There might be different straps you can use to get it up a bit higher... I dont know how the straps are set, but you could try the 333 or 400 strap to Northbridge if your BIOS has it available.

I've had windows not install properly because of low RAM voltage before on this POS DFI skt939 board I tried to stuff around with, and you always end up cursing Microsoft and Bill Gates but its not his fault in the end...

You cant run as much vdimm through DDR3 as you could with DDR2 and DDR. I think you just want to get windows installed properly then think about getting the RAM to run tight and fast eh..Running really high mhz on the RAM like this may load up the Northbridge a bit so maybe a little bump up in NB voltage wouldnt hurt.. Maybe 1.5v or something? Treat anything over 2.0v on RAM as high as far as DDR3 goes..

TO run 1800 mhz at relatively low latencies (for DDR3) of 7-7-7-x you may need to bump vdimm up to 1.9v but worry about that when you get the system stable.

I'm going to give MA Labs (mft of Super Talent RAM) Monday and ask what the max, safe vdimm I can use on this RAM. What do you think, Paul?

I'm still not able to get XP installed (have tried 4 or 5 times). If I don't get "memory management" error messages, I see various "file system" corruption error messages. The most recent was, "The file symu3.sys is corrupted." I'm given the option to continue by hitting "Enter," but am unable to do that because the computer freezes at that point. Sure seems like a memory error.

What's most frustrating is that half the time I can't boot into the BIOS to change settings unless I clear CMOS and wait 30+ minutes. That makes troubleshooting a very slow process.

One thing is for certain -- this RAM does not like low vdimm. Anything less than 1.8v and it's unbootable, regardless of speed. I mean REALLY unbootable. Every time I attempt to get into the BIOS to bump up the vdimm, it locks up. Good times.

My Striker Extreme post traumatic stress syndrome is returning with a vengeance.

Sorry you're having these issues, Jason.

The articles I linked to above, said that 1.9v was the max rated voltage, but that to hit the highest speeds they had to use 2.1v to 2.2v.

Taking a look at them - they're each only one page and one has BIOS info - might help a little.

At speeds of 1066mhz you shouldnt have to use over 1.9v anyway... Have you run mem-*test*-('") with these sticks, they may be dud,you never know... Ask what their threshold vdimm is for warranty when you call them.

DDR3 is funny, they rate them at a certain mhz running 2T at a certain voltage and not every board can hit the same mhz, pretty poor.

Are you on 2T by the way??

I have that set to "auto," Paul (which typically translates to 2T). If I could work in the BIOS long enough to manually tweak settings before lock up, I would do so, but I'm lucky if I have enough time to change voltage.

I'm ordering some new, slower RAM off Asus's QVL from the Egg Monday. Anyone State side know if they are open Monday, given that it's a holiday? I'll run Mem-*test*-('") overnight.

Running MemTest through one 1/2 hour set, you should be able to see if it's ok before ordering new RAM.

On December 31st, I remember seeing a note on the Egg site that it would be closed on New Year's Day. Don't see a note about tomorrow.

What's the word on the ASUS forum about ddr3? Going to go look ...

There are numerous reports of RAM issues with this board on the Asus forum and XtremeSystems forum. I don't recall seeing any particular RAM mft or type being touted as more compatible than another with the board. I'm looking at G.Skill DDR3, since it uses Elpida modules (listed on Asus' QVL).

Jason, could you point me to any of the posts or threads about problems with ddr3 & the Maximus Extreme on the Extreme Forum? I haven't found post about problems yet.

I see this guy got his Cellshock 1800Mhz ddr3 working.

And here's a full report on the Corsair ddr3 1800Mhz.

I'll have to look back through the threads, but will send a few, sure.

I'm hoping it's only the RAM, David -- if not, must be some sort of damage to mobo or processor (the processor was in the socket and the 8-pin ATX connector connected when the leak occurred. The only reason the eight pin connector was hooked up is because I have to physically remove the small radiator on the back of the case to access it -- I have PPC to thank for that one! haha).

I went through an almost identical issue with the Striker Extreme: it wouldn't boot with PC-9136 RAM because of the higher voltage requirements. I substituted some inexpensive, slower RAM requiring less voltage and it booted right up.

Update:

Last night I wasn't even able to reach POST in order to run MemTest. mod'rator Vegasr recalled reading that dimm slots 2 and 4 were more compatible with faster RAM. I made that change and was able to get into BIOS long enough to manually set Northbridge voltage to 1.53 and vdimm to 2.00.

I was able to reboot and run MemTest. I'll post results in 30 minutes.

MemTest at 1 hour now; 2 passes; 0 errors. God, I hope it's not the processor behind the errors.

Jason-
Was the PSU on when you had the spill? I've had spills and haven't had any issues. Let it dry for a bit and wipe up with alcohol. I am going to a non conductive when I clean up my watercooling loops this month. I have to read up on which is the beast as some leave gunk in the loop.

I'm guessing you tried to load the OS with one stick only.

Yes, I've tried running with only one stick of RAM -- wouldn't even boot. Making some progress today, though.

If I'm getting errors that are typically attributable to bad or undervolted RAM during OS installation -- and I find that the voltage and RAM are both fine -- where does that leave me? CPU problem?

Yes, the PSU was on, as I was flooding the loop at the time the leak occurred. The only power to the board was via the 8-pin Molex connector. The reason the 8-pin connector was hooked up is because I have to physically remove the small radiator on the back of the case to access it (i.e., plug it in or remove it).

You could trying loading XP with another cpu to rule out a cpu issue - which I"d think very unlikely.

Let's see if you get the same type of errors with the board more dried out and with the mem voltage at 1.9v.

The RAM voltage was set at 1.9v before, CC. I will try OS installation at 2.00v -- with a fan blowing on the memory.