4 Modules Fails To Boot

[Pixellated]

Hi there, been looking round and this seems like the best place I can get my issue sorted.

Motherboard: GA-EP35-DS3R
CPU: E8400 (No overclock)
RAM in question: OCZ PC6400, 4x1GB

While trying to get 4GB running for x64 Win7, I've come across an intriguing yet annoying issue with these modules: each one runs fine in whichever slot it is given, in any set with any other modules (tested in pretty much every configuration I can think of with memtest, each of my modules and slots are functioning perfectly), but when I try with all the modules occupying all 4 slots, I don't even get past the graphical BIOS screen without the system freezing (with a few random black dots scattered about).

Tried a few different BIOS configurations, but to no avail. Can anyone give me a hand here, tell me a few things I could try? Running F2 (slightly afraid to flash it to F3, but from what I see the fixes wouldn't help me), here's my current config, showing changes which vary from default:

System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.40]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 4
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 4
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______4
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 15

System Voltage Control - [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control - [+0.300V]

[Chike]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

Try 5-5-5-18 timings, MCH OverVoltage +0.1. then try 4-5-4-15.
Check PC Health for ram voltage, maybe it'll need some more, I see these moduls has 2.2v EVP/

EDIT: if still no luck try 2 sticks in dual-channel configuration, slots 1 & 3 then slots 2 & 4.

[Pixellated]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

Thanks, will re-edit this post with results. Hopefully this is a common problem which Google has been failing to get me results for so far due to the sheer amount of issues surrounding it.

Sorry, no such luck with any of those choices; upping the voltage to 2.2V and the MCH Overvoltage to +0.1V was again fine with three modules, but reacted the same way with 4: boots and freezes without being able to even get past the BIOS.

As for Dual Channel configs, they're already paired up with their matching partner. The one that's currently out that I add in to test with 4 is from Slot 4.

[Nickel020]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

Try setting the memory multiplier to 2.00 and see if that helps. You can also try to set "static tRead" (tRD) to value between 9 and 11, maybe this will help.

[profJim]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

Bios version F3 is required for:
Update CPU microcode (Support Intel Wolfdale/Yorkfield E0-stepping CPU)

Bios version F4 is 11 months newer than F3, and probably has additional bios fixes.

You should update your bios using only 1 memory module in slot #1.

1. Use QFlash to update your bios, don't use @BIOS.
2. After your flash completes, immediately enter the bios and load optimized bios default settings.
3. Save settings and exit.
4. Re-enter the bios, press [ctrl}+F1 at the main bios screen.
5. Enter the MIT Section, make any needed bios changes.
6. Save your new bios settings as a bios profile using F11 at the main bios screen.
7. Save settings and exit.
8. Power off your machine.
9. Turn off your psu using the on/off switch on the psu.
10. Press and hold the front panel on/off switch for 10 seconds.
11. Install your remaining memory.
12. Boot your system and pray.

Follow the detailed bios flashing instructions in the BIOS Flashing - A "How To ~ Qflash Guide" thread.

[Chike]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

As for Dual Channel configs, they're already paired up with their matching partner. The one that's currently out that I add in to test with 4 is from Slot 4.

Paired up as in tested? The reason to test with both pairs is to check if there is a doal-channel problem with one of the lots or pair of sticks.
I not not sure what mode the ram operates at with 3 sticks.

[profJim]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

I not not sure what mode the ram operates at with 3 sticks.

Basturdized mode

[Pixellated]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

Basturdized mode

"Screw it, it works" mode XD

Thanks for the other ideas, guys. Will try more, but I'll need a bit of courage for the BIOS flash. I'm sure it'll be alright if I follow proper procedure, though.

[Nickel020]

Re: 4 Modules Fails To Boot

Don't worry about the flash with an USB stick. Just make sure the PC is stable when flashing (i.e. don't flash with 4 modules etc; if you want to be sure that it's stable run something like Linpack/Orthos/Prime95 for 1+ hours and if you're not getting errors you're safe for BIOS flashing).