[REQUEST] My RAM :(

[Appletax]

Edit: forgot to mention that my computer had an unexpected shutdown last night and tonight - the computer was idle (was AFK).

Not that long ago I ran MemTest86 for 8+ hours on my PC and have ran it before all with 0 errors.

Yesterday I ran DISM & SFC repair tools and both failed.

I ran MemTest86 and it stopped overnight with this message:



The RAM is 32GB DDR3-2400MHz from G.SKILL and has a lifetime limited warranty.

I have never done an RMA on RAM before. Is it a smooth process? I am hoping to get NEW replacement RAM - do not want something someone else owned before.

Am I able to get them to replace all 4 sticks or do I have to test each stick individually?

Hopefully it's not the one that is underneath my CPU heatsink :/

I read that even RAM that tests good w/ MemTest86 that is replaced resolves issues such as the unexpected shutdown.


My RAM:

 

[Markverhyden]

I've never done an RMA on RAM. But if it's like an HD there is usually no one to speak to, online process and it's based on the serial number. So I'd guess you will have to isolate the stick.

 

[Appletax]

I've never done an RMA on RAM. But if it's like an HD there is usually no one to speak to, online process and it's based on the serial number. So I'd guess you will have to isolate the stick.

This is surprising given how experienced you appear to be :O

1st step will be to take out 3 sticks, leaving the one w/ heatsink on top since I have to remove the heatsink to get it out (not excited about that).

 

[fencepost]

Maybe I'm misreading your screenshot, but to me that looks like an error very low in the address range and an error very high in the address range. Unless my understanding of how memory is addressed is faulty in the case of dual-ranked DIMMs (quite possible), that seems like it's almost certainly going to affect at least two sticks.

How's the static situation in your shop with this ultra-cold weather?

 

[Appletax]

Maybe I'm misreading your screenshot, but to me that looks like an error very low in the address range and an error very high in the address range. Unless my understanding of how memory is addressed is faulty in the case of dual-ranked DIMMs (quite possible), that seems like it's almost certainly going to affect at least two sticks.

How's the static situation in your shop with this ultra-cold weather?

That is what I was thinking! I tried calling G.SKILL tonight but no answer (hours not listed). Will call tomorrow.

My house is my shop :O Pretty damn dry here - gotta get a humidifier.

Forgot to mention that my computer had an unexpected shutdown last night and tonight - the computer was idle (was AFK).

 

[Diggs]

Memtest just checks addressing on the chips again and again. Use Prime95 to beat the snot out of those chips. I usually run one chip at a time until I find the culprit.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

We've done RMAs with Crucial...that's the brand we've sold for almost 20 years, we have a reseller account with them and purchase directly from them. Been a long time since we've had to RMA to them, but I don't remember the process being painful.
I can't speak for G-Skills RMA process. I've used G-Skill myself building some gaming machines.

 

[Sky-Knight]

If the fault appears in two RAM sticks, it's possible that the interleaving is breaking down from the pressure of dual channel. That is usually caused by mismatched sticks. The Prime95 suggestion is a solid one, you have to isolate which bank is malfunctioning, and test the dimms in other sockets if possible.

 

[Appletax]

I called G.SKILL USA and they told me to submit an RMA request, that they almost always give you a whole new kit (omg, yesss). Their RMA form requires you to enter the serial #s - all my RAM sticks are underneath my CPU and heatsink so I asked if they could do the RMA w/o that.

Also asked if they would let me make a deposit so I can receive an advance exchange. Don't have backup RAM for this and there's no RAM sold in my area.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Yes, if you bought a kit they will RMA the kit, not the individual sticks. So you just have to confirm those are the two chips with an issue.

 

[Appletax]

G.SKILL warranty rules are that you cannot remove the heatspreader. In order to fit one of the RAM modules in, I had to remove the heatspreader to fit it underneath the heatsink. Thing is, it has a screw on it to take it off, so I didn't pry it off.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Assuming you still have it? put it back on there and keep your mouth shut.

 

[fencepost]

Also, determine whether that stick of RAM is one of the faulty ones. If not, then there's no problem.

 

[sapphirescales]

G.SKILL warranty rules are that you cannot remove the heatspreader. In order to fit one of the RAM modules in, I had to remove the heatspreader to fit it underneath the heatsink. Thing is, it has a screw on it to take it off, so I didn't pry it off.

Well that's your own darned fault then. Those heat spreaders aren't just for looks you know. Either go with a different cooling solution, or different memory. I would NEVER remove the heatspreaders from the memory on either my own personal builds, or client builds.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

Actually, they are just for looks aren't they? I mean granted if you're pushing voltages well beyond the norm they might come in handy but for normal use I thought they were just for looks and only lowered temp by a few degrees (like under 5).

 

[sapphirescales]

Actually, they are just for looks aren't they? I mean granted if you're pushing voltages well beyond the norm they might come in handy but for normal use I thought they were just for looks and only lowered temp by a few degrees (like under 5).

They ARE just for looks if used on crappy OEM memory like what you'd find in a Dell from Walmart. But faster, higher end memory requires better cooling. If you're using DDR3 1333 or slower memory it's fine to use without heat spreaders, but 1600 or higher should really have a better cooling solution. Will it work without heat spreaders? Of course. But you're going to reduce the lifespan of the components. Hence why memory manufacturers void the warranty if you remove them.

 

[Appletax]

Given the the heatspreaders have a screw on them that, when removed, allows you to easily slide off the heatspreader, I think that means they are meant to come off.

My CPU cooling solution is Noctua, and other people who have it had to remove the heatspreader from a RAM stick just like me.

The module in right underneath my heatsink and has a lot of airflow so I think that makes up for the heatspreader being off.

I have the heatspreader in a box. I'm sure I can put it back on and they will never know it was off.

 

[Sky-Knight]

You don't want to know how many over clocked systems I've seen reduce RAM heat loads after yanking those things off. They really aren't all that helpful. But generally speaking you cannot keep a warranty if you modify the part, if it's bought with spreaders, it needs to keep those spreaders if you want support and a warranty.

Those things are the equivalent of Homer Simpson's speed holes...

 

[Altster]

I usually run one chip at a time until I find the culprit.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ This.....

 

[Appletax]

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ This.....

I do that with customer's computers. All my RAM sits underneath my CPU heatsink (big ass Noctua) so doing each RAM stick 1-by-1 means taking that heatsink off each time. Heck no. Wish I had gotten an all-in-one CPU cooler instead.