Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

[Magnus357]

Hello all.

So early last week I decided to upgrade my computer to play ARMA II, which is ridiculously demanding for no particular reason.

My new system components are listed in my signature.

As soon as I got the board I had issues.

My first setup included the stock BIOS settings and my memory setup in dual channel mode in slots 1 and 3. I was able to get the Windows 7 RC installed, but had a BSOD near the end of the installation and configuration process. Windows was completely unstable. I was also getting boot loops where eventually the computer would start or I would pull the power cable for a bit and then it would start.

I got online and started looking for answers and found this place. So I did the following:

- Loaded optimized defaults
- Then setup the BIOS as follows per some recommendations around here:

Motherboard: Model:  Rev#:  Bios Version:
Cpu: E8400 VID 1.3V
Ram: OCZ Technologies, OCZ2G8004GK, [url=http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_6400_vista_performance_gold_4gb_dual_channel]OCZ Technology | Products | Memory | OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Vista Performance Gold 4GB Dual Channel[/url]
Power Supply Unit: Offbrand, ??, 600W voltages appear stable



MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] 
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [9]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] < ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.00 ghz (333x9)

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] 

C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]

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

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] 
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [800]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRCD  ------------------- 5 ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- 5 ---------- : [5]
tRAS  ------------------- 18 ---------- : [Auto]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- 6 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------- 46 --------- : [52]
tRTP  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ------ 0 -----------: [Auto]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking

Channel A
Static tRead Value ------- 7 ---------- : [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]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control -------------- : [Auto]  ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value ------- 7 ---------- : [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]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control -------------- : [Auto]  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----

CPU Vcore --------------- 1.3 --------- : [1.2] <-- Been trying to see if it's stable at this voltage and don't want to change it as I'm testing memory variables at this time (I should set it to 1.3 I know)

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference ----------- 0.805V --_--- : [Auto]


MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.2] 
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.550V ------- : [Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [1.800]

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] <--- Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC
</pre>

With the above settings, I was able to sucessfully install Windows 7.

Once installed, I ran Orthos, but it eventually fails running a blended test. CPU temps are fine at about 50 *C under full load with the case closed.

So I moved to running memtest86+.

With the RAM in slots 1 and 3 I get about 105 errors in the upper address ranges (4000 MB - 4800 MB) in Test #4. I reversed the sticks and got similar errors in a similar range.

I uppded the MCH voltage to 1.3V and ran the same test again with similar results.

I down clocked the RAM to 6-6-6-18 and put the MCH at 1.2V and ran the same test with similar results.

I put the RAM slots 1 and 2 at stock timings and MCH of 1.2V and ran the test and received fewer errors, but still some across the address range.

With only one stick in slot 1 I don't get any errors.

I have ran this RAM in another mobo/CPU combination with the same harddrive and power supply and it functioned within Windows 7 without issue.

I'm nearing my wits end with this motherboard. I've never had to adjust BIOS settings JUST to get my equipment to boot and operate properly before. I've had to modify the BIOS to push the system beyond its defined limits, but not to just have it work. Very dissapointed in my first forey into the Gigabyte world so far.

[Chike]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

Both sticks individually give no errors?
I wouldn't lower vcore below default.
As default BIOS usually sets DRAM Voltage to 1.9v so you may want to try that. IMO XMP should be left auto or set to profile1/2.
If I am not misteken I've read in one of Lsdmeasap latest posts that 4890 may need aome ICH increase, try to search that.
The latest F5 BIOS suppose to have more memory compatibility, you may want to flush it.

[Magnus357]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

Both sticks individually give no errors?
I wouldn't lower vcore below default.
As default BIOS usually sets DRAM Voltage to 1.9v so you may want to try that. IMO XMP should be left auto or set to profile1/2.
If I am not misteken I've read in one of Lsdmeasap latest posts that 4890 may need aome ICH increase, try to search that.
The latest F5 BIOS suppose to have more memory compatibility, you may want to flush it.

I only tested one stick individually, but I'm pretty convinced that it's the board not the memory. It always errors in the high address ranges regardless of which stick is in the second channel.

I've increased the Static tRead value to 10 and the Vcore to 1.3V, with the exact same results. I'm going to try some other RAM I have, but it's only 2 x 1GB.

The F5 bios doesn't list memory compatibility as a change feature on Gigabyte's website.

I'm seriously doubting the 2 x 2 GB is going to work with this board.

[Chike]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

The F5 bios doesn't list memory compatibility as a change feature on Gigabyte's website.

Maybe we see different sites?

F5 2009/08/13 1. Improve memory compatibilities.

Also test 1 stick in slot 3 alone, if the problem is with the board it may show errors there.
Dual channel should also work wit slots 2 & 4, another thing you may test.

[Magnus357]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

Maybe we see different sites?

Also test 1 stick in slot 3 alone, if the problem is with the board it may show errors there.
Dual channel should also work wit slots 2 & 4, another thing you may test.

You're definitely correct about the F5 BIOS, sorry about that I'm not sure what I read. I'm going to go ahead and install it now.

[Magnus357]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

No dice with the new BIOS either.

I went ahead and returned my memory locally and I picked up a different brand. Going to see if it makes a difference.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

2x2GB should be ok if you can set MCH Voltage in your BIOS.

Once you update post your full settings you are trying that fail and we can advise back

[Magnus357]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

Well, I can now pass the Memtest86+ tests I was failing before with the new Corsair XMS2 memory.

I still feel the other memory was functional. I just think it wasn't playing nice with this board. I didn't finish the Memtest just yet as I wanted to jump on some Orthos first. That and I'd actually like to USE my computer.

I'll be back if I have anymore issues.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

It could have just been settings, so if you want me to have a look with your old memory to be sure before you sell or RMA it let me know and we can look into it.

Of course once you have time to play and USE your system, I know how that can be!

[Magnus357]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

It could have just been settings, so if you want me to have a look with your old memory to be sure before you sell or RMA it let me know and we can look into it.

Of course once you have time to play and USE your system, I know how that can be!

I outlined the settings I started with and what I worked through in my first post.

I had followed your memory guide about setting the MCH voltage (tried 1.2 - 1.3 with 1.2 being required to boot with both sticks), the Static tRead and the tRFC. No dice on any of it. I even tried relaxing the memory timings at the standard clock speed with nothing.

I had completed a fairly rigorous set of testing and always errored in a similar fashion regardless of the memory stick locations. I was to the point where I don't think a couple of nanoseconds or a tenth of a volt here and there were going to fix it.

Thanks for the offer though. I'll be back for overclocking once I verify that I'm stable at the standard clock speed.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

K, well good luck tweaking and post back anytime once you need more help or have questions.

And just so you know, if you followed that guide to any T it could have hindered your testing as I wrote that for P35 and P45 is a different beast as you know and many of the settings suggested may not apply, especially tRD

[Psycho101]

Re: Memory Stability Issues EP43-UD3L

I'd advise you replace that PSU with one of known quality ASAP. You state "Appears stable" but that means nothing really. Just like you can't tell if someone is a murderer just by looking at them, you can't tell if a PSU is stable by doing the same. Without specialist measuring equipment (a decent oscilloscope at the very least) you can't tell what's going on.

I certainly wouldn't over clock with an untrustworthy PSU either. I'm not saying your current issue has anything to do with the unit, but it is possible.

You seem to have just spent a fair amount of cash on upgrading. Running an unknown PSU could very well be putting your investment at risk. Most PSU's don't give much warning when they fail, they usually let go with a bang. This bang could take your whole system with it. More expensive and trusted brands can fail too ofc, but are much more likely to die on their own and protect the rest of the system.