Anything to be aware of when adding RAM? - Page 2

Just to clarify, when I said send one stick back for exchange, I meant an exchange for the exact same ram. I bought these sticks as a quantity of two, they were did not come paired or anything like that. Would you still recommend sending both back? Also I forgot to mention this before. The CAS latencies I'm getting with CPU-Z is 2.5-3-3-8, and I had 3.0-3-3-8. Just incase that could be a culprit.

EDIT
Just did 3 passes on the one stick with memtest86 and no errors.

EDIT 2
After closer examination of the memory sticks, the stick that works is labeled
MSXC22D-38KX3 MAE . The stick that won't work by itself in any slot is labeled MSXC22D-38KX3 PAE . Now I emailed Kingmax to see if there is a actual difference, and am awaiting a reply.

Don't know what the difference is; however, I do know that some memory work better with a particular cpu (Intel -v- AMD).

From what you state, I would return the PAE and ask them to send another MAE stick.

Thanks for the replies. I ordered from Newegg, how would I go about making sure I get MAE? Will customer service do that?

Am I able to rma 1 stick, even though the original order contained 2? Also, how would I go about making sure that the new stick is MAE and not just something they think is equavelant like PAE? Any idea on how I should approach this?

You shoule be able to. Take great care in explaining that the two received were different and the one that doesn't work is the incorrect product. If you can call them, that would be better than just emailing as then you could talk to someone about the situation.

Ok, I'll email and call. Perhaps I will include a note in the rma box, hoping someone will read it and forward the information onto who needs to reach it.

Emailed and Called. Both ways I was told that there is no way for them to confirm the exact labeling on the ram sticks They said that their people don't actually open up the boxes to check the labels. Well I am rma'ing the bad stick, through cross shipping and they are sending me a new stick...Fingers crossed its the right one

Eureka!!

Ok, this whole process of upgrading the ram has resembled somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. The simple short answer it is...I finally got a gig working. For the details read on...

I have learned that Newegg does not actually cross-ship, they set up your rma for full refund(no restocking fee) in return for you purchasing a replacement. So, I sent the defective stick back to Newegg and bought a another stick. After receiving my replacement today, I have come realize that Newegg sent me the wrong sticks on my original order. The replacement stick that I received today looks nothing like the two that came in my initial purchase(Will post pics before day is over). On Newegg's site, two different sticks of 200pin 512MB DDR400 were listed. Of the two I bought the cheapest ones. When buying, there appeared to be no difference, all their specs were listed as being the same. Same density, brand, size, and cas. So I bought the cheap ones..anyway...Now looking at Newegg, they don't carry the more expensive sticks anymore($10 more per stick), so that makes me think either they ran out of stock on the cheap ones after I already placed the order, wanted to "unload" the more expensive sticks, or the guy who packed my order just screwed up. Who knows...

Honestly, I thought I would be screwed again, thinking that the sticks weren't similiar enough to play nicely with each other or the Sager. SUPRISE! they booted the machine right up. Did a memtest with 5 passes and no errors found. So, I think I'm finally good to go. Checked their specs with SANDRA and both sticks, even though their physical appearance differs, read the same, including manufacturer, manufacture date, density, cas ratings(2.5-3-3-8).

After about three weeks of shipping turnaround time and with all the extra cost I paid for return shipping and restocking fee(from ZipZoomFly on the Corsairs ) I still came out ahead. If bought from Sager directly, I would be laying down $230+ for this upgrade($115 per stick of 512MB DDR400 + any shipping cost). Instead in total I paid about $160, a nice $70 savings.

Thanks to all who offered tips and assistance throughout this whole process.

Saint,

Please post the numbers on the new "stick" for others that might dare to go where you have already gone.

Sure, I was going to put up some detailed pics that revealed the coding, but no problem.

MSXC22D-38KX3-MAE(came in original order)
MSXC22D-38IS3-MBE(replacement)

As promised.

I apologize for the delay, had to find the digital camera