HP Z400 RAM Problems

[silverlitz]

I want to add 3x4GB RAM DIMMs to my HP Z400's 3x2GB RAM, for a total of 18GB.

I bought 3 DIMMs of OWC1333D3ECC4GB (http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/1333D3ECC4GB/ ) to go into my HP Z400 workstation. The RAM does NOT work. On power up the BIOS Power On Self Test gives the bad RAM error code (Red power button w/ 5 flashes), and never gets to the BIOS screen.  This computer has a 2.8GHz Intel Quad Core Xeon W3530, 64-bit Windows 7 Professional, BIOS firmware v3.07, and 6 DIMM slots.

The OWC RAM DIMMs are 4GB, 1333MHz, dual-rank ECC, unbuffered DDR3 RAM.  They include the Apple Specified Thermal Sensor* for use in the Apple Mac Pro with Intel Quad Core Xeon chipset.  Besides Apple Mac Pro PCs, OWC states this RAM is: Compatible with Intel / AMD Process based PCs capable with the specifications listed above. Memory complies with JEDEC Specifications, document JESD79-3B. 

*About the Apple Specified Thermal Sensor: Ensuring maximum performance, reliability, and operational feedback -this DDR3 ECC Modules for the Apple Mac Pro 'Nehalem' 4 Core/8-Core and 'Westmere' 6-Core/8-Core processor models feature utilization of Apple qualified components including the inclusion of the Apple qualified Thermal Sensor EEPROM.

HP Z400 manual states that the Z400 Workstation supports Unbuffered 1-GB single-rank and 2-GB and 4-GB dual-rank PC3-10600E 1333 MHZ ECC DIMMs.  This RAM specification is totally consistent with the OWC RAM.  The HP Z400 also uses the exact Intel Quad Core Xeon 'Nehalem' chipset as the Apple Mac Pro5.  OWC expected this RAM to work with the HP Z400.

I have tried using this OWC RAM in the following configurations, with the same POST Error results:

• OWC 4GB RAM in black DIMM slots 1,2,3; with HP 2GB ECC RAM in white DIMM slots 4,5,6
• OWC 4GB RAM in black DIMM slots 4,5,6; with HP 2GB ECC RAM in white DIMM slots 1,2,3
• OWC 4GB RAM in black DIMM slots 1,2,3; with no other RAM

(NOTE: DIMM slot numbers are staggered, e.g. 1,4,2,5,3,6)

I have tried installing only one OWC RAM DIMM at a time, in order to try to isolate a bad DIMM.  Each of the three OWC DIMMs gave the same POST Error.  If the problem is bad RAM, all three DIMMs would have to be bad, an unlikely scenario.

I have also cleaned the contacts on the OWC DIMMs with Caig R5 Power Booster contact cleaner, with no results.

The following RAM configuration do work even though it mixes in Non-ECC RAM, although performance benchmarks are slightly degraded versus using only HP 2GB ECC RAM in DIMM slots 1,2,3,:

• HP 2GB ECC RAM in black DIMM slots 1,2,3; with Kingston 2GB HyperX 1600MHz Non-ECC RAM in white DIMM slots 4,5,6
• HP 2GB ECC RAM in black DIMM slots 1,2,3; with Samsung 1GB 1333MHz Non-ECC RAM in white DIMM slots 4,5,6

Do you know why this OWC RAM is not working in my HP Z400?

What are good substitute ECC, unbuffered DDR3 RAM DIMMs for the HP Z400?

[silverlitz]

I still have no idea why this ECC, unbuffered, DDR3 RAM will no work on my HP Z400.

I have had several chat sessions with 3 different OWC Techs, and they all think that the RAM should work.

I had OWC replace the RAM with new DIMMs, and I get the same POST error codes and no boot.

Could the old BIOS v3.07 firmware be a problem, as I see the most recent in v3.57?  What is the differences between v3.07 and v3.57?

Could the problem be the Apple Specified Thermal Sensor* for use in the Apple Mac Pro with Intel Quad Core Xeon chipset?

[haiytham]

Were you able to reach a solution with the problem in Ram ? 
It's a long time ! 

Find a problem running the game Mad Max Game Crach all Time I tray to play or load game crash i dont know why !? 
I doubt the cause of Ram 

 i have 2Gb x2  1060    &     4Gb1333 

• OWC 4GB RAM in black DIMM slots 1,0,0; with HP 2GB ECC RAM in white DIMM slots 0,2,4