Question : Problem: Is Crucial Ballistix RAM no good for OEM systems?

I have been struggling with instability and other craziness with an hp-compaq dx-2250M business desktop.  I have just about an entirely new PC being sent to me in parts by hp.   On July 21, 2008, I ordered Crucial RAM 2 X 1GB Ballistix RAM per the memory selector on the Crucial web site.  I just found out the Crucial now knows they have a problem in that the RAM they specified back in July won't work reliably with machines such as dx-2250 where the BIOS settings cannot be tweaked to match high performance memory.  They also admit that MEMTEST can run umteen passes and not shown this problem.

Has anyone else experienced the same problem?

John

Answer : Problem: Is Crucial Ballistix RAM no good for OEM systems?

The standard DDR2 operating voltage is 1.8VDC and nearly all OEM systems are limited to that voltage. Performance memory runs at higher voltages (2.0VDC for Crucial Ballistic RAM). Lower than required voltage results in unstable memory. Crucial should have been well aware of memory voltage adjustment limitations and not recommended Ballistic memory for an OEM PC.