Question PC fails to start after installing an additional stick of DDR3 RAM.
Question PC fails to start after installing an additional stick of DDR3 RAM.
Right now I possess two 4gb DDR3 1333 RAM modules and an i7-2600k processor on my motherboard, which is an ASUS P8Z68-V LX in the second and fourth slots. I recently found a stick from my father's old PC that contained one 8gb DDR3 1600 RAM module. I attempted to insert it into the available slot during startup, which displayed a total of 16gb, but when trying to boot into Windows it would mostly crash with a BSOD and the storport.sys file failing once. I placed it in another open slot, but that didn’t help. Eventually, after removing the 8gb stick, the PC functioned perfectly. I understand the 8gb stick is fine—it worked well in its previous machine and is also functioning properly in my brother’s PC with his other 8gb 1600 module. (We all have old computers.) Do you have any suggestions about what might be wrong? I was hoping to upgrade the RAM in this old machine, but it still has many years left before it needs replacing.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
To note, mixing and matching sticks of ram only lead to headaches, grey hairs or no hair on your scalp. If you're going to add ram to your platform, you need to look at identical sticks of ram or a ram kit, matched from the factory(sold as a kit).
There are several concerns to address.
Please revise your post with complete system hardware details and operating system information.
Specify the PSU: make, model, wattage, age, and condition (original, new, refurbished, used).
List all connected peripherals.
Network type: wired or wireless?
Sorry, new here!
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K
CPU cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H45 Liquid CPU Cooler
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V LX
Bios version: Rev X.0x
RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 8GB (2x4) 1333 Mhz
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Storage:
- 1x Samsung 870 QVO 1TB SATA 2.5 Inch SSD
- 1x Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA 2.5 Inch SSD
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Power supply: Corsair RM750x 750 watt (approximately 5 years old)
Chassis: Cooler Master Elite 430
Operating system: Windows 10
Monitor: 2x Hannspree Hanns.G HL207 20.7"
I think this setup was assembled around 12-13 years ago, with some upgrades such as the GPU, SSD, and PSU. Everything matches what it was when built.
I’m not entirely certain about the RAM configuration—does it require the same amount of RAM as the other two already installed?
I’ll look for a user guide or manual to check if there’s a compatibility issue and share my results. Thanks for guiding me in the right direction!
The manual does not mention compatibility with 3 DIMMs, which affects dual channel functionality and could be an issue depending on when Intel introduced this feature. Additionally, it specifies that the CAS latency for installed memory must match your system's, which may not be the case.
1. you must always use a kit of RAM, either four sticks from the same set or a pack.
2. combining RAM is never advisable because memory timings and steps differ even at 1600MHz; other speeds will lead to instability.
3. you cannot purchase four sticks of identical RAM, even if they are made at different times—use various chips such as Hynix, Samsung, or Micron.
4. three sticks neutralize the effects of a single channel; when one accesses the third slot, it switches to single-channel operation.
5. even with matching RAM, performance will drop to the slowest stick, which remains unstable under heavy usage.
Intel Flex Memory debuted on the i915 chipset for Pentium 4 in 2004, meaning a Z68 from seven years prior would definitely have it. However, it wouldn't be necessary since the two 4GB modules could fit into one channel and the 8GB into another, resulting in a purely dual-channel setup.
You shouldn't assume mixed memory will function automatically because the original factory specifications only covered the sticks included in the package. Adding additional sticks increases the load on the memory controller, even if they match the same model. Begin by increasing the voltage beyond what's listed in the SPD and using the slowest factory timing, specifically at the lowest frequency (1333).
OP's motherboard offers full manual timing and voltage adjustments, making it possible to test the three sticks together through trial and error, similar to overclocking. The goal here should be to operate at the default 1333 with minimal voltage and tight timings.
When I received a substantial amount of DDR3 RAM—primarily 4GB Kingston Hyper-X units from desktop computers—I upgraded several machines, though one encountered issues.
Upon examining the situation, I realized I had installed a mix: one DDR3-1066 DIMM, two DDR3-1333 units, and one DDR3-1600 DIMM. I had overlooked checking the labels, resulting in identical appearances with blue Hyper-X heatsinks on all four sticks.
When powering on my computer, the BIOS evaluates the RAM speeds. If my system accepted the 1,600MT/s XMP configuration but applied the slower 1,333 and 1,066MT/s variants, this could be the cause of instability.
I’m fully aware that these DIMMs were not originally paired. They ended up in a single package. Still, I’ve noticed DDR3 tends to be more forgiving than DDR5 when dealing with mismatched configurations.
If you’re determined to mix RAM speeds and capacities, I recommend testing each DIMM individually using MemTest86. This will help confirm their integrity. Any errors indicate potential problems.
https://www.memtest86.com/
If all three DIMMs (two 4GB at 1,333MT/s and one 8GB at 1,600MT/s) pass MemTest independently, as suggested by @BFG-9000, try connecting the two 4GB units to one channel (e.g., A1 and A2) and the single 8GB unit to another (slot B1).
Open the BIOS settings and set a memory frequency of 1,333MT/s (not 1,600MT/s), then rerun MemTest86 on all three units. As before, even a single error signals an issue.
If any of the DIMMs report faults in MemTest86 at 1,333MT/s, lower their clock speed to 1,066MT/s across the board. Note that some BIOS versions may require setting a 533MHz clock rate, which aligns with 1,066MT/s, especially for DDR modules. Other configurations might use 666MHz or 800MHz clocks.
Although 1,066MT/s isn’t optimal, reducing the speed can sometimes improve stability. A 16GB module at a slower pace may outperform an 8GB faster one in certain scenarios.
For Windows 10 or 11 users, some applications will still function adequately with a total of 16GB (combining 4GB + 4GB + 8GB), even if the performance isn’t maximum.
Just like my i7-4770K systems and older E8500 Core 2 Duo, I remain hopeful they’ll continue to perform well for years to come. Good luck.