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Hardware and Windows Vista Hardware issues in relation to Windows Vista. (microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices) |
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Weird Memory Issue
I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of
ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |
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Weird Memory Issue
You need to go to the GigaByte web site for their
recommended and/or approved RAM listing for your specific board. It the particular Geil RAM you have installed is has not been tested and recommended/approved by GigaByte, then the memory is most likely the problem. You cannot rely on the recommendations of the memory manufacturer/vendor when it comes to compatibility; you have to go with what GigaByte tells you because they will not support any other configurations. digitall wrote: I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |
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Weird Memory Issue
Based on this link
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/..._m59sli-s5.pdf my specific memory isn't listed, but there is some Geil on there. They say on their site that they don't test every type of memory, but if it is on this list it's guarenteed to work. Is it really possible that some Geil would work (one entry in that file) while another set wouldn't? Why would it work great with x64 and x86 for almost exactly a month and then start acting weird? I would've thought that if a memory issue existed I wouldn't have been able to install or would've had issues right from the start, not that much after the fact. It is interesting to note though, my board never shows the RAM as dual channel for some reason, always single channel. But it does recognize that it's DDR2 800. Any other suggestions? I am going to try contacting Gigabyte directly to see if they have any known issues with my RAM. Thanks for the help! "Theo" wrote: You need to go to the GigaByte web site for their recommended and/or approved RAM listing for your specific board. It the particular Geil RAM you have installed is has not been tested and recommended/approved by GigaByte, then the memory is most likely the problem. You cannot rely on the recommendations of the memory manufacturer/vendor when it comes to compatibility; you have to go with what GigaByte tells you because they will not support any other configurations. digitall wrote: I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |
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Weird Memory Issue
The Geil in the Qualified Vendors List (QVL) you reference
is apparently not the same as what you have in your system, it's DDR2 533. And yes, it not only is possible, but it is a fact that different modules from the same brand name will not work correctly. One of the reasons is that within a particular there are usually more than one brand, make and model of memory chip used. If it ain't on the QVL, then the memory should be the first thing you change and ensure you get a brand, make and model that GigaByte recommends. I had a similar problem with MSI and contacting Tech support was a complete waste of time; the only responses I received were about 6 copies of their QVL with the comment that this was the only memory they supported. I was even told I could not RMA the boards for memory problems based on memory incompatibility. The only way I was able to resolve the problem was to purchase memory listed on their QVL. End of Story. digitall wrote: Based on this link http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/..._m59sli-s5.pdf my specific memory isn't listed, but there is some Geil on there. They say on their site that they don't test every type of memory, but if it is on this list it's guarenteed to work. Is it really possible that some Geil would work (one entry in that file) while another set wouldn't? Why would it work great with x64 and x86 for almost exactly a month and then start acting weird? I would've thought that if a memory issue existed I wouldn't have been able to install or would've had issues right from the start, not that much after the fact. It is interesting to note though, my board never shows the RAM as dual channel for some reason, always single channel. But it does recognize that it's DDR2 800. Any other suggestions? I am going to try contacting Gigabyte directly to see if they have any known issues with my RAM. Thanks for the help! "Theo" wrote: You need to go to the GigaByte web site for their recommended and/or approved RAM listing for your specific board. It the particular Geil RAM you have installed is has not been tested and recommended/approved by GigaByte, then the memory is most likely the problem. You cannot rely on the recommendations of the memory manufacturer/vendor when it comes to compatibility; you have to go with what GigaByte tells you because they will not support any other configurations. digitall wrote: I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |
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Weird Memory Issue
That would be really bad if I couldn't use this RAM considering how much of
it I have (spent approx $450 on it..). I guess I'll wait for a response from them, but I *really* hope that isn't the case.. Thanks again for all of your help! "Theo" wrote: The Geil in the Qualified Vendors List (QVL) you reference is apparently not the same as what you have in your system, it's DDR2 533. And yes, it not only is possible, but it is a fact that different modules from the same brand name will not work correctly. One of the reasons is that within a particular there are usually more than one brand, make and model of memory chip used. If it ain't on the QVL, then the memory should be the first thing you change and ensure you get a brand, make and model that GigaByte recommends. I had a similar problem with MSI and contacting Tech support was a complete waste of time; the only responses I received were about 6 copies of their QVL with the comment that this was the only memory they supported. I was even told I could not RMA the boards for memory problems based on memory incompatibility. The only way I was able to resolve the problem was to purchase memory listed on their QVL. End of Story. digitall wrote: Based on this link http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/..._m59sli-s5.pdf my specific memory isn't listed, but there is some Geil on there. They say on their site that they don't test every type of memory, but if it is on this list it's guarenteed to work. Is it really possible that some Geil would work (one entry in that file) while another set wouldn't? Why would it work great with x64 and x86 for almost exactly a month and then start acting weird? I would've thought that if a memory issue existed I wouldn't have been able to install or would've had issues right from the start, not that much after the fact. It is interesting to note though, my board never shows the RAM as dual channel for some reason, always single channel. But it does recognize that it's DDR2 800. Any other suggestions? I am going to try contacting Gigabyte directly to see if they have any known issues with my RAM. Thanks for the help! "Theo" wrote: You need to go to the GigaByte web site for their recommended and/or approved RAM listing for your specific board. It the particular Geil RAM you have installed is has not been tested and recommended/approved by GigaByte, then the memory is most likely the problem. You cannot rely on the recommendations of the memory manufacturer/vendor when it comes to compatibility; you have to go with what GigaByte tells you because they will not support any other configurations. digitall wrote: I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |
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Weird Memory Issue
Even Geil does not guarantee compatibility:
http://www.geilusa.com/supportdetail.asp?linenumber=3 # Q: What if my motherboard is not on your compatibility list? # A: Many mainboards are compatible with GeIL memory even though it is not listed on our compatibility list. digitall wrote: That would be really bad if I couldn't use this RAM considering how much of it I have (spent approx $450 on it..). I guess I'll wait for a response from them, but I *really* hope that isn't the case.. Thanks again for all of your help! "Theo" wrote: The Geil in the Qualified Vendors List (QVL) you reference is apparently not the same as what you have in your system, it's DDR2 533. And yes, it not only is possible, but it is a fact that different modules from the same brand name will not work correctly. One of the reasons is that within a particular there are usually more than one brand, make and model of memory chip used. If it ain't on the QVL, then the memory should be the first thing you change and ensure you get a brand, make and model that GigaByte recommends. I had a similar problem with MSI and contacting Tech support was a complete waste of time; the only responses I received were about 6 copies of their QVL with the comment that this was the only memory they supported. I was even told I could not RMA the boards for memory problems based on memory incompatibility. The only way I was able to resolve the problem was to purchase memory listed on their QVL. End of Story. digitall wrote: Based on this link http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/..._m59sli-s5.pdf my specific memory isn't listed, but there is some Geil on there. They say on their site that they don't test every type of memory, but if it is on this list it's guarenteed to work. Is it really possible that some Geil would work (one entry in that file) while another set wouldn't? Why would it work great with x64 and x86 for almost exactly a month and then start acting weird? I would've thought that if a memory issue existed I wouldn't have been able to install or would've had issues right from the start, not that much after the fact. It is interesting to note though, my board never shows the RAM as dual channel for some reason, always single channel. But it does recognize that it's DDR2 800. Any other suggestions? I am going to try contacting Gigabyte directly to see if they have any known issues with my RAM. Thanks for the help! "Theo" wrote: You need to go to the GigaByte web site for their recommended and/or approved RAM listing for your specific board. It the particular Geil RAM you have installed is has not been tested and recommended/approved by GigaByte, then the memory is most likely the problem. You cannot rely on the recommendations of the memory manufacturer/vendor when it comes to compatibility; you have to go with what GigaByte tells you because they will not support any other configurations. digitall wrote: I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |
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Weird Memory Issue
1) You have a hardware issue, possibly overheating or a failing component.
This would be especially the case if it is your HD that is starting to have bad blocks, as the system on a new install would mark out the back blocks, but as more occurred, critical files would be corrupted and cause failures like you describe. But also check your fans, etc. 2) As for Vista NOT seeing your RAM, this is not a Vista issue, this is a BIOS/MB issue. Some mainboards will NOT see all 4GB of RAM, this is do to a limitation of some chipsets commonly used on many computers. So even though BIOS will see the 4GB of RAM, only 2.5 or 3GB will be available to the computer's OS, no matter if it is Vista/XP/Linux/etc... Good luck on finding your problem. "digitall" wrote in message ... I posted the following question at www.thevistaforums.com because I'm out of ideas on what could be causing this: ************************** I am running into the weirdest issues with Windows Vista and am hoping someone here can assist. Here's the background.. As soon as the RTM of Vista came out I installed it on my brand new box (home built). I did the x64 version and the specs on the system are an AMD X2 5200+ processor, 4GB dual-channel Geil, WD 150GB Raptor, Gigabyte Motherboard, dual NVidia 7900GS XFX graphics cards, and a 500GB WD drive. Everything was working perfect for about a month when the system started randomly rebooting and then bluescreening and then flat out wouldn't boot. Assuming it may have been some weird incompatibility with the x64 version, I installed the x86 version (both are Ultimate). Dead-on perfect for a month without any issues - then they started up again. First the random reboots, then some blue screens, then it wouldn't start at all. I left it off for a few days since I had my laptop and was studying for my CCNA and when I turned it on a few days later all was well again and it hasn't restarted since (been about a week now). I ran extensive memory tests from the Ultimate Boot CD on all RAM together and then each individual stick and everything passes with flying colors. Since the system got booted back up the only weird quirk I've noticed is Vista will, at a maximum, only see 3GB RAM installed at any given time. It doesn't matter which slots or anything. Right now I've got all 4GB in, and the BIOS sees all of it but Vista does not. I'm completely perplexed, but with $2k into this box I'm really hoping to find an answer and am out of ideas.. ************************* So far everyone in that community has been very helpful, but nothing has worked as far as suggestions. The full thread is viewable by going he http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5774 Any suggestions anyone here has would be extremely helpful! |