Stability problems with F3-10666CL9D-4GBRL

[cameleon33]

Hi,

I tested both modules in the first black slot and memtest found no errors.
I tried to start the computer with one module in the B1 slot and everest found the module to be a DDR400 as memtest does.

When I use black slots for modules instead of blue slots, the display under windows is not stable. I have graphic artefacts. So I'm back with the blue slots.

Someone on ASUS forum, said it was maybe because of my power supply. I got a 550W power supply. He said I only have 44A on the +12V rail and it was not enough with the graphic card I got. Here is my complete configuration:

- Proc: AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE @ 3,2GHz
- RAM: GSkill Extreme3 2x2Go PC10600 Ripjaws
- Motherboard : Asus M4A79XTD EVO Bios 2102
- GPU : Sapphirre Radeon HD 5870 Vapor-X
- HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue S-ATA 500Go
- Power : Cooler Master GX Power 550W
- OS: Windows 7 64bit

What do you think of his suggestion? Could it explain my problems?

I have another thought: I just looked at the Qualified vendor list of my mother board and I couldn't find exactly my RAM modules... Incompatibility?

Cam'

[wevsspot]

Even though many memory kits don't show up on motherboard mfgs. certified memory list, that doesn't mean they won't work. In fact I've done hundreds (and not exaggerating) builds using memory that wasn't on the motherboard mfgs. qualified list. There just isn't anyway that either the memory maker or motherboard maker can test every combination of memory that might be used with a motherboard.

The primary things when selecting memory is choosing the right platform (i.e. ddr, ddr2, ddr3 etc.) timings, speed and voltages. So I really don't think you have a compatibility problem.

Your power supply is probably cutting it close, and that could be part of the problem. I guess there isn't any harm in trying unless your budget won't allow. It's a good time to buy a power supply because pricing is pretty sweet right now.

If you go shopping I'd recommend taking a look at the Corsair 650TX or 750TX models as they are super. They also come in modular (that would be the HX series) but they are more expensive.

[wevsspot]

cam,

it's probably time that we take a look at all of your BIOS settings relative to voltages, timings, multipliers, dividers etc.

you can post up pics, or pm me your email address and i'll send you a template.

i'm hoping that we can get this straightened out for you.

i guess the very last alternative would be to rma the board and your memory and start from scratch - although to me that doesn't sound like a lot of fun

i'm headed to church but will be back a little after noon.

wev

[cameleon33]

Hi,

I sent you my email address so you can send me a template. I'll send you every infos you need.
For the power supply, I'll buy another one if we can't find anything with the bios settings.

I would prefer not to rma motherboard and memory, but if it's the only way to have a fully working computer, I'll do it.

Thanks again for your help! I hope we'll find the solution.

Cam'

[cameleon33]

Hi,

I took some pictures of bios settings.
You can download them here!

http://www.eole-trading.com/downloads/bios_settings.rar

If you need other information, just ask.

Cam'

[Onslaught2k3]

Hi all,

Here is my problem. I have an Asus M4A79XTD Evo motherboard with an AMD Phenom II X4 965 processor and F3-10666CL9D-4GBRL memories.

Sometimes, I got windows blue screens or programs all crashes at startup. I just have to switch off the computer and start it again, and there are no more problems. But this issue happens around 2 times a week.
I also can't download any large file (more than 600-700Mb) or there is some chance it'ld be corrupted. I also can't extract some large zip files or I got randoms corrupted file errors. All this don't happen often. Only sometimes, and when it happens, retrying almost always works.

I ran Memtest for around 12h and there were no errors with memories.

I'ld like to know where is the problem? Are the memories bad? Are motherboard slots bad?

I'm using Windows 7 64bits. No overclocking. Default values in the bios.

Any idea? I'm prepared to do any test you'll ask for.

Thanks,

Cam'

Get BlueScreenView. It reads the blue screen errors back to you and tell you the windows system drivers (or manufacturer drivers) that caused the stop error. If BlueScreenView highlights HAL.dll file that means overclocking is the main culprit as the hardware doesn't properly communicate with windows. If memtest shows no errors (as others have said) then you are safe and the modules aren't at fault. BlueScreenView will give you a good heads up as to which driver in windows is causing the error.

[cameleon33]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. I'll try this program as soon as I'm at home.

Cam'

[wevsspot]

Hosting BIOS screen shots for Cam - he needs expert help ASAP!

[wevsspot]

[wevsspot]

[wevsspot]

[wevsspot]

Cam,

I see some things that we need to change right now.

In the Advanced Tab > Configure System Frequency/Voltage
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Ratio = 17
CPU/NB Frequency = 200
CPU Voltage = [1.325v] we can lower this later
CPU/NB Voltage = [Auto]
CPU/VDDA Voltage = [Auto]
HT Link Speed = [2000]
HT Link Width = [16bit]
HT Link Voltage = [Auto]

Memory Timing and Voltage
DRAM Frequency = [1333]
DRAM Voltage = [1.50]

DRAM Timing Configuration Tab
Set the four primary memory timings to 9-9-9-24
Set DRAM Command Rate to 2N
Leave all other settings at Auto

Chipset Voltage
NB Voltage = [1.40v] we can lower this later
NB 1.8v Voltage = [Auto]
SB Voltage = [1.35v] we can lower this later

Give these settings a go and see if we get anywhere. G.Skill tech or others - I'm open for additional input.

[cameleon33]

Hi,

Thanks for the help again ^^
I'll enter all these settings as soon as I'm back home.
Is there any test I could do to check everything is ok? Otherwise the only way will be to wait to see if the instability comes back

Setting all on Auto could explain my problem?

I'll keep you posted.
By the way, what is your timezone? I'm in France, so GMT+2, right now it's 4:45pm...

Cam'

[wevsspot]

Hey, I saw something else in your bios pics.

Under the DRAM Controller Configuration you have an option titled Enable Clock to all DIMMS.

That is currently [Disabled] - I wonder if you change that to enabled if all of your slots will work at the correct frequency?

[wevsspot]

Hi Cam.

I'm in the United States (Central Daylight time) so it's 10:20AM here.

For testing we'll go with the tried and true.

Memtest 86+ version 4.10 for testing memory outside of the Windows environment

OCCT or Prime95 using the blend test for an overall system stability check inside the Windows environment

Another handy memory testing tool you can use inside the Windows environment is HCI Memtest