Question

A customer has recently upgraded the RAM in his computer, and now the computer blue-screens with the error “Memory bus speed exceeds Chipset rated speed.” He was assured by the RAM manufacturer that the memory modules, including bus speed, were completely compatible with his PC. You visit his home and review the blue screen error data. The message on the screen indicates a memory problem. He is currently running DDR2-1066 RAM with a 1333 MHz FSB CPU. Of the following options, which is the most likely problem and solution?

A. The default voltage for the RAM is set too low in the BIOS, and you should set it to a value compatible with the RAM currently installed.

B. The default voltage for the RAM is set too high in the BIOS, and you should set it to a value compatible with the RAM currently installed.

C. The default bus speed for the RAM is set too high and should be changed in Windows Device Manager.

D. The RAM is not compatible with his CPU, despite what the manufacturer said, and you should either install the RAM that previously worked in the computer or find an appropriate upgrade.

Answer 1

D. The DDR2-1066 RAM is incompatible with the 1333 MHz FSB CPU. The more appropriate choice is DDR2-667.