win xp x 64

[Andrew1]

Hey Guys,

 

Can anyone relate to my problem ??, what comes down to is ,

I have recently upgraded to a 64 bit system including upgrading all the hardware, I am running a quad core 2.8 on pq5 asus mobo, so I got myself 8 gigs of ram, the system runs fricken awesome in windows 7 x 64,

however when I run windows xp x 64 my computer won't boot up with 8 gigs of ram...., is there a memory limit for xp x64??? when I remove 2 sticks runing only on 4 gigs the system boots great, with 8 gigs it comes to a welcome screen and then reboots.

I had been told over to use windows xp x 64 over 64 bit vista, is windows xp x64 so much better than vista, I kind of doubt it as I work on vista and xp at work , and when it comes to multitasking vista beats xp in a mile...

I can't wait when windows 7 comes out , so far I like the beta version and it works like a charm on my newly built system.

 

any replies would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

thanks.

[Ernest Burden III]

is there a memory limit for xp x64??? when I remove 2 sticks runing only on 4 gigs the system boots great, with 8 gigs it comes to a welcome screen and then reboots.

 

XP-64 has no problem with 8GB RAM. That's what I use. You've got some other issue there.

[carlangas]

well if you upgrated the motherboard as well maybe you need to configure the bios. Enable memory hole maybe??? I had similar problems a long time ago and tweaked some bios settings to resolve it, cant remember what it was excactly but may be worth looking into.

[Andrew1]

I think the problem maybe that I had swapped all the hardware and haven't reinstalled os from the fresh format...,

I was running one of the first dual core cpu/mobo combo before, so when I swapped the hardware all I did was connected the primary drive and it all configured on its own, what I was told there maybe some driver legacy conflicts..., lol the IT at work told me today that xp x 64 is uable to run more than 4 gigs of ram what do you know - those IT GODS hehe,

thanks guys , this weekend I will be reinstalling everything ...,

and besides, regarding bios everything in ram control is set to auto.

I will be checking it out next weekend.

 

Cheers !

[Tommy L]

the IT at work told me today that xp x 64 is uable to run more than 4 gigs of ram

 

That is just plain unforgivable. How do those bums hold down a job?

[Greg Hess]

If the system has issues booting with 4 sticks of ram, but not 2 sticks of ram, it's most likely one of the following.

 

1) The second set of ram dimms is damaged.

2) The second set of ram dimm SLOTS are damaged.

3) There is not sufficient power to power all ram slots (unlikely).

 

First thing I would check...is if all the ram dimms are from the same company, with the same voltage and timing specifications.

 

After getting that information, I'd go into the bios, and make sure all the timing and voltage settings were properly set. Do not assume the bios will correctly set voltages, most of the time it WILL NOT. It will default to the 1.8v (DDR2). Many ram dimms which run faster timings (such as 4-4-4-12) require higher voltages to obtain it. (example, 2.1v).

 

If you never set either the timing, nor the voltage in the bios, the ram will run out of spec. Since each ram dimm has it's own tolerances, the first few dimms might be fast enough to handle higher speeds at lower voltages, but the second set might not.

 

Now if all the settings are correct, I'd run a memtest.

 

http://www.memtest86.com

(That link seems down, try this one instead)

 

http://www.memtest.org/#downiso

 

Burn to disk (get the iso) then boot to the cd. Allow it to run. If you get memory errors AND your memory settings are correct, then return the ram for replacement. I'd test in sets of 2, then in sets of 4.

 

If you don't feel like listening to me, and you just decide to reinstall windows...here's a secret IT tip.

 

If you get ANY copy error (where you have to tell the installer to retry) during the windows installation, that's 99.9% of the time a RAM ERROR. So then just go ahead and follow my instructions again.

 

If you wonder what type of ram I usually run, it's always muskin.

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

 

This is my current favorite DDR2 set.

5-4-4-12 at 1.8v, allowing it to run in systems with bios's that can't modify dimm voltages.

[Tommy L]

Dont mess with the Hess 'cos the Hess dont mess. Good answer Greg.

[amer abidi]

Dont mess with the Hess 'cos the Hess dont mess. Good answer Greg.

 

seriously

[Andrew1]

Thanks Greg,

 

However all my ram is same latency and Mushkin brand as well, the ram is brand new and I tested all 4 sticks work fine, bios voltage set to auto I also added a new GPU card and the system display quit , switching back to windows 7 everything works fine I was only able to logon in safe mode and my comp would crash, I did manage to back up all the stuff I had in on primary drive ...,

Well I ended up reinstalling windows xp 64 and now everything works as a lightning, fast and smooth everything pops right at a click. - very happy,

Thanks again guys, the windows xp x64 is much faster now but the windows 7 still beats xp in a mile while multitasking.

 

Cheers !