of 2x2GB work fine in either slot.  I have the cheapest i3 processor available (Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz).  I am using an XP 32 bit operating system.  Does someone know or could someone suggest what the problem might be.  Can  the hardware can be ruled out?   I am guessing it can and so the easiest fix and my hope would be the bios setting, but maybe the processor is incompatible with 8GB on this motherboard.  Any hints to attack the problem would be really be appreciated.  -RZTBP

[Rolo42]

Never guess; never assume.

Run memtest86+ with your memory installed.

Are all the sticks the same make/model?

[Lsdmeasap]

Are you using the latest BIOS?  Did you set the memory voltage?   You may also need to raise the QPI/Vtt voltage, as this is the memory controller

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Don't forget when you fill all the memory slots you are putting a much bigger load on the memory controller. The standard settings are for two slots filled and so you need to manually enter the timings and voltages now.

If the default voltage is 1.5v then you are going to have to increase that to 1.55v at least for stability. The timings you can enter as recommended off the module or specsheet. Make sure that the QPI/Vtt stays within 0.5v of the memory voltage THIS IS IMPORTANT.

If the modules come with a XMP I would expect it to be 1.65v by default. If that is correct then instead of the 1.55 v you will need to set the memory voltage to 1.68v - 1.70v. You can use all the other settings in Profile 1 as they are though. Make sure to check your QPI/Vtt voltage and make sure it stays within 0.5v.

( Hi Lsdmeasap I see you just beat me to the post there! )