4x512 problem

[imported_sandman]

I've had a "matched pair" (2x512MB) of RAM for a while, and just bought another pair. They're the exact same type, (take a look here, I have 2 sets of the "1GB (2x512) D/C Kit PN – OCZ25331024VDC-K"), but when I have all four sticks in, my computer won't load, it just sits on the first screen after it says "Checking NVRAM..." and "Initializing USB something-something"... please help!

My comp specs are:

P4 3.2GHz LGA775
ASUS P5GD2 Premium MoBo
Sapphire X800XT 256MB PCI-Express

etc...

UPDATE:
Just noticed that one pair has timings of 4-4-4-12 (the currently installed pair), and the new pair is 4-4-4-8. Could this be the problem? Why the hell would they sell RAM with the EXACT same name AND PRODUCT CODE if it's different and doesn't work together... lame :hmm:

New Update:
Tried running my comp with just the new pair, and it doesn't even get to the loading screen... methinks I shall be returning this new garbage tomorrow

[NoSoup4You]

Re: 4x512 problem

It is also revision number. You may want to check the voltages as well, that maybe causing it. You can also download and run MemTest86. It doesn't require a boot into Windows, and it will test your memory for errors, and fried modules. Basically you will want to let it run for a few hours (or over night) and check to make sure that all tests are passed. If not the modules were either bad to start out with, or something fried them. You maybe able to contact OCZ and RMA them. Most companies have atleast a 1-2 year Waruntee on their products. When you RMA request matching pairs to the pair you already have (include make, model, and serial numbers, usually found on the heat spreaders).

[imported_sandman]

Re: 4x512 problem

Meh, I think I'll buy 2x1GB sticks and trade in my 4 512's, I absolutely hate wasting my time trying to fix something that shouldn't be wrong in the first place.

Oh and just for my own knowledge, what are the little black squares that are on the RAM? Are those heat spreaders?

[NoSoup4You]

Re: 4x512 problem

True, but the (2)1GB sticks will most likely cost more.....so free vs more money.....by all means if you have money to spend go for it.

[neo265]

Re: 4x512 problem

Ive been having a nightmare with 4 sticks of identical memory. Ive just taken 2 out now and it seems to be running sweet. The problem I had was stability, everything seemed to be a-ok but BF2 and some other games would ramdonly crash and I had to reset the computer. I tried absolutly everything and the memory was the issue.

There has always been an issue with the A64 running 4 sticks of ram, either the timings were relaxed to cope or the DDR speed was dropped to 333Mhz from 400Mhz. Either way, the command rate needs to be set to 2T otherwise it will just hang on the BIOS memory check.

The Venice core was supposed to cure all the teething issues with 4 sticks, but myself and many others are the unlucky ones..possibly down to individual mobos or even the CPU themselves (the memory controller is built into the Core with A64s). It sounds like a large number of Venice's have had issues with running 4 sticks but there are still lots of people who can run it trouble free. Either way, running with 4 sticks does impair performance slightly as the Command rate is set at 2T to allow for error correction.

One thing I did find in my travels is that Gigabyte mobo's were mentioned quite a bit and also the Nforce 3/Ultra chipset was mentioned.