Ram Crashing System

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by canadianicon25

i didn't say that right. all of my ram still works. i can install the OCZ and patriot memory in any configuration up to 3GB and the system is stable. it's only when the 4th GB is added that things go wonky. i tried to narrow the problem down to a single bad DIMM or bad socket but there isn't one. is there something else that can go wrong when you have multiple ram IC's in close proximety to each other that come from a different manufacturor (excess capacitance, eletromagnetic interferance etc). That is what I meant by electronically speaking. I guess it is posed to someone with theory/design background.

1) Have you run memtest on the individual sticks to ensure that they ARE ok?
2) Your trying to run 4gb of memory with mixed modules.. thats not gonna work.

[DK2]

Originally Posted by canadianicon25

there is only one way of setting up the memory. ram is ram; the underlying logic (functionality) is the same and it performs the same task. ram that will run at faster timings is capable of running slower. the problem is not mix-n-match ram. a chipset problem or damage to the DIMM sockets or mobo breakage is more likely.

Our systems are very similar, PentiumD 3.0GHz, Intel 945, etc.
I have 4 sticks of ocz 512K though, never had a problem.

As you say, the system ‘was’ running fine before, I would suspect the motherboard also, specifically the chipset.
Usually things just totally crap out though, but it could be on the verge I suppose, its not unheard of.
Some other thoughts/guesses, hot case, loose heat sinks, or dusty heat sinks that can affect heat dissipation.

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by DK2

Our systems are very similar, PentiumD 3.0GHz, Intel 945, etc.
I have 4 sticks of ocz 512K though, never had a problem.

As you say, the system ‘was’ running fine before, I would suspect the motherboard also, specifically the chipset.
Usually things just totally crap out though, but it could be on the verge I suppose, its not unheard of.
Some other thoughts/guesses, hot case, loose heat sinks, or dusty heat sinks that can affect heat dissipation.

Pushing the northbridge with the setup they have.. it would be no surprise to me that its taking its toll overtime.

This is why you should NEVER EVER mix ram types.

[canadianicon25]

checked for thermal related problems. northbridge heatsink loose on backside. kind of a flimsy anchoring system on it that poped out. chip looks damaged. brownish tint to outer perimeter. if that chip was physically damaged suprising that the system runs at all. re-secured sink but still no go w/ 4GB. new board i guess. thanks for your input/suggestions folks.

[DK2]

well, half burnt chip gets you half the RAM.

if you have windows oem, try and get the same MB, may save yourself
some authentication issues with MS.
Maybe you won't have to grovel before them, to get activated.