GA-P35-DS3L v2 and F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK 8GB Unstable

[Airshark]

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L v2 (Latest F9 BIOS)
RAM: F2-8500CL5D-4GBP x2=8GB
CPU: Intel Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz
Problem: Windows 7 reboots and Memtest86 errors

I have run 4 GB of 2-8500CL5D-4GBP for several years now without issue.

I am not an overclocker and the only thing I have really modified in my BIOS was at the initial suggestion of G.Skill support years ago to raise my DRAM voltage up by +.2 to get it to run at 1066.

Recently I decided to upgrade to 8GB.

I ordered another kit of 2-8500CL5D-4GBP.

I thought everything was working fine until I started to get daily Windows 7 64Bit reboots and errors.

When I run Memtest86 on one 4GB kit at a time, I get no errors (for at least 12 hours plus on Memtest.). When I place both kits in at the same time for a total of 8GB, I get errors on each pass EVERY time testing runs.

I'm frustrated and wondering if anyone has suggestions or known settings that work with my particular combination? I'd really like to get this to work instead of returning it to Newegg.

Also of note, one side of one heat spreader arrived not touching about half of the RAM stick. I had to push it back down with my fingers to re-stick it. Upon super close examination, it looks SLIGHTY bent and I assume under thermal load it pulls the spreader away from the chip. Is this something to be worried about? The RAM arrived three days ago and I'd hate to be accused of damaging something that I have handled carefully.

Thanks in advance for any help you all might be able to throw my way.

UPDATE: I opened an RMA for the wierd RAM heat spreader, but I'll have these sticks for a few days before I exchange. Again, I don't think they're faulty, I just think I have to tweak something to get them to work reliably.

[Airshark]

I don't know if these may help, but here are screenshots from CPU-Z and Memset:


memset_1 by AirShark, on Flickr


CPUZ_1 by AirShark, on Flickr


CPUZ_4 by AirShark, on Flickr


CPUZ_3 by AirShark, on Flickr

[Tradesman]

Any time you mix sets, even of the same exact model, it can be problematic. Might try raising the NB voltage about + 0.08, the DRAM voltage + 0.05 and set the tRFC to about 88. Give that a try

[Airshark]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I'm not entirely sure which BIOS menu sets each of the items you recommended. Might I impose on you further to look at the attached screenshots? All of my voltage controls increment in 0.1v increments, except the CPU voltage control and (I think) the System voltage control. Also I don't see anything that lets me adjust tRFC.


voltage1 by AirShark, on Flickr


voltage2 by AirShark, on Flickr

[Tradesman]

tRFC is your Refresh to ACT Delay, NB is MCH over voltage control

[Airshark]

I raised the DDR2 over voltage to +.3, refresh to act delay to 88, and the MCH over voltage to +.1.

I still get Memtest86 errors reliably.

I tried bumping up the MCH over voltage to +.2, and then +.3 . I still get lots of errors.


This isn't going to end well for me is it?

Any other ideas to try? Thanks again in advance.

[Tradesman]

May just have two sets that don't want to play together - might try them at 800

[Airshark]

I changed the multiplier to 2 (down from 4) and changed the timing to 4-4-4-12. I left the DDR2 overvoltage at +.2.

They work fine together in that configuration. They ran for 12+ hours on Memtest86 error free.

I have an RMA set up on these for the funky heat spreader. We'll see how the replacement pair get along with my current RAM.

I do find it funny that at least on Newegg, I don't see a 4-stick kit of DDR2 running at anything faster than PC6400.

Any remote chance that G.Skill would maybe trade two sets of RAM that won't play nice, for one 4-stick kit that does? I'm pretty sure I know that answer to that one already

What's my real-world loss of performance running at 800 instead of 1066?

[Tradesman]

Might try PMing GSkill Tech, he should be in Monday

[Airshark]

Thank you for all your help Sir.

[Tradesman]

Sorry couldn't do more

[Airshark]

Well, I got my RMA kit back and it fails test #5 and #6 in Memtest just like the first pair when I try and run it at 1066. Running at 533mhz works just fine.

I PMd GSKILL TECH

[Tradesman]

Let us know what you find out