FAQ


Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our products.

DRAM

Make sure that the memory is built on the same chip organization and is installed in correct slots, marked with the same color. The first module should always be places in the first slot located closest to the CPU

Single and dual rank are terms describing one of the features of the memory module construction. Mounted on the memory module they are grouped in ranks, the amount of which depends on the number of systems used and the type of PCB. Consumer modules usually have one or two ranks. Due to the requirements of the motherboards being the basis of each computer, when purchasing memory modules, pay attention to the current configuration of the computer, read the motherboard's manual, and then select the correct module. Newest models of motherboards are mostly characterized by proper cooperation with single and dual rank modules regardless of module installation slot.
GOODRAM single rank memory modules have an additional code in the product code in the form of the letter S before the mark /.

Problem with a proper operation of new memory module may be due to the following factors:
- Incompatibility between memory and motherboard (incorrect capacity, organization, speed)
- BIOS error
- Memory failure
We recommend that you check the device compatibility and BIOS settings for the given memory configuration in the first place.

If your motherboard/processor supports a particular memory type, then adding another memory from other brands is usually not a problem. However, for the memory to work properly in dual channel mode, it is recommended to install two modules of the same type, i.e. with the same capacity, timings and organization (single-sided or double-sided modules). GOODRAM recommends memory modules with DC marketing, that are specially paired for dual-channel operation during the production phase.

We build our modules using the components manufactured by the world biggest chip companies like Micron, Hynix, Nanya and Samsung.

You can check this information by going visiting the motherboard manufacturer's website. There, you should find a specification of memory modules that are compatible with your motherboard.

The production of Play series memory modules has been terminated and we replaced them with IRDM memory modules with higher clock frequencies. Selected IRDM series memory modules are available in the exact same configuration as the GOODRAM Play series modules.


SSD

The actual storage capacity of solid state drive depends on the technology used. In the case of newer NAND FLASH technologies, the controller reserves space for the operations and execution of tasks that happen during the use of drive. As the latest NAND flash memory require larger system structures, the controller uses additional space to ensure correct operation of the wear levelling algorithms. In practice, this means longer SSD lifetime, optimized memory performance and significantly increased data security.

The percentage drop is determined by the amount of data written and the number of program/erase cycles. It often happens that the first percentage (from the maximum value of 100% to 99%) changes faster. The further percentage change should advance at a slower pace.

The purpose of heatsink is to reduce the SSD temperature which reduces the effect of thermal throttling. Thermal throttling effects in the SSD performance drop once it reaches certain temperature.

In some situations, slight slowdowns may be noticeable. They depend on the performance of the entire system. Since the processor must decrypt the encrypted data, this can affect the system or application launch speed.

Very often sudden freezes may result from driver issues or power management services within the operating system. Another reason may be that the drive is under massive load, causing internal garbage collection mechanisms to slow down the drive's operation. These mechanisms are activated in idle mode, but there may be cases when they operate while the drive is in use. If you are experiencing such problem, do not hesitate to contact us.

No, warranty for GOODRAM SSD is not limited by the TBW value.

Yes, the drive will be compatible with the SATA II interface, but its performance will be limited to performance, provided by SATA II interface.


Flash cards

First, please try to use your memory with a different device and also make a backup of the data to avoid data loss. Try deleting the partition and creating a new one. The partition can be removed / created under Windows operating system, e.g. with a free Active@ Partition Manager application. Under Windows Vista/7/8, you can use a system tool called Diskpart. Under Linux, you can use Fdisk, GParted, or other similar tools

If the memory card enters read-only mode, it means it’s damaged. In this case, please file a complaint at the place of purchase of the product. If you experience any issues with saving files, the memory card can be checked, for example, with the free Flash Drive Tester by performing a read/write/compare test.

Check if the Windows operating system has assigned a drive letter to the memory card. You can check it as follows:
Click Control panel -> Administrative tools -> Computer management -> Disk management and assign the drive letter manually if needed. If the problem persists check the memory card on other device. If the problem also occurs when the memory card is connected to another computer or device, it may be damaged.
Check if the Windows operating system has assigned a drive letter to the memory card. You can check it as follows:
Click Control panel -> Administrative tools -> Computer management -> Disk management and assign the drive letter manually if needed. If the problem persists check the memory card on other device. If the problem also occurs when the memory card is connected to another computer or device, it may be damaged.

First, please make a backup of the data to avoid data loss. Then format the memory card using the exFAT or NTFS file system. FAT32 has a single file size limitation. The file cannot be larger than 4 GB, so that’s why there are limitations in uploading large files.


USB

First, please make a backup of the data to avoid data loss. This problem may be caused by a virus blocking access to the flash drive. In this case, we recommend performing a system scan using an antivirus software or removing or formatting partition e.g. under Linux operating system. The second option is to format it using the tools provided by Windows operating system. Flash drive should be formatted in FAT32 or exFAT file system. No special software is required for formatting.

First, please try to use your memory with a different device and also make a backup of the data to avoid data loss. Try deleting the partition and creating a new one. The partition can be removed / created under Windows operating system, e.g. with a free Active@ Partition Manager application. Under Windows Vista/7/8, you can use a system tool called Diskpart. Under Linux, you can use Fdisk, GParted, or other similar tools.

If the memory card enters read-only mode, it means it’s damaged. In this case, please file a complaint at the place of purchase of the product. If you experience any issues with saving files, the memory card can be checked, for example, with the free Flash Drive Tester by performing a read/write/compare test.

Check if the Windows operating system has assigned a drive letter to the USB flash drive. You can check it as follows:
Click Control panel -> Administrative tools -> Computer management -> Disk management and assign the drive letter manually if needed. If the problem persists check the USB flash drive on other device. If the problem also occurs when the USB flash drive is connected to another computer or device, it may be damaged.

First, please make a backup of the data to avoid data loss. Then format the USB flash drive using the exFAT or NTFS file system. FAT32 has a single file size limitation. The file cannot be larger than 4 GB, so that’s why there are limitations in uploading large files.

This can be caused by a virus and we recommend scanning the USB flash drive with an antivirus software. To access locked files, please follow the following steps (for Windows only):
Determine the name (letter) of USB flash drive/memory card e.g. “d:”, “e:”, “f:” (you can check it in My Computer section)
Select Start>>Run. Enter: “cmd”
Type you drive name e.g. “d:”, followed by the “dir /ah” command. You will see all hidden files.
To access locked files, type in “attrib [name of file/folder] -r -a -s -h”.