BSOD on start up with new memory installed

[mdisandro]

Hello. On one of my older boxes, I am having difficulty getting new memory to work. It had 2x2GB of PC1600 memory (8-8-8-24 1.6V) running at 1333. It has been about 4 years and one of the sticks went bad. It may have been bad for a while. I discovered the problem when I couldn't install Win 7 to a new hard drive (ran MemTest and found one stick with many many errors but other stick 100% OK). Took out bad stick and Win7 installed without a hitch. Things running fine for a couple of weeks, but had only 2GB of memory, so purchased new sticks with intention of bringing up to 8GB or even 16GB.

Purchased Kingston HyperX KHX16C9B1BK2/8 (PC1600, 9-9-9-27, 1.65V). With 1 stick installed, I can get to BIOS setup, but when Windows starts to load, there is a flash of BSOD before the computer shuts down. With 2 sticks installed, I can't even get to BIOS setup. It hangs right before going into setup (goes through POST routine and says "entering setup", but then hangs).

With 1 stick in, I tried fiddling with the BIOS settings. But not sure what I can safely change. Tried XMP off and on, setting timing from 9-9-9-27 to 8-8-8-24, changed to/from 1333 and 1600, can't change voltage on this MOBO (or at least can't see how since it is on "Auto" and grayed out).

I reset CMOS, but no change. I purchased another set of memory to test (http://www.frys.com/product/6350471?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG), but same problem.

When I put the old single 2GB stick back in, everything works fine, it is just with new sticks (tried 2 different brands/speed).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mdisandro]

Sorry, thought my system would show up as signature:

MOBO: MSI P55M-GD41
HD: 1TB WD
HD2: 320GB WD
CPU: i5-661 (LGA1156)
Video: Gigabyte GeForce GTX650
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

 

[Johan45]

I have to ask if you cleared the CMOS before you installed the new ram??

 

[mdisandro]

Yes. I just did it again before trying the other set of sticks I just bought to test with.

 

[Johan45]

try setting the voltage to manual and put in 1.65 it might be setting it too low.

 

[mdisandro]

Thanks for the suggestions. Giving it a try. Will report back.

 

[mdisandro]

I noticed that the settings defaulted to 1.5 so I changed it to 1.65 (it "rounded" to 1.651). But when I booted up, same problem. That is, a quick flash of the BSOD just as windows was starting to load. Then it restarted. Thanks for the suggestion, but no go.

 

[Johan45]

Which memory speed did you select, your CPU only supports 1333 ram, so try again and set it to 1333 with the spd timings.

 

[mdisandro]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the speed was already set to 1333. Other settings are:

Timing: 9-9-9-27
XMP: Disabled
QPI Frequency: 6400Mhz
DRAM Voltage: 1.651V

I am at a total loss on this one........

 

[Johan45]

Have you tried different ram slots?

 

[mdisandro]

Just getting back home from errands. I will try moving to different slots and get back.

 

[mdisandro]

Actually, just received a note from a Kingston technician and they are saying that my old MOBO will not support the single rank/higher density of the newer DRAM chips. So now I am thinking maybe it is time to upgrade the board and processor. Or maybe I can find used/old memory that will work........