intel 875 w/ corsair ram problems

[jeromeOlivier]

Hello,

I'm in the process of building my 2nd system and am running into memory problems. The system is:

intel 875PBZ modo
P4C 3GHz CPU
4 x 512MB Corsair CMX512-3200C2 RAM
Abit GeForce 4 Ti 4600
WD Raptor Serial HDD (36GB) - system
WD Ultra 133 HDD (120GB) - files, etc.
Pioneer DVD-R/RW
Windows XP SP 1

The system works fine with 1 stick of RAM, but when I install all four, the system either fails to boot or becomes unstable within a minute.

The sales rep told me CL2 RAM was too aggressive for the intel mobo and tried to peddle me his CL3 ram, but I insisted on CL2 (based on reviews with the 875 chip set) and bought it elsewhere.

I've tried different ram settings, but other than default and I don't seem to get anywhere.

Has anyone experiences a similar problem? Should I take sales people more seriously?

[mattclary]

If you have 4 sticks of RAM, have you tried different combinations of the sticks? i.e., is it only stick A + B or will stick C + D work OK? Can you get 2 sticks of another brand by any chance? I assume you aren't overclocking or anything at this stage?

[Lynx3d]

I don't see a reason why RAM with slower specified timings should be more stable....

What setting did you try actually? Try the slowest timings (highest latencies, like 3-4-4-8 insteads of 2-2-2-5, depends on how detailed the settings are in your Bios) if that doesn't work, you MoBo either just doesn't like the RAM (in that case i'd guess the CL3 would work less than ever if it is the same brand/type) or the RAM/board is not working as stable as it should, but that's a pain finding out which part really is the trouble...

Intel has a page for tested and certified memory for that board, so if you want to be on the safer side:
http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bz/bz_mem.htm
(click the advanced tested memory link)

[jeromeOlivier]

I'm currently running the ram at 333MHz and it runs fine. It looks like intel's BIOS supports CL2, it's just it wont run properly. :mad:

I'll try more settings like suggested. Is there somewhere where I can learn what the settings mean. At this point, I'm just shooting in the dark trying different numbers - not very practical.

Thanks for the help.

[mattclary]

I also own the 875pbz. When I put memory in, the board just detected it and configured it correctly. Are you going into the BIOS and trying to manually configure CAS settings and memory speed? If so, I suggest you reset your BIOS and let the board auto-configure. If that is not the case and your memory will only run at 333mhz, you should return it. It's either bad or they sold you mis-marked memory.

[bakasaru]

Maybe some of these will help?

House of Help (http://www.houseofhelp.com/forums/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=55067&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending)

[jeromeOlivier]

Well, let it be a warning to anyone building their own system to make sure and buy RAM that is supported by the motherboard manufacturer. From the looks of it, Corsair RAM is NOT compatible with the 875 intel mobo. Period.

Some people seem to get it to work, but there always seems to be a catch. Anyway, wasted time & money there... :(

PS
Thanks for the help guys!

[Lynx3d]

Yea Corsair is not on Intels validation list...i've found the whole list:

http://www.intel.com/technology/memory/ddr/valid/dimm_results.htm

[js33]

I have only purchased Crucial ram so far and it always works fine. I got a 512mb stick from them for my Intel 845 chipset board and it works fine. It is CL2, PC2100 DDR.

Cheers,
JS

[mattclary]

I'm using Kingston Value Ram. I think CL 2.5, but it might be 3. Worked like a charm. I called Kingston first to verify that memory would work in a dual configuration. They also confirmed for me that their HyperX series would not work in that configuration.

[jeromeOlivier]

Definitely be careful qhat RAM you buy for your system. I have 4 sticks of sexy RAM collecting dust in the bottom of my desk drawer.

waste'o'money :(