Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

[GigaByteCode20]

Hi all,

Couldn't find an answer in the manual or on Google as to what the LED error code 20 means, and I am getting that as I am trying to do a test before putting the computer together in the case. I am using an Intel i7 4790k processor and I am getting this error. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[wazza300]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

what memory/psu are you using?

checked cpu socket for any bent pins? (take care when checking)

[TicTacToe]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

I have read about this error code issue before on overclockers forum and it was related to cpu memory controllers unable to deal with the installed system ram. That is to say error codes 20 and those within that region are memory issue related.

The solution was bios related. The board came with an F2 bios that did not fully support the 4790k. So, the user had to find an old cpu that works with f2 bios (likely older Haswell) update the bios to F5 or current and then the board worked happily.

So the short story is, the bios version was not helping the i7 4790k operate properly in handling the system memory.

If this is your case, then try and update the bios, and verify memory compatibility and you should be fine.

[GigaByteCode20]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

what memory/psu are you using?

My memory is Patriot Viper 3 Low Profile Red 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133. I tried only using one and two strips and still got the same error.
PSU is EVGA 750W ATX12V / EPS12V

checked cpu socket for any bent pins? (take care when checking)

I did check the CPU socket, as that was an issue someone else had with the same mobo but couldn't find any bent pins.

[GigaByteCode20]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

The solution was bios related. The board came with an F2 bios that did not fully support the 4790k. So, the user had to find an old cpu that works with f2 bios (likely older Haswell) update the bios to F5 or current and then the board worked happily.

Was this the same board, or at least a Gigabyte board?

If this is your case, then try and update the bios, and verify memory compatibility and you should be fine.

Do I need to have memory installed to update the BIOS? Would I also need to find an older CPU?

[wazza300]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

yes if its bios related,you can also rma it back to gigabyte for flashing,or pickup a cheap haswell Pentium chip to flash bios with

[parsec]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

According the your board's CPU support list, your i7 4790K processor must have BIOS F5 installed for full support:

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Socket 1150 - Intel Z97 - GA-Z97X-Gaming GT (rev. 1.0)

Error 20 is related to a memory problem. Your memory is listed in your board's memory QVL list, and should be installed in slots DDR3_1 and DDR3_2, which are the two grey slots. As long as you use the appropriate memory slots, your memory should not be a problem, unless it is defective, which I doubt. One stick should be used in slot DDR3_1, which is the grey slot on the far right side of the board.

http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList...-gaming-gt.pdf

The problem seems to be the lack of a compatible BIOS, not truly a memory issue.

You cannot update the BIOS without a CPU and memory, you need both. If you did not have the memory installed correctly, I would try to start the board again with the memory properly installed.

If you are stuck using an another Haswell processor to get the BIOS updated, do NOT get a Pentium Anniversary G3258, since that CPU also needs BIOS F5.

I'm a bit surprised that a Z97 board cannot at least boot with an i7-4970K CPU. I was able to boot a Z87 board (not Gigabyte) with a Pentium Anniversary G3258 processor, with a BIOS version from 2013.

[boondocks]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

Sometimes Qflash needs to be updated for new BIOS and the older versions don't work. Of course the newer Qflash is in the newer BIOS so in this case usually @BIOS or flashing from DOS will work. I was able to use @BIOS to flash the newer Devil's Canyon compatible BIOS for 4790K on both my Z87 & Z97 boards.
Make sure you have the newest @BIOS available for your board installed and try it.
Good luck.

[TicTacToe]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

Was this the same board, or at least a Gigabyte board?



Do I need to have memory installed to update the BIOS? Would I also need to find an older CPU?

Yes it was the exact same board. You absolutely need the memory installed. It is a must.

If you haven't already sent the board back to rma for flashing as Wazza300 suggested then follow @parsec's suggestion, it is a bios issue and that covers all issues, I'm fairly certain. Boondocks is right as well, that can be the case sometimes. Your memory is indeed compatible with the board so no problem.

I will upgrade to f5 bios first and if you are happy with the performance you can move on to the latest bios for the gaming gt board. It's just my own opinion cause I've read of some issue with the latest bios put out by Gigabyte for the z97x-gaming gt for a small number of people. Nothing serious though.

[TicTacToe]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

According the your board's CPU support list, your i7 4790K processor must have BIOS F5 installed for full support:



I'm a bit surprised that a Z97 board cannot at least boot with an i7-4970K CPU. I was able to boot a Z87 board (not Gigabyte) with a Pentium Anniversary G3258 processor, with a BIOS version from 2013.

It angers me to no end when I have to deal with this type of issue, you would think it should at least boot to a point of accessing the bios. I have learned to always keep at least one of my old Cpus around for such situations because, RMA can take a while and if you dont have a tech shop close by..so annoying.

[wazza300]

Re: Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming GT Error Code 20

lets hope they roll this out across all future gigabyte platforms,it needs it bad (q-flash plus)

How to update your BIOS using Q-Flash Plus on X99 motherboards - |

still don't know why they don't make atleast one bios chip removable so you can order an updated bios chip plug it in and away you go