Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

[seppok]

I have been using the Q1900-ITX for a while with 4+4=8GB RAM and it has been working perfect. I need more RAM and the manual says 16GB max so I bought an 8GB module. I thought I better run MemTest86 before I continue using the system because the module I bought is used. MemTest86 (V6.0.0 Free) gives a lot of errors.

If I run MemTest86 with only one module (4GB or 8GB) or two 4GB modules it runs without problems. But if I have 4GB and 8GB modules installed it gives a lot of errors. Errors start in Test 1 [Address test, own address, 1 CPU] at 64%. For example:

Test: 1 Addr: 2400002D0 Expected: 00000002400002D0 Actual: FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

It does the same (even at the same 64% mark) if I swap the module locations.

4GB module: Hynix HMT351S6CFR8C
8GB module: Elpida EBJ81UG8BAS0-DJ-F

Can this be fixed in software (BIOS) or is it a hardware limitation?

[copystuff]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

I think you have to use 2 sticks the same size either 2x4GB or 2x8GB not mixed and i would use 2 sticks of the same make model

[profJim]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

copystuff is correct.

It is a bad idea to mix different memory brands and/or memory model numbers because this often causes compatibility problems.

Before you buy any memory kits, you need to be sure that the memory is in in ASRock's memory compatibility list or that the memory manufacturer has tested and confirmed that the memory kit is compatible with your motherboard and cpu.

To minimize problems and maximize memory performance, both modules should be the same size and from a single kit.

Your best bet is to sell both of your 4GB memory modules and your 8GB module and then install two identical and compatible 8GB modules from a single 2 x 8GB kit.

Keep in mind that Memtest86+ is an excellent preliminary memory test, but that you also need to run a more demanding windows stress tests using Prime95 or similar programs. Memtest86+ might have no errors in an overnight test, but your system might fail the more intensive windows stress tests.

Your current 4GB + 8GB memory setup might prove to be stable with the right bios settings but it will probably require a lot of testing and tweaking memory timings and voltages.

It will help if you provide two separate Memset screen-shots where you click on SPD tab, where one screen-shot is with both of your 4GB modules installed and the second Memset screen-shot includes the same information when you a running with the single 8GB module installed.

Sample Memset screen-shot where the SPD and >> buttons are clicked.

We can best help you after you create a detailed hardware list in the System Specs
portion of your forum profile at the bottom of the profile page or in your forum signature.
Be sure to include brand names and model numbers.
When you are done editing or creating your hardware list, save the settings.

[profJim]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

Here is an example of a Crucial 2 x 8GB memory kit that is compatible with your Q1900-ITX:
Computer upgrades for ASRock ASRock Motherboards Q1900-ITX from Crucial

and this link has additional details about this kit:
16GB kit (8GBx2) DDR3 PC3-14900 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 1024Meg x 64 upgrades for Q1900-ITX Motherboard, CT5717550 from Crucial.com

[seppok]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

Thanks for your answers! This is a simple integrated CPU mini-itx board so no tweakable memory settings in BIOS.

I'm thinking the problem is that Intel says J1900 supports only 8GB RAM. I have a feeling that the memory controller is just unable to access the last 4GB of my 12GB total in this configuration and it has nothing to do with brands and compatibility. That is why a single 4GB or 8GB module works just fine. Could it be that the two (8GB) modules need to be dual channel?

I'm thinking I'll take my chances and try to get an 8GB module with similar specifications.

[copystuff]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

Thanks for your answers! This is a simple integrated CPU mini-itx board so no tweakable memory settings in BIOS.

I'm thinking the problem is that Intel says J1900 supports only 8GB RAM. I have a feeling that the memory controller is just unable to access the last 4GB of my 12GB total in this configuration and it has nothing to do with brands and compatibility. That is why a single 4GB or 8GB module works just fine. Could it be that the two (8GB) modules need to be dual channel?

I'm thinking I'll take my chances and try to get an 8GB module with similar specifications.

Memory
•
Dual Channel DDR3/DDR3L Memory Technology
•
2 x DDR3/DDR3L SO-DIMM Slots
•
Supports DDR3/DDR3L 1333/1066 non-ECC, un-bufered
memory
•
Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB

Manual says Max capacity 16GB and you have been told the problem by me and the other person who has much more experience than me but you blame it on another problem.

Either use 2x4GB or 2x8GB sticks of the same brand and model that will cure your problem.

[seppok]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

Manual says Max capacity 16GB and you have been told the problem by me and the other person who has much more experience than me but you blame it on another problem.

Maybe you understood me wrong but that is exactly why my plan is to get a similar 8GB module and try 8+8=16GB. I'm not blaming it on another problem, I'm just trying to figure out why this configuration doesn't work. I understand there can be problems when mixing modules of different brands but I don't think that is the case now. I think if the Hynix module was also double rank 8GB it could work just fine with the Elpida 8GB module. But of course I will get a similar Elpida stick just to be safe (well not safe because these modules are not on the Memory Support List but more safe...).

Dual Channel DDR3/DDR3L Memory Technology

So maybe that means Dual Channel _only_ when using two sticks... That is why the last 4GB does not work.

[parsec]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

I believe the Intel spec for the J1900 is for the size of a single DIMM, which is 8GB.

The board's memory support list clearly shows several 8GB DIMMs that can be used in pairs, to match the spec of 16GB total memory.

Thanks for listing the model numbers of the memory you have, which made checking them easier. Plus I could find the detailed specs for each model:

Hynix HMT351S6CFR8C: https://www.skhynix.com/products/com...=HMT351S6CFR8C

Elpida EBJ81UG8BAS0-DJ-F: EBJ81UG8BAS0-DJ-F pdf, EBJ81UG8BAS0-DJ-F description, EBJ81UG8BAS0-DJ-F datasheets, EBJ81UG8BAS0-DJ-F view ::: ALLDATASHEET :::

[seppok]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

OK. Now I got an identical 8GB Elpida module and everything seems to be working with 16GB RAM.

[profJim]

Re: Q1900-ITX Memory support (12GB not working)

Glad to hear that using two identical memory modules fixed the problem.

Thanks for the update.