RAM R/W TEST FAILED on cold bootup 2

[Checking]

New Hardware as follows:
Asus MOBO P4P800SE/AsusVGA 9250ATI128/Single Memory V-Data 1GB-PC3200 wanted to buy another one afterwarts/Intel Prescott P4-3000/...This config seems hopeless.
Following problem. At cold startups only and each powerdown-restart after 15', RAM memory checking stops at about 450 MB instead of ending at 1024MB, and giving a 'RAM R/W TEST FAILED' message. After few times rebooting, system runs without any problem. In order not to damage OS-Load, I temporarily keep an A-floppy in the drive. Also, complete configuration went smoothly. Problem shows up before HDD activation, so OS no cause. My store suspected VGA, changed without result. Then changed MOBO, without result. And now it comes: ASUS doesn't list memory V-DATA in its related QVL overview. So I informed the store and asked for changing RAM with an ASUS QVL eg APACER, but they REFUSE TO DO IT !!!. I don't get it !! I'm very close to a nervous breakdown. Changing the RAM with a QVL listed OCZ (256MB) never gives any problem at all !!! Can anybody pls give any clue how to tackle this one ? Now I seem really stuck with a useless working memory of 1GB.
ASUS themselves did not reply to my specific request if they support V-Data memory; I'm still waiting their answer. Has anybody experienced a similar problem or does anyone uses a V-Data 3200 on Asus P4P800 successfully ? Pls. help me then with the BIOS DDR settings; you cannot find any related datasheet for such settings. I'm quiet convinced the RAM causees the problem. Looking forward to seeing the light @ the end of the tunnel. Thks so much in advance !!

 

[braddds]

I'm running the P4P800 Deluxe with 1024 Dual Cosair XMS without a glitch! I don't believe you should have to "play" with the ram settings in the bios to get it to work (unless you're overclocking)! Default/Auto settings should fire it up and if not then I'd start tossing out parts until it worked...the last thing out after it worked would be replaced! And, in your case, the RAM!

Personally, I'd have to wonder why the store won't replace your ram since it's either not compatable or working properly...did you get the whole system there!? Did you or the store check for campatability before purchase!? If it was me I'd take it back and demand a refund! Take your business elsewhere!

Cheers

 

[BadBigBen]

Hi there, sounds like you might have an underpowered PSU stuck in there (or possibly damaged PSU)... btw, have you tried a BIOS update or is your BIOS up to date?

about the RAM, well most PC stores don't except USED RAM modules for trade-in...



Ben

If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...

 

[Checking]

Thks for yr quick response braddds; that was my impression too. As for the concerned store, last time I was there I wanted to show the symptom by compairing the 'non working RAM' with the one from an ASUS-supported OCZ-RAM. Within 5' it could have proved with the problem fixed. The guy at the desk REFUSED this for an unknown reason. After some discussion, he said he is willing to replace by another brand after I did the test myself at home !!! And say he had a test setup behind him. Anyway, the parts have been bought with the guarantee it should work to make this PC.
Anyway, I consider next steps... that's for shure.
For the record I don't overclock, and I tried the default/Auto settings. Anyway, as soon the system is fired up few times, it goes without problem through the RAM-Check, so I can leave out the A-floppy to boot without problems my OS. Then no problem !!! Grtzzz to all & thks braddds

 

[Checking]

Yes BadBigBen, I tried with another PSU; same effect. As for the memory, I started trying with the default one (vs6) which I upgraded to vs7 to be shure. Further, the system is working perfect. It's just 20" after powering-up and only from a cold start that the RAM-Check stops at around 459,448,463,454,492 MB; then 3 beeps. Then I don't dare to power-up the OS; that's why I keep an a-floppy to be shure.
BadBigBen, do you really think a more powerfull PSU can help ?

 

[paparazi]

I guess it comes down under what circumstances the memory was purchased?
Did you just go in and ask for a gig of PC3200 OR!!!!
Did you purchased motherboard/ram together and this is what they supplied.
Point! if they supplied it with your motherboard or after you told them what it was for, they are selling the ram as compatible.
If on the other hand it was your choice? incompatibility problems are not covered and are down to you.
Most reputable dealers though will offer an exchange but probably not a refund under the later circumstances.
Personally I would go for 2x 512's
Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[Checking]

Yes you've got a point in that case paparazi, but I did ask for MOBO,RAM,VGA,P4-Processor,A-Drive,DVD-RW Drive,Keyboard at the same time and asked specifically wether all is suitable for building a PC. With the exact configuration I was able to show the problem. I already asked exchange by 2x 512's which he refused at that time, he only wanted to replace the RAM with the same brand again 1GB and after some pushing he agreed to exchange by another brand if it didn't work out. But as I thought same prob.
Now Today I'll ask him to keep his word. I'm not asking a refund; I'm even considering as I mentioned when I purchased to buy another 1 GB afterwarts.

 

[traycee]

See if they will exchange that memory stick for another of the same brand. Sometimes a new memory stick is just bad. Also, most memory comes with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. I went for years with no bad memory sticks and recently I've just had two bad sticks from OCZ. Exchange has never been a problem, though.

 

[Checking]

Right traycee! Now my pob seems solved !!!
Though V-DATA 1GB-PC3200 RAM as originally sold SEEMS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH Asus MOBO P4P800SE/Asus VGA 9250ATI128.
Replaced V-DATA RAM V-Data 1GB-PC3200 by the same type from same brand again (as the store suggested !?!) did not solve the prob. After having convinced incompatibility cause he was willing to exchange with an Asus-QVListed TwinMoss Type.
After Bootup, as I already suspected, RAM-check R/W was correctly showing 1GB, and PC started-up without any problem anymore !!!
Thanks to everybody, I think case closed now !