New Memory Crashing DirectX Games!

[budkin]

Hello,

I'm having a strange problem. I just installed an additional 256 meg DIMM to my motherboard (already had one). Everything in Windows XP runs fine, including all Windows based apps. When I run 3D DirectX games though, I can usually play for about 10 or 15 seconds before the machine either locks up completely or auto reboots. I took out the new memory module and that fixed the problem. Then I put it back in and it worked for a bit then stopped working again. Then I tried taking the original out and using the new one solo. Worked fine. Then I put both in. Worked for a bit and then went crazy again. I even exchanged the new DIMM for a replacement and am having the same results. It's almost like my board does not like having both memory slots filled up (a Gigabyte 7DX), because when I use just one, I have no problems at all. Just to be sure it wasn't something else, I updated all my video/sound card drivers as well. Obviously that didn't make a difference.

What would people suggest? I was thinking of flashing my BIOS. Thanks for any and all suggestions in advance.

- Budkin

[ski]

Is BIOS configured with the default settings, especially the CAS latency?

Does the problem go away when only a single RAM module is installed in either slot 1 or 2? If the problem still happens with a single module installed in slot 2, for example, then the slot may be bad.

Remove the case cover and run an external fan blowing on the computer. If this works, then you need some extra cooling fans.

What CPU are you using and what is the watt rating of your power supply module?

[budkin]

Thanks for the reply. I will check the BIOS settings. I have in fact tried both DIMMs alone in both slots and things work fine. It's only when they are in together that things go haywire. Where would I set the CAS latency and what does it do? Thanks again! Oh, my CPU is an Athlon 1.4 mhz and the power supply is rated at 400 Watts.

-Budkin

[mjc]

I have seen that before, one stick won't play nice with another....in that case it usually best to get a different stick, trying to match the manufacturer of the better stick (if you know). But for CAS setting try it at 3...that usually works for most boards and RAM.

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mjc
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Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[ski]

Power supply looks good.