XP crashes when I increase RAM speed to 133 2

[retrochoir]

Until recently, I was using my ECS K7VZA mobo with 128Mb PC133 & 64Mb PC100 SDRAM.

I recently purchased 256Mb PC133 SDRAM and removed the 64Mb
Stick.

I increased the RAM speed in the BIOS to 133 but after that
began getting the XP blue screen of death.

I returned the memory speed to 100 and since then have had
no problems.

My Mobo does support Memory speeds of 133 and both PC133 Memory sticks
were recommended by crucial for my particular Mobo.

Does anyone know why this is happening?

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

 

[felixc]

Marginal timings on your mobo.

Are there other parameters that you can play with, like CAS latency? It may make a difference.

Have you tried just the 256MB module at 133MHz?

Two modules with different brands of memory can sometimes cause interference. And two modules add to the electrical load of the memory signals. Mobos should have been tested for that, but...

Sometimes, reflashing the BIOS to the latest version changes some of the "automatic" settings because of problems reported by customers. Check at ECS website if a new BIOS can be flashed on your mobo.

 

[retrochoir]

Thanks for that felixc. Yes I can change the latency
settings. Currently the value is set at 3 but the 256Mb
module I just bought has a latency of 2.

I'll try setting the latency to 2.

Not sure about the 128 Mb module but, as I said before, both were recommended by crucial for my motheroard.

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[cdogg]

Your motherboard might support that speed, but what about the CPU? Unless you have the memory running in asychronous mode (not recommended), the CPU's FSB and memory bus should be running at the same speed.

So if your CPU's frontside bus speed is only 100MHz, then your memory should also run at that speed.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[felixc]

A latency of 3 is a more relaxed timing than 2. Be careful.

 

[tjv]

I agree with cdogg on this what is your CPU's FSB?

 

[micker377]

Also, what CPU? I have that board with a Duron chip, and it (Duron) only runs at 100mhz.

 

[retrochoir]

OK, I have a duron 750 chip so that must be the problem


Thanks very much for everyones' contributions.

Jeff