GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

[Rocketbottles]

I recently replaced my system's motherboard and CPU, and my current setup is as follows:

New components:
CPU: Intel C2D E8400
Motherboard: GA-P45-DS3L (BIOS version F8)

Components carried over from the old setup:
PSU.: MIST 600W
RAM: 2x1GB Corsair CM2X1024-5400C4 matched kit
GPU: XFX Geforce 8800GTS
Audio card: X-Fi Xtremegamer
Hard drive: Samsung 400GB SATA
DVD burner: Generic SATA
(I also ordered a Corsair TWIN2X 6400C4DHX DDR2 2x2GB kit, but it has not arrived yet.)

The old components had been working without issues for a good year or so.

Immediately after the motherboard/CPU replacement the system began freezing during various games. I first suspected and ruled out heat issues, and then moved on to memory testing with Memtest86+ v2.01 (from memtest.org). The system repeatedly froze during test #3. Memtest finishes with no errors when each RAM stick is tested separately though, so the RAM itself doesn't seem to be faulty.

I've done some reading on this forum and tried various BIOS settings, but I've been unable to get my system to run stably or finish Memtest without freezing when both RAM sticks are installed. Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Just noticed the typo in the topic, I should stop posting on forums when I really should be sleeping.

[auroa]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

It's a matter of trial and error to get stable memory settings with 2 sticks. In a nutshell that means loosening your timings and possibly raising your voltages. Look at the sticky for some recommended settings.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

First off, did you do a clean install of windows?

Second, are you using a older version of memtest86+? If so, you can't you need the latest for P35/45 >>
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

As for the rest, you will have to post me your actual settings before I can advise. And please also add your ram spec voltage on the sticker (Can also be found in Everest, or CPU-z(EPP Profile), Or PC Wizard.

Please copy and paste back your info >>>

This is Just a template I use to ask people their settings, pay no attention to the numbers in it, replace with yours

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............:
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................:


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<<
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<<
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............:
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............:
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................
tRCD .........................................
tRP'...........................................
tRAS..........................................

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................
tWTR..........................................
tWR............................................
tRFC...........................................
tRTP...........................................
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:7-10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:7-10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................:
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: <<< Leave
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: <<< Leave
CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< Leave
CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< Leave

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: <<
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< Leave
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............:
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]

[Rocketbottles]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

Thank you so much for the swift reply!

I didn't do a clean install of Windows, no. I realize that a motherboard replacement without a Windows reinstall could potentially cause issues, and I'm planning to do a full format and reinstall soon. However, since Memtest86+ runs from its own boot CD it shouldn't really be affected by any issues there may be with Windows or any other OS.

I'm using the latest version of Memtest86+ I could find on Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool, which is version 2.01.

The RAM voltage says 1.9V on the sticker, although CPU-Z reports the SPD as 1.8, and the BIOS defaults to 1.8. I set it manually to 1.9V at first, but running it at 1.8V doesn't seem to make any difference. It's back at 1.9V for the time being.
Factsheet from Corsair: http://www.corsair.com/products/go.a...N2X2048-5400C4

The RAM is installed in slots 2 and 4.
CPU-Z info on the RAM (info was the same for both slots):




My BIOS settings:

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: +0.0 (grayed out)
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.00GHz (333x9) (grayed out)


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: Set to 100 (manually)


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: 800mV
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: 800mV
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: 0ps


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: N/A in my BIOS
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 667 667
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................: 5 [5]
tRCD .........................................: 5 [5]
tRP'...........................................: 5 [5]
tRAS..........................................: 15 [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD..........................................: 3 [Auto]
tWTR.........................................: 3 [Auto]
tWR...........................................: 5 [Auto]
tRFC..........................................: 36 [Auto]
tRTP..........................................: 3 [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ...................: 0 [Auto]

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................: 9 [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................: 0 [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: 5 [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................: 8 [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................: 9 [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................: 0 [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: 5 [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................: 8 [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]


Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….......1.25000V.....: [Auto]
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V.........: [Auto]
CPU PLL…………………....1.550V.........: [Auto]
CPU Reference………....0.805V.........: [Auto]
CPU Reference2………..0.800V.........: N/A in my BIOS

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: [Auto]
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........: [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: N/A in my BIOS
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: [Auto]
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: N/A in my BIOS

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: [1.900V]
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: N/A in my BIOS
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: N/A in my BIOS
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: N/A in my BIOS

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled]

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

Ok, yeah that is the latest Memtest86+ version. I see your SPD does not have the EPP profile programed is likely all, so if sticker says 1.9V I would use that then.

Try these settings, and see if it helps you any >>>>

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: +0.0 (grayed out)
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.00GHz (333x9) (grayed out)


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: Set to 100 (manually)


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: 800mV
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: 800mV
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: 0ps


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: N/A in my BIOS
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 667
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................: 4/5
tRCD .........................................: 4/5
tRP'...........................................: 4/5
tRAS..........................................: 12/15

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD..........................................: 3-4
tWTR.........................................: 3-6
tWR...........................................: 6-10
tRFC..........................................: 38-42
tRTP..........................................: 3-6
Command Rate (CMD) ...................: 2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................: 6-10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................: 0 [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: 5 [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................: 8 [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:6-10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................: 0 [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................: 0 [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: 6 [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: 5 [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................: 8 [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............: [Auto]


Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….......1.25000V.....: [Auto]
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V.........: [Auto]
CPU PLL…………………....1.550V.........: [Auto]
CPU Reference………....0.805V.........: [Auto]
CPU Reference2………..0.800V.........: N/A in my BIOS

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: [Auto]
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........: [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: N/A in my BIOS
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: [Auto]
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: N/A in my BIOS

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: [1.900V]
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: N/A in my BIOS
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: N/A in my BIOS
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: N/A in my BIOS

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled]

[Rocketbottles]

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

You may want to try some middle ground, sometimes too loose may be worse off. Can you try 444-12 with the subtimings on Auto, but set all the rest set to the above suggested. If that passes then we know you just need to adjust those 5 subtimings

[Rocketbottles]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

With subtimings, do you mean the timings under Advanced Timing Control? I tried setting the standard timings to 4-4-4-12 and the advanced timings to auto. Memtest froze about two minutes into the first pass. However, after rebooting I tried increasing the voltage on the MCH Core from 1.100V to 1.200V and ran Memtest again. This time it froze faster than usual, so just out of curiosity I tried undervolting to MCH Core to 1.050V. Memtest passed without errors on the first run.

I figured it might just have been a coincidence, so I tried putting the voltage back up 0.050V to the standard 1.100V. Memtest froze again. After dropping back to 1.050V I let it run without errors for five minutes before rebooting and posting here. It could seem like I've found my problem here, what do you think?

EDIT: I tried borrowing an additional matched kit of 2x1GB Corsair CM2X1024-5400C4 from a friend. Memtest passed just fine with all four sticks of RAM installed and the same BIOS settings as above. This really made my day!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

Ya, I meant advanced Timings, but only the 5 under the main ones when I said try Auto for now. The rest I would suggest to use the settings I posted.

Try 5-5-5-15 for main, and Auto on the rest for now, and the rest of my suggested settings.

And yeah, that very well could be that MCH voltage is too much, too much voltage can cause errors anytime. And your board default ram speed is DDR2 1200/1333 So the MCH may be set a little high on default for the slower ram you have. So you are likely onto something!

Sounds like you are getting somewhere! That is good, never give up! If the ram is good but errors it IS just settings normally. And since you have slower then default ram you are going on the right track! Nice to see your brain smoking, I guess mine was not at the time. I rarely see anyone using less then 6400 ram, so I will keep your findings in mind if I see it used again

[Rocketbottles]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

Yeah, my usual retailer had some trouble with the shipping so I won't be getting my 6400 kit until over the weekend. I'm just really happy that I got the old RAM working properly for now, I'll try playing around a bit with the timing while I wait for the new stuff. So far I'm very happy with the Gigabyte board, layout, BIOS options and all, so I think I'll stick with them in the future as well. My only complaint is that the POST splash screen looks like it was designed by a colorblind badger on acid, it genuinely scared me the first time I powered up my system after the update. Oh well, I disabled it anyway.

Oh, and congratulations on your new GA-P45-DS4P, it's well deserved!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

Nice to hear you have a useable board until you get your other ram! You will have a much easier time with 800Mhz ram for sure, and a more responsive system as well.

Ya, Gigabyte Boards are Great!

Which screen do you mean? The IRQ one? Or the one with the Gigabyte Design on it, the full screen picture one? If you mean the image, you can change the image if you want, or you can also disable the image as well in the BIOS. If you meant the IRQ screen which shows the ram and Device IRQ's then ya, you have to leave that one

Thanks, hope to get it installed very soon so I can better help users here!

Thanks Gigabyte!!!

[Rocketbottles]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

The one with the full-screen image, I've disabled it but I didn't know you could change it. Would be nice if that's possible with my board too.

On a sidenote, I received my 800Mhz Corsair kit today, and one of the sticks turned out to be faulty. My Gigabyte system got stuck in a reboot loop when the faulty stick was installed, but worked just fine with the other stick. Same result on another system, except that it remained powered on without ever getting to the POST screen with the faulty stick. I'll see if I can RMA it and get a refund on Monday.

This brings me to my next question, what RAM would you recommend for my current setup if I want 2x2GB? From reading the board it seems that several people, including you, are fond of Mushkin, but I thought I'd ask you directly anyway.

Sorry for all the nagging and spamming, and thanks again for your help, it's been very useful!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-P45-DS3L freezes during memetest and games

Ya, you can change the image a few ways. The official one is with Gigabyte Facewizard tool >>>

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/NewTech/old_motherboard_newtech/tech_facewizard.htm

Sorry to hear about your DOA, it happens sadly with any company!

Yeap, I suggest Mushkin for sure and Always!!! Black or Blue models and the good ones, Black is top of the line, blue is midrange. I am saving myself for Model #996580 2x2 set

Where is this spam? Ill delete it for sure! J/K

Na, no problems man, that is why I am here.... TO HELP OTHERS!