Wrong RDRAM speed causing instability?

[SpecSys]

Ordered a Dell workstation a couple weeks back and last week I installed some 3rd party RAMBUS memory rated at 800 mhz. The memory that came with the PC was 1033 mhz (it was removed and replaced so there is not 2 different types of memory in the machine).

The computer has been crashing in a few of the CAD packages very often, and I wonder if it could be the RAM. Anyone have a suggestion?

Is there a way to change the mobo or ram speed in bios?

 

[franklin97355]

If you put in slower RAM and don't tell the computer you will have problems. There is possibly a place in the bios or on the mobo to set ram speed.

 

[RICHINMINN]

What's the FSB on your system? If it's 400 MHz, it should run fine with the PC800 RDRAM. If it's 533 MHz, you'll need to use PC1066 RDRAM. But as Franklin97355 suggested, check in the BIOS to see if there's anyplace that you can explicitly tell the system what speed RDRAM you're using. (Or maybe look for a jumper on the motherboard.)

Rich (in Minn.)

 

[gargouille]

The workstation came with no manuals?
(like showing BIOS settings)
Track down your motherboard mfr. and download a manual (maybe even possible to get such info from Dell)

 

[SpecSys]

Well, it is a 533 front side bus. The BIOS doesn't seem to allow me to change it. The option is there but it is grayed out. I am looking for some documentation on the board, but dell is terrible at component level support...

 

[gargouille]

Simply cracking the case and looking for a silk-screened label on the motherboard may reveal the mfr.
At the very least write down any numbers (like FCC ID) and use google to search for them.
That will lead you to a manual.

 

[SpecSys]

I found the info at Dell, seems they have picked up that part of the business. That's good. Doesn't appear to be any options though. Guess I will have to go for different memory.