Ddr2 for amd only: «AMD only» DDR2 RAM : buildapc

What’s the deal with cheap «AMD ONLY» RAM from eBay?

I nearly forgot about this thread! Damn, I am slacking!

Anyway, the memory arrived and here it is!

* sandpaper not included

At first glance, they do look like genuine Hynix RAM modules. However, upon closer inspection, without even opening the packaging, I noticed poor quality printing on the IC chips. I also noticed terrible quality soldering under the ICs, with drops of solder actually on the IC chips! This has got me worried immediately.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s fire them up.

I installed all 4 modules, then powered up the PC and…

Nothing. The PC was stuck in a reboot loop without even reaching the POST stage.
Okay, time to investigate.

I removed two modules and the PC was able to POST and I entered the BIOS.
From here, I narrowed it down to one module which was completely dead. I placed this back into its packaging and marked it as faulty.

So we’re running with 3 x 4GB totalling 12GB. Next, I ran Memtest86.
An hour later, the 3 remaining modules completed the first pass without any errors. Pleasantly surprised, I then booted into Windows. Everything seemed okay and stable, so I then shut the PC down as I didn’t need to use it. From here folks, it’s all downhill. While Windows was attempting to shut down, it crashed to a BSOD.

Puzzled, I ran Memtest86 for a second time. I think you’ve all guessed what’s coming next, if you haven’t, then you should have by now!

The RAM was bad… VERY BAD. If you look at the Memtest86 screen capture, you can see that the errors range from 2423.3MB all the way up to 13047.5MB, which means that at least two of the remaining three modules are defective!

I’m not sure why these errors didn’t show up the first time I ran Memtest86. The only explanation that I can think of is when I first ran Memtest86, the RAM modules were at room temperature. When they heated up to their normal operating temperature, they exposed their true colors.

I contacted the seller and included these screenshots. The seller was very apologetic and offered a full refund once the faulty modules have been returned. They have already paid for the return carriage to China (although PayPal deducted a fee of 71p) so I’ll get these sent off on Monday.

Meanwhile, I had also ordered some Samsung high density RAM from a UK seller for a more expensive price. I’m going to name and shame this seller and I’ll explain why later.

I ordered the Samsung RAM modules from here: Samsung 16GB (4x 4GB) DDR2 800mhz PC2-6400 Memory for AMD 240pin Non-ECC UK (external link, eBay)

The seller is «canoneoskiss» (external link, eBay) who (at the time of writing) has a 582 feedback rating with 99.5% being positive.

Long story short, these modules which were more expensive and like the Hynix RAM modules, they also displayed similar defects. I am naming and shaming canoneoskiss because when I requested to return the item for a full refund, canoneoskiss refused and claimed that the memory modules are not compatible with my system. canoneoskiss then became rather aggressive and childish. Eventually, canoneoskiss admitted that these RAM modules should be compatible with my system and will not accept a return for a full refund.

Well, yes, we know that these should be compatible, because if they weren’t, surely the motherboard would not even POST?
Either ways, I was getting nowhere fast with canoneoskiss, so I’ve started an eBay Money Back Guarantee case against canoneoskiss. He immediately offered a partial refund which was 1/4 of the purchase price. I am not a mug, so obviously, I declined the (let’s face it) insulting refund offer and the case is currently still ongoing.

Avoid the seller canoneoskiss at all costs. Very bad customer service, refuses return for faulty goods, communicates in broken English and is very arrogant. I can see that canoneoskiss is also selling very cheap LED light bulbs, probably imported from China, I bet these are not CE approved and they could kill you if you touch them while they’re operating!

Anyway, in conclusion. ..
Don’t bother with «high density» or «AMD only» RAM modules. They are cheap, poor quality and potentially counterfeit products. They will cause you nothing but trouble. Stick with low density RAM and known brands (Kingston, Corsair, Crucial). I think these «Hynix» and «Samsung» RAM modules are totally counterfeit.
They do look like a bargain, but they’re not.

You really do get what you pay for.

— Capt. Jack Sparrow.

Is «AMD only» DDR2 memory compatible with intel motherboards?

quicky008
Technomancer