H97 Pro4 won't run @ DDR3 1600

[flyfisher]

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> Got an H97M Pro4 and a G3258 for my wife. Installed a spare set of 2 x4GB sticks of GSkill F3-12800CL8D-8GBX. Booted right up but the ram is only running DDR3 1333. I set the XMP profile, DDR3 1600, and rebooted, nothing. Cleared CMOS and rebooted, checked memory settings and found it only allows DDR3 800, 1066, 1333 and 1400. I know G3258 only supports DDR3 1333, but it should overclock to 1600, right? The manual says it supports 1600/1333/1066 and XMP 1.2/1.3. What am I missing? Seems like a nice board otherwise and UEFI is light years ahead of the Gigabytes I have been using.

[parsec]

Re: H97 Pro4 won't run @ DDR3 1600

Speaking of the UEFI, what version does your board have? Version 1.40 lists support for the G3258, worth a try flashing to that version if you don't have it now. Use the Instant Flash method to update, or the Internet Flash method in the UEFI. Avoid the Windows method, most likely to fail.

The memory is GSkill F3-12800CL8D-8GBX, not GBXL or GBXM, is that correct? GSkill GBX is not listed in the compatibility list, but if they work they should be fine. Memory speed is not dependent on the chipset now, and ASRock lists memory over 3000.

I have 16GB of Samsung "miracle green" memory at 1800 in my Z87/G3258 PC, so 1600 should be possible for you.

[flyfisher]

Re: H97 Pro4 won't run @ DDR3 1600

Sorry, I missed a few M's. The board is an H97M Pro4. Latest BIOS is 1.20 which I have updated. Instant flash is pretty slick. Memory is GSkill F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM, not on the list. UEFI shows XMP, I can select it, but it will not boot. I tried using DRAM tweaker feature and chose XMP that way. It boots and the timings are right but still only at 1333. And it still will only let me choose 800, 1066, 1333, and 1400 in the main DRAM configuration screen. I also have the green Samsung and tried those. It boots but will not let me select 1600, just 800, 1066, 1333, and 1400. Weird thing is that I also bought a Z97E-itx/ac to play with, and the memories work fine in it. 'Tis a mystery!

[parsec]

Re: H97 Pro4 won't run @ DDR3 1600

Oh - Kay, starting over...

First, we can find this fun fact at the top of the Memory Support list for the H97M Pro4:

Note1: Due to the configuration of chipset, each RAM will downgrade to DDR3 1600 with H97 series chipset.

That of course is referring to all the memory listed at speeds up to 3200. So why 1400 for you? More of the same trend.

Also, you can't compare a Z97 chipset board, that over clocking (including memory) can be done with, to a H97, that does not support any OC of any kind.

If the Samsung green memory is locked down to 1400, unless there is a BIOS option I don't see, which should be in the screenshot of the BIOS, you are out of luck IMO.

[nxsfan]

Re: H97 Pro4 won't run @ DDR3 1600

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm having the exact same issue.

MB: ASRock H97M-ITX/ac
Processor: Intel G3258
RAM: GSkill RipjawsX F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL

My G3258 is cool & stable at 4.4GHz with Vcore of 1.165v. Cache/Ring frequency is 4.2GHz (stock voltage). Every other setting is untouched (aside from disabling thermal throttling).

My BIOS presents the same interface flyfisher posted, with the same selection of DDR3-800 to DDR3-1400. If I select "Load XMP Setting" and load "XMP 1.2 Profile 1" (which is the only XMP profile) the system will not boot.

I tested increasing my DRAM Voltage (1.6v) and my CPU Cache Voltage (1.25v), but it still wouldn't boot with the XMP profile selected. I don't really get the "DRAM Tweaker" but when I select the XMP profile (or the JEDEC 1600MHz profile) it takes the timings, but sets the clock to 1333MHz.

I understand the memory controller is integrated into the CPU, and the G3258 memory controller is designed for up to 1333MHz. I know that the ASRock H97M/ac supports a1600MHz with the right CPUs, and I also know that some people have run memory at 1600MHz with the G3258 (overclock the memory controller?). So add those two facts together and you would expect this to work.

So... is the problem in the memory controller on my G3258 (can't run at 1600MHz at stock voltages), can I fix it by upping a voltage and if so which voltage? Or is the problem with my H97M-ITX/ac as the above posts would suggest? If this was an arbitrary MB limitation it's very odd that I can select an XMP profile that will refuse to boot.

I know I can always stay at 1333 (or 1400) and tweak my timings to compensate, but I would love a clear explanation of what's going on - something that I can't find anywhere else online.