Memory Problems on X58A UD5 (Rev2) after upgrade to Intel W3680.

[bill_dwnld]

Hello
I have a PC with a X58A – UD5 Rev2 MB (Bios Version FD) and for 4 years I use it in my office with an Intel i7-930 and 12Gb of RAM 3 x (OCZ3G1333LV4G) running in triple channel and everything working without problems.

No overclock or anything (The system is for work so I want it steady)

I decide to upgrade my CPU so I bought I used one Xeon W3680 (I think the CPU is OK - many guys seem to bought from this ebay seller with no problems – anyway I 'm not sure).

I install the CPU and the problem is that the system does not recognize the ram correctly and if in one boot manage to recognize it in the next boot again no luck.

The symptoms are that in every boot the system recognize different amount of ram. If it recognize the first 2 dimm (2 x 4Gb) then it boots.
If it recognize only the first one the system reboot again until it recognize at least the 8Gb and manage to start windows.

The irony is that in computer properties, Windows declare as installed memory 12Gb but 8Gb usable.

Any ideas to manage the system to work.

Thanks in advance

[dmdilks]

The memory controller is in the CPU. First thing I would look at is the CPU socket to see if you have a bent pin. Or to make sure you didn't some dirt in there. The other thing I would try re-seating the memory.

Your memory is in the whites slots right. I would even try them in the blue slots just to see if they will work. If you put the other CPU back in and they work it could be the CPU.

[bill_dwnld]

Hello dmdilks
I check the pins and i don't think I have a bend pin. The MB is clean like new. The DIMM is in the white slots (1 - 3 - 5).
I try the blue slot - the system doesn't start at all.
I try the slots (1 - 2 - 3) - the system again "recognize" the existence of 3 X 4Gb Ram but as it says "usable" only 1 DIMM
I put the OLD CPU and everything work just fine.

But i don't feel is the new CPU damaged. I mean i read some post about detailed electricity adjustments but it wasn't exactly for my situation.

Maybe is another way?

Thanks again

[dmdilks]

What I would try is moving memory around to different slots to see which ones work. Just leave memory in slot 1. Then try another stick in the other slots to see if it will work.

[bill_dwnld]

As i said after putting the DIMMs to position 1-2-3 the system "use" 1 DIMM (4Gb)
Then I change the position of the DIMMs again to potition 1-3-5 (Triple Channel) - I push the blue button at the back of the PC Case to clear the CMOS and start the system again (Without load Fail Safe Default or Optimized Default) and EVERYTHING WORKED WITHOUT PROBLEMS.
I tried many restart and shutdowns-startup cycles and looks steady.
I try to remember which settings made the difference (as I always leave almost the default settings) and i think i have noticed in page "Advanced Frequency Settings" the value for "CPU Clock Drive" was 800mV or something and now that the system worked is 700 mV and the value for "PCI Express Clock Drive" is now (that the system worked) 700mV but i think it was also different when the system doesn't worked.
Anyway I don't know if now the board has the ideal setting but at least is working steady.

[dmdilks]

(Without load Fail Safe Default or Optimized Default) and EVERYTHING WORKED WITHOUT PROBLEMS.

That something I would have a problem with not setting them. But if everything is working than I would leave well enough a lone. Yes it could have been trying to read the old CPU. But you got it working and that is all that counts. 

[bill_dwnld]

Εventually I was a little hasty. It lost the ram one more time.
I think i must wait some days to actually say it is steady.
Anyway thanks a lot dmdilks.
Maybe I come back after few days.
Thanks again