A-DATA PC4000 256MB on EPOX 8RGA+

[Epox Maniac]

I have one 256mb stick of A-DATA PC4000 rated by SPD CAS 3-4-4-8.
I know this memory is "P4" memory, but such low performanse I really didn`t expect.
I can not run it at even 220FSB at SPD timings and 2.9V, nor CAS 2.5-4-4-11.
Got lots of errors in MEMtest 3.0 at FSB higher than 215.
It only works up to 215FSB CAS2.5-4-4-8 2.6V.
I red this review and that is why I bought it.
So what should I do - can I RMA it if memory is working but not running to the specs? Is it a good enough reason for RMA?
A-DATA doesn`t say that it is meant for P4 systems and not for AMD system.

[golfer49]

If it doesnt perform to your satisfaction, send it back!

[Epox Maniac]

What do you think, is it enough reason for them to comply to my complaint?

[golfer49]

WE are the customer, if we are not happy with a product, we have the right to get our money back! As long as its not damaged, they should be willing to take it back and offer a suitable substitute, or a refund, they do have the right to charge us a restocking fee however..................

[Epox Maniac]

Anyone else?

[memoryman]

Where did you buy it?
What guarantee and warranty comes with it?
The guarantee will probably be time-sensitive, so if you can return it-do it before the guarantee runs out.

I went to their Taiwan website and to find out warranty, you have to email them - so I did.

If they don't let you return it and get your money back, maybe you can sell it on eBay-not the best option, but at least an alternative.

[notdrugged]

Sorry to nag, but never buy RAM without knowing whether or not it is compatible with the motherboard. The site not saying whether or not, isn't the same as it being compatible. As of now, I don't know any PC4000 the manufacturer claims to be compatible with any AMD motherboard. If this were to change, I imagine it would only for Athlon64 systems, not socket A. Supposedly some people get it to work, but aren't satisfied with the speed. I'm sure some of that is error-related.

[Epox Maniac]

I wouldn`t say that it is not compatible, because it runs on the board, just not running at specified speed.

[notdrugged]

Originally posted by Epox Maniac on 11-22-2003 at 11:16 AM
I wouldn`t say that it is not compatible, because it runs on the board, just not running at specified speed.

Incompatible doesn't always mean the RAM will not let the system POST or boot windows. It can do both of those things and still be incompatible.

Incompatible RAM can give random system errors, slow the system down, or cause the system to be unable to recognize all of the installed RAM, etc. As well, if you can't get anywhere near where you could in speed with RAM that is "slower", I would say it is easily a symptom of incompatibility.

So that's how I define incompatibility. RAM that does not function correctly due to the components it was matched with. In this case, a socket A motherboard with an athlonXP. Neither of which will foreseeably support the RAM correctly.

[golfer49]

Try not running it in "SPD" setting, run it at 100%, timings of 11-3-3 at cas 2.5 voltage of 2.8 volts, and then retest.