My second time in buying new RAM and a new experience with memory test software.

[xilolee]

Hi guys.

Just want to tell my story with the new ram.
I bought 2x4gb new sticks of ram (on ebay).
I seated them and the pc didn't want to start: it did 4 beeps (not sure if I didn't insert correctly the VGA connector).
Then I re-tried (remove more dust, un-seat, re-seat, etc) and the pc (and the OS) started.
After some minutes: blue screen (0x3B: memory management).
Hence I resigned to do some tests (they became a lot)...
For the first time I tried passmark memtest86 (the one without the +) on an USB stick/pendrive.
1st test: it found errors at Test 7 [Moving inversions, 32-bit pattern] (after some half hours).
2nd test: I switched the stick in the other slot and did another test. It found errors at Test 7 [Moving inversions, 32-bit pattern] (after some half hours).
3rd test: tried windows memory diagnostic: it found errors after some minutes.
4th test: tried the test inside windows with hcidesign memtest: it found errors after few seconds.
This time I put a new layer of thermal compound on the cpu. Then I seated-unseated the stick 4-5 times (hoping the contacts were dirty).
5th test: this time memtest86 test (all of its tests and 4 passes) with its default settings passed with 0 errors.
6th test: changed slot: I increased the passes to 6: tests passed with 0 errors.
For once, I thought that being optimistic was a good thing. :wink11a:
After some minutes I rebooted (MSIE and a scan with WinDefender), new BSODs. :banghead:

Now, I'm resigned to re-send back the faulty stick to the sender...

It seems the other stick is working good, but I only tried the standard test of memtest86 on one slot only (and it passed).
Now I'm testing it inside windows with hcidesign memtest.
Honestly, I now appreciate this tool a little more than before (and than the other tools).

 

[Digerati]

PassMark MemTest is the only one I use anymore as it is the only one that is still under continuous development. But no software based tester is 100% conclusive. While reported errors definitely do indicate faulty RAM, these testers can report no errors yet the RAM still fails when in use, or when paired with other sticks.

Did you verify the RAM is compatible with your motherboard by checking the motherboard's website for the RAM QVL (qualified vendors list)? There are too many RAM makers and models for board makers to test them all so you don't have to buy listed RAM. But you do need to buy RAM with the same specs as listed RAM to ensure compatibility.

Alternatively, you can run the RAM wizards found on most RAM maker's sites, like the Crucial Memory Advisor. Again, you don't have to buy listed RAM but you should make sure you buy RAM with the same specs. That said, if you buy from Crucial, they guarantee suggested RAM is compatible.

Frankly, I don't recommend buying RAM off ebay. Too many cases of faulty or incompatible RAM.

We would need to know the BIOS maker to know what 4 beeps mean, but that often indicates memory problems. I hope you thoroughly cleaned all the old TIM (thermal interface material) off of the mating surfaces before applying new TIM. And I hope the new layer of TIM was applied as thin as possible. It only needs to fill the microscopic pits and valleys in the mating surfaces. Any excess is in the way and counterproductive to the most efficient transfer of heat.

Then there is the absolute need for ESD control. You must make sure you unplug the computer from the wall and touch bare metal of the case interior BEFORE reaching in and touching the RAM (or CPU). Otherwise a static discharge from your fingertips may torch a Grand Canyon size trench through 10s of 1000s transistor gates on those sensitive devices without you (as a human) even being aware a discharge occurred!

 

[xilolee]

Now the ram config. is as follow:
- Nanya Technology NT4GC64B8HG0NF-CG 4GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10700 (667 MHz) 9-9-9-24 1.5V Week/Y 25/12
- Unknown M04GD16P1600C11 (LOW profile) 4GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10700 (667 MHz) 10-10-10-24 1.5V Week/Y 46/10

Both speccy and cpu-z say dual channel.
I don't know why it says unknown: it should be Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G.

The mini-desktop is Packard bell imedia s2870 (intel G645).


(No bsods until now! :) )

 

[Digerati]

Both speccy and cpu-z say dual channel

Dual channel is a motherboard function, not RAM. It just means communications across the bus operates in dual channel memory architecture mode when two like sticks of RAM are inserted in the appropriate slots. RAM is "marketed" as dual channel (these days) simply to indicate they are two identical sticks in the same package.

I say "these days" because it is all about marketing today. Many years ago, RAM makers used to test each stick coming off the production line, and match pairs that had the exact same specs. This was a time consuming and expensive process.

But today's manufacturing techniques have improved so much, that every stick coming off the line already easily conforms to published specs for that model. No special testing and pairing is required. So today, when it comes to RAM, dual channel RAM just means there are two like sticks in the package. Triple channel RAM means 3 sticks. And note memory managers/controllers today are much more capable at making slight different RAM play well together in dual channel mode too.

Since this is a factory built system (Packard Bell) I would visit RAM sites and run their wizards. I think these are still current.

Crucial Memory Advisor
Corsair Memory Finder (manual data entry only)
GeIL Memory Meter
G.SKILL RAM Configurator
Kingston Memory Search (manual data entry only)
Mushkin Advisor
Patriot Memory Search (manual data entry only)
PNY Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
SuperTalent - Memory Finder (manual data entry only)​

The following retailers have auto-scanners and manual wizards. They sell brand name and/or "house" brand (re-branded) RAM.

Newegg - Memory Configurator System Tool
MemoryStock - Upgrade Configurator
18004Memory – Configurator
4AllMemory - Memory advisor (automatic and manual)
TigerDirect - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)​

 

[xilolee]

On Kingston my model isn't present...
That's why I searched the ram according to its frequency (ddr3 1333).
This is the progress of memtest (started about three hours ago):

 

[Digerati]

Well, 0 errors is good, but again, not conclusive. But even just 1 error is bad.

The Crucial memory wizard works two ways. One where you input the data, the other were you download a little program that scans your computer. I would try that.

 

[xilolee]

(I forgot to) Update: bad stick sent back, new stick arrived, no problems anymore.

Speccy and cpu-z say (9-9-9-24):
- Unknown manufacturer - unknown model 4GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10700H (667 MHz) 9-9-9-24 (JEDEC#5) 1.5V Week/Y unknown
- Unknown manufacturer - model M04GD16P1600C11 (LOW profile) 4GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10700 (667 MHz) 10-10-10-24 (JEDEC#5) 1.5V Week/Y 46/10

Therefore now I have got 8GB ram.b
Both models should be Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G, and on their boxes it is written that.

 

[Digerati]

Don't let the "Unknown manufacturer" bother you. That is common. I have 2 x 8GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR4 RAM in this machine. Corsair is very popular, as is their Vengeance line. But Speccy not only says "Unknown manufacturer", it also says "Unknown" for type too. It does, however, correctly report 2 slots are used, 16GB installed, the proper speed and timings too.

CPU-z correctly reports DDR4 and 16GB but does not say it comes from 2 x 8GB.

I recommend you check out HWiNFO64. It is very (even overwhelmingly) informative. It precisely identifies each stick individually as 8GB DDR4-3000 Corsair CMK16GX4M2B3000C15.

I like Speccy but it often incorrectly reports voltages too. For example, on my system it says my +12V is .048V. Clearly this computer would not be running if true. HWiNFO64 reports it is +12.168V which agrees with the +12.17 my multimeter reports. To see voltages in HWiNFO, be sure to click the "Sensors" button up top.

 

[xilolee]

Right! :smile9:
I forgot to already have it (version 5.30, now 5.57 beta).
It shows more information, I saw them when using passmark memtest86.
By the way, still no manufacturer and model.
They seems to be different from module timing onward...