Mushkin Support Thread

[Gripen90]

Sorry to hear about this, haven't seen problems with cas4 at 800Mhz with the redlines before now. I will keep an eye out, we try to keep to very high standards.

A minor update to the situation. As I came home from work I decided to try one last settings. First I put the DDR2 voltage to 2.1v and the timings to CL4-4-4-18, I thought my luck was made when it actually booted, but the joy lasted short as upon loading win Vista the final step all I was greeted with was a BSOD.
I've decided to return the memory to the shop since I feel I can't sell memory thatwon't even live up to such basic settings. Now I'm waiting for my Mushkin 2x2GB XP2-6400 CL4to arrive - I hope I'll have more luck with them.

A totally different subject.
Regarding Phenom and ganged/unganged. I see more and more reviews where they recommend unganged mode.
The 2x64 mode refers to the "unganged" mode which allows the two DCTs to operate independently of each other and therefore use the memory channels more efficiently in a multi-core, multi-thread environment
Some tests here: http://www.digit-life.com/articles3/mainboard/ddr2-yorkfield-phenom-page1.html

[Gripen90]

Okay an update on my situation.

I got a new set of memory today, another Mushkin 2x2GB XP2-6400 CL4 kit (like the one in my Intel PC).
I took out the Mushkin Redlines and installed these Mushkin "Blacklines", and then I booted up the PC and went straight for the BIOS. I set the DDR2 voltage to 2.0 and the timings to 4-4-4-12 as specified. Saved the setting to BIOS and it rebooted. I crossed my fingers, and tada windows Vista booted. I checked CPU-Z and yes 2.0 DDR2 voltage, 400Mhz (PC2-6400) 1:2 Divider, 4-4-4-12-28 2T timings.
I then ran a couple of Super_Pi runs and ran 3Dm06 and 3Dm03. No problems at all - this set just works.

I'm returning the Redlines tomorrow... how they do on Intel system I don't know, but I won't recommend them for AMD - for those you need "Blacklines".

[MushkinGreg]

Very nice, glad to hear you are happy with your new kit.

[Woody112]

Just want to give some props to Mushkin. Purchased the xp3-12800 2x2 gig kit and put it in my intel x48bt2. Loaded vista ultimate x64 with no problems. The best part about it is that once I got everything set up. I updated the bios and went in and loaded the xmp profile, memory went straight to specified timings and frequency. Then I over clock my Q6600 to 3.6ghz and presto.. 1:1 ratio with a q6600 with absolutly no problems. I can tell this memory has alot more head room and would probably do 1800 with little effort. I'm just worried about my NB since its hot enough to cook on right now.
Right after I bouth these, egg got the new ones in stock with the updated heat sink. Wish I would have wated an extra day. O well I'm happy as can be since I've never had memory this easy to work with. Thanks again Mushkin for a great product.

[MushkinGreg]

Great to hear everything went smoothly.
Hope you can cool that NB down with a smaller fan (like amd stock hs fan)

[EnergyFX]

I have a 3 month old Dell XPS 420 that I use as my HTPC and a second gaming rig. This week I upgraded it to Vista 64bit. I purchased a 4GB Mushkin kit (996587) for it but the XPS doesn't like it. I should have done a bit more research I guess. The idea was to get 4 gigs of memory with only 2 sticks leaving room for future expansion if I ever had a need for more ram.

I was expecting it to work fine and even read a newegg review saying installation in a XPS 420 went perfectly ( I know newegg reviews are far from reliable).

What would you recommend for my XPS 420?

[MushkinGreg]

I have a 3 month old Dell XPS 420 that I use as my HTPC and a second gaming rig. This week I upgraded it to Vista 64bit. I purchased a 4GB Mushkin kit (996587) for it but the XPS doesn't like it. I should have done a bit more research I guess. The idea was to get 4 gigs of memory with only 2 sticks leaving room for future expansion if I ever had a need for more ram.

I was expecting it to work fine and even read a newegg review saying installation in a XPS 420 went perfectly ( I know newegg reviews are far from reliable).

What would you recommend for my XPS 420?


These would be the best bet http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=695
But i am not sure why that kit isn't working, do either stick work fine alone?
Are you mixing with the old ram?

[EnergyFX]

These would be the best bet http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=695
But i am not sure why that kit isn't working, do either stick work fine alone?
Are you mixing with the old ram?

I'm not mixing with old ram. Initially I installed only the new Mushkin kit. PC reported memory error on boot. I tried with only one stick (with same results), but I don't think I tried the other stick by itself. I'll give it a try when I get home.

Is it possible Dell has made some changes to the XPS 420 that makes it a bit more picky about RAM specs?

If neither stick works what options do I have for swapping this kit out for one that will work for me? Can I just swap it directly with Mushkin or do I need to go through Newegg?

If it ends up just being one faulty stick (hopefully) then obviously I can just RMA the bad one directly with Mushkin, right?

[Solaris17]

I had a question within the next day or 2 im ordering these sticks i was wondering if their will be any gurentee if i will get vantage i mean the sticks are what im after but vantage would be a huge plus.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

[EnergyFX]

I had a question within the next day or 2 im ordering these sticks i was wondering if their will be any gurentee if i will get vantage i mean the sticks are what im after but vantage would be a huge plus.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

Solaris,

That is the kit I just got but am having problems with my Dell. It does come with a Vantage Special Edition code.

Do you want to hold off for a couple of days and see if I end up needing to get a different kit and maybe just take these from me at cost?

[Solaris17]

idk depends on whats wrong with your sticks..what problms are they having? and their the 4GB kit?

[MushkinGreg]

I'm not mixing with old ram. Initially I installed only the new Mushkin kit. PC reported memory error on boot. I tried with only one stick (with same results), but I don't think I tried the other stick by itself. I'll give it a try when I get home.

Is it possible Dell has made some changes to the XPS 420 that makes it a bit more picky about RAM specs?

If neither stick works what options do I have for swapping this kit out for one that will work for me? Can I just swap it directly with Mushkin or do I need to go through Newegg?

If it ends up just being one faulty stick (hopefully) then obviously I can just RMA the bad one directly with Mushkin, right?

We can do it direct or if the first 30 days, newegg will normally be extremely helpful too.

[MushkinGreg]

I had a question within the next day or 2 im ordering these sticks i was wondering if their will be any gurentee if i will get vantage i mean the sticks are what im after but vantage would be a huge plus.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731


No , but it should have a copy. If not, send me an email greg@*nospam*mushkin.com (remove *nospam*) and I will get you a copy :D

[rtwjunkie]

I'm considering getting the XP8000 Redline 2x2GB DDR2 kit. I have an ASUS P5WDH Deluxe motherboard, but it's not listed as supported RAM. (Crucial's 2x2GB kit is also not listed, but their website lists it as compatible). What I'd like to know is if Mushkin can tell me if this Redline model will operate in the P5WDH? Thank-you.

[Ahhzz]

btw, I just wanted to say "thanks" to the Mushkin folk for spending the time they do here, to help people with their issues.

[MushkinGreg]

I'm considering getting the XP8000 Redline 2x2GB DDR2 kit. I have an ASUS P5WDH Deluxe motherboard, but it's not listed as supported RAM. (Crucial's 2x2GB kit is also not listed, but their website lists it as compatible). What I'd like to know is if Mushkin can tell me if this Redline model will operate in the P5WDH? Thank-you.

Being a 975X chipset, I'd lean towards no it wouldn't run at rated speeds.
Due to available bios adjustments, I would go with a jedec 2x2GB part to run using auto timings. Like the em2-6400 2x2GB

http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=603

[rtwjunkie]

Being a 975X chipset, I'd lean towards no it wouldn't run at rated speeds.
Due to available bios adjustments, I would go with a jedec 2x2GB part to run using auto timings. Like the em2-6400 2x2GB

http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=603

Dang! I was really hoping to be able to run the memory same as the FSB w/o overclocking. Alright, thanks for the very fast reply.

[rtwjunkie]

gdogg: I guess I'm being stupid. 533 Memory would actually be a 1:1 ratio on a 1066 FSB (where the Bus is 266), right?

[MushkinGreg]

533 Memory would actually be a 1:1 ratio on a 1066 FSB (where the Bus is 266), right?

Yes that is correct

[rtwjunkie]

Being a 975X chipset, I'd lean towards no it wouldn't run at rated speeds.
Due to available bios adjustments, I would go with a jedec 2x2GB part to run using auto timings. Like the em2-6400 2x2GB

http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=603

One additional question in regards to the 975X chipset not running the XP8000 Redline:

Will it not run it, or are you saying it won't run it to it's maximum? I want to overclock the CPU, and this would give me room without overclocking the memory like I'd have to do with DDR2 800. I know the memory would be underclocked, but wouldn't it still be faster than my current? Or are my calculations wrong, and DDR2-800 is also being underclocked?

The reason I ask all this is because I have the xp4000 on another computer, which is rated at fsb 250 (DDR500). I'm running that on a system where the cpu has an 800mhz fsb, so I was able to overclock the CPU way up to 240, and not worry about overclocking the memory.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated.

[MushkinGreg]

The chipset hasn't be shown to be able to run any of our beyond 800Mhz cas 5 2x2GB kits.
I have seen hp2-6400 5-4-4-12 be able to run stable, but that was the best.

[rtwjunkie]

Allright, so that's it. I had just wanted to clarify that it wouldn't run it at all.

[drdaver]

wow very cool that mushkin has there reps here answering qs!

[MushkinGreg]

wow very cool that mushkin has there reps here answering qs!

:toast:

[johnspack]

Was just wondering why there haven't been any posts here lately? My mushkin ascent pc8500 4gig kit rocks. 1100mhz at only 2.1v and because I'm on an athlon system I can't go higher, but I bet these things would push 1200 on an intel system. Mushkingreg has stated he's got upto 1155 at 2.0v on an intel system with these. Let's all buy more mushkin, and keep this thread alive! And thankyou again mushkingreg for getting that ram delivered to ncix ect......

[MushkinGreg]

np. Always try to keep ncix stocked up :rockout:

[DMF]

Asus P5Q Pro, E8400, HP2-6400 2x2GB kit (dual channel).

After reading The Tech Respository guide to CAS v. FSB (http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=195), I have set the timings to the advertised 5-4-4-12, NB strap to 333MHz (NB seems okay with it), FSB to 416 for 3.74GHz CPU & DDR-832 keeping 1:1 ratio. I also nudged the voltage to 1.82V though it seemed stable at 1.80. 416 FSB at CAS 5 yields a strobe latency of 12.0 ns.

Two questions: Can you make an estimate of how fast this kit can be pushed at the above timings?

What's a reasonable practical maximum over-volt? I don't want to get anywhere near it, but it's hard to know whether one is being conservative without knowing what outrageous looks like.

[DonInKansas]

That the same RAM I run and have gotten them to run at 950mhz at 2.05v. They are covered under warranty to 2.1v. Haven't pushed any farther. Here's an online review but YMMV:

http://www.virtual-hideout.net/reviews/Mushkin_4GB_HP2-6400/index.shtml

[DMF]

Oh, and one other thing. When set to Memory Timings [Auto], apparently the BIOS pads the SPD results (or are the SPD results really 5-5-5-18?). So I set the advertised timings manually. But there are a bunch of other timings in the BIOS, currently set to [Auto]. Are those derived from the four advertised values? If not how does one know how to set them? Is there a more complete specification for the kit?

[DMF]

That the same RAM I run and have gotten them to run at 950mhz at 2.05v.
What timings?

Interesting review, but it covers a different kit 996564. Mine is 996587 which is rated 1.8V and apparently uses a different IC.

Since the voltage spec is not a range, I must presume that over-volting voids the warranty?

[MushkinGreg]

Upto 900Mhz 5-4-4-12 should be possible, using 2.0-2.1v
We only list this kit as 1.8v on our site, but they are warrantied 2.0-2.1v last I heard.
Regardless, 2.1v is extremely safe and should not damage your ram.

[cdnbum88]

I just got the PC8000 2x2 sticks and right now have them on auto.

In cpuz it shows 460.

I am at work, but how best should I get these up to 1000?

Newbie here.

Have my 9950 ata 3.2, but can get 3.375 and just ordered a WC system, so hope to get that a little higher.

Thanks for your help.

[MushkinGreg]

2 Sticks

Ai OVerclocking: Manual
CPU Tweak: Disabled
PLL1 Spead Spectrum: Disabled
PLL2 Spead Spectrum: Disabled
DRAM Ganged Mode: Disabled - Unganged has been found to perform better during heavy mutli-threaded tasks
Memory Hole Remapping: Enabled

Memory Clock Mode: 1066Mhz
2T Mode: Enabled
CAS Latency: 5
TCWL: 6(5-6)
TRCD: 5
TRP: 5
TRAS: 12
tWR: 6 (5-6)
tRFC(0-3): 327.5ns (195-327.5ns)
TRC: 31 (26 if max in bios)
TRRD: 4 (3-4)
tWTR: 4 (3-4)
tRTP: 6(5-6)

DRAM Voltage: 2.0-2.1v

If default fsb speeds, try 1066Mhz divider, overclocked will likely need 800Mhz memory divider when >210

[cdnbum88]

2 Sticks

Ai OVerclocking: Manual
CPU Tweak: Disabled
PLL1 Spead Spectrum: Disabled
PLL2 Spead Spectrum: Disabled
DRAM Ganged Mode: Disabled - Unganged has been found to perform better during heavy mutli-threaded tasks
Memory Hole Remapping: Enabled

Memory Clock Mode: 1066Mhz
2T Mode: Enabled
CAS Latency: 5
TCWL: 6(5-6)
TRCD: 5
TRP: 5
TRAS: 12
tWR: 6 (5-6)
tRFC(0-3): 327.5ns (195-327.5ns)
TRC: 31 (26 if max in bios)
TRRD: 4 (3-4)
tWTR: 4 (3-4)
tRTP: 6(5-6)

DRAM Voltage: 2.0-2.1v

If default fsb speeds, try 1066Mhz divider, overclocked will likely need 800Mhz memory divider when >210

If I remember correctly since I am not in front of my PC, that since I have the FSB at 235 I believe, there was not an option for 1066 in the memory 4 to chose from, it was some other number.

When I did pick parameters close to what you noted it would not post.

I assume these settings are for an AMD board? I am not familar with all the naming convertions just yet.

[MushkinGreg]

Do you have a 800Mhz divider, or 2.0?

[cdnbum88]

Do you have a 800Mhz divider, or 2.0?

:confused:

How would I determine that to know what I have?

[MushkinGreg]

Do you have an option for Memory Clock Mode: 800 or 2.0 , or is it showing actual values? ~940Mhz ~ 1222 etc

[cdnbum88]

It will not post.

dram timing mode - options are auto/DCT0/DCT1/Both
I put both and put in your numbers for both sections DCT0/DCT1.

I set mem clock speed to 1067 after changing back my FSB to 200 and up'd my multiplier to 16 for now.

I did not see anything that shows 2.0 vs 800mhz.

I am lost on trying to make this work. Sorry you are working with a dude on this.

:ohwell:

[MushkinGreg]

np
Basically, set 800Mhz where you are now @ 200
Then increase back upto 235Mhz

[cdnbum88]

I put the FSB to 250 and 13 multiplier.

Then the mem is 500 2:1.

But it has BSOD twice when trying to run 3dMark06.

Had voltage to 2.1, brought it back down to 1.9.

Just trying different things at this point.

[MushkinGreg]

Not sure what the nb voltage is referred to on your board.
Its normally vNB or something similar on asus boards.
An increase in either this or cpu voltage should help with instability at the higher speeds.

[cdnbum88]

I had the core at 1.425 and the NB the same.

Definately helps with the cpu stability, but this seems to be coming with the RAM higher speeds.

I wish there was a piece of software that would test your machine and give you the limits.

I know the Nvidia test 'tries' to do something like that, but it always crashes.

I just need to become more versed at this stuff and it will all play well together.

[MushkinGreg]

I would grab memtest86+ to test the ram.
or HCI memtest for windows (run as many copies as needed to fill ram, 4GB in x64 os, would be 3x920MB and 1x0MB to use remaining)

If you get errors, drop fsb 5 mhz, and repeat until no errors, to try and find when the errors start.

Also you could drop the memory speed 1 notch, to rule out ram speed.

[cdnbum88]

I would grab memtest86+ to test the ram.
or HCI memtest for windows (run as many copies as needed to fill ram, 4GB in x64 os, would be 3x920MB and 1x0MB to use remaining)

If you get errors, drop fsb 5 mhz, and repeat until no errors, to try and find when the errors start.

Also you could drop the memory speed 1 notch, to rule out ram speed.

Good idea. Will give that a go.

[johnspack]

For testing for stability, orthos http://sp2004.fre3.com/beta/beta2.htm really helps. I would use Blend-stress CPU and RAM and the Large, in-place FFTs-stress some ram tests at each mhz stepping that you're trying. Start by making sure it'll run at least 10-15mins and pass. When you find the max, run the blend test overnight, if it passes you're done! Even for reasonable stability it should pass at least 60mins, I've had a test fail at like 54mins many times. I've had an oc pass in memtest, but fail in orthos, so use both really.