Please Help > GA-Z170x Gaming 7 w/ DDR4 3400 (Error 55)

[Fix]

Okay, before ordering this motherboard,cpu and ram I had zero issues with running my computer.

I received the GA-Z170x Gaming 7 motherboard yesterday and put a brand new i7 6700k in the CPU Socket and added 16GB DDR4 3400 Skill Tridentz. I made sure prior to powering on that everything was properly connected. When I turned on the computer it did some type of reboot cycle where it would turn on then turn off after it hit the code 55. It finally stopped doing that after about 5 minutes. I tried hooking up my BenQ to the onboard GPU and noticed it wasn't working. I then tried hooking up the BenQ to my GPU and that was not working either. I again double checked to make sure everything was connected and it was. I tried turning it on again and it would just go to (55 error code) but the I/O was not powering anything...

I contacted Gigabyte Tech Support and did the trouble shooting. Tried using 1 stick in each slot and that didn't work. I tried holding the reset/black button and power button, that didn't work. I took out the battery for 60 seconds and put it back in and that didn't work. I couldn't figure it out, again my CPU chip is brand new and so is my RAM.

I did some searching around and saw others had the same issues. It seems like this model has a lot of bugs or faulty parts. I RMA'd it and I am currently waiting to receive the replacement in the next couple days. I noticed in the description on newegg that 3400 is labeled as *OC (OVERCLOCKED), could this be the issue? I read that some people used a DDR4 2133 then overclocked it so they could put in the better ram.

Do I need to put in DDR4 2133 first to get into BIOs then overclock so I can use my 3400? Im new to this and this really sucks that I had no problems til I got this motherboard. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

The Specs I am trying to achieve are below:
CPU: i7 6700k 4.0
GPU: Radeon R9 390x
PSU: Corsair AX1200i
Cooling: Corsair H90
MOBO: GA-Z170x Gaming 7 (Currently RMA'd) Waiting for replacement
RAM:G.SKILL TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3400 (PC4 27200) Intel Z170 Platform Desktop Memory Model F4-3400C16D-16GTZ

Just purchased to see if this will work so I can get the MOBO to work: G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2133 (PC4 17000) Intel Z170 Platform / Intel X99 Platform Desktop Memory Model F4-2133C15D-8GVR

[dmdilks]

All the boards are having memory problems. Your 3400 should work because they support XMP mode. When you get it back try just one stick of the 3400 and get thing setup if it works.

[Leppermessiah]

Same problem.

I was able to get things running with one stick of 8 gig 2400: flashed the bios to F6, enabled XMP Profile 1 (oc'd to 2400 from 2133), and crossed my fingers.

Still getting error 55 with my second stick of memory inserted. 

This is my first build, so I'm kind of bummed... But only a little.  If I get 2133 memory, it should work, correct?

[dmdilks]

Same problem.

I was able to get things running with one stick of 8 gig 2400: flashed the bios to F6, enabled XMP Profile 1 (oc'd to 2400 from 2133), and crossed my fingers.

Still getting error 55 with my second stick of memory inserted. 

This is my first build, so I'm kind of bummed... But only a little.  If I get 2133 memory, it should work, correct?

Does you memory run at default settings at 2133?

Your 3400 should work because they support XMP mode

If you memory doesn't support XMP MODE you might have a problem. Yes any memory should run but if it doesn't support XMP MODE. The XMP will not set the memory to the right setting you have to do that manually.

To both of you check you CPU socket for bent pins. The memory controller is in the CPU. 

[Fix]

All the boards are having memory problems. Your 3400 should work because they support XMP mode. When you get it back try just one stick of the 3400 and get thing setup if it works.

I could not even get my I/O back panel to power anything so I couldn't even get my monitor to display anything. The Power button and LEDs were working fine though and it kept saying Error Code 55 even when trying every slot.

This is the exact memory I used when installing the motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231916&cm_re=ddr4_3400_tridentz-_-20-231-916-_-Product

When I get my replacement should I use these first? I bought these yesterday so when the replacement comes in it should work 100%. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231882&nm_mc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-

Should this work if I just use 2133 first?

[Leppermessiah]

Same problem.

I was able to get things running with one stick of 8 gig 2400: flashed the bios to F6, enabled XMP Profile 1 (oc'd to 2400 from 2133), and crossed my fingers.

Still getting error 55 with my second stick of memory inserted. 

This is my first build, so I'm kind of bummed... But only a little.  If I get 2133 memory, it should work, correct?

Does you memory run at default settings at 2133?

One stick (either one, but not both) will boot at default settings. Not overclocked, at 2133.

Your 3400 should work because they support XMP mode

If you memory doesn't support XMP MODE you might have a problem. Yes any memory should run but if it doesn't support XMP MODE. The XMP will not set the memory to the right setting you have to do that manually.

To both of you check you CPU socket for bent pins. The memory controller is in the CPU.

I'll try the 2133 when it arrives.  I guess if that doesn't work, either way, I need a new mobo.

[Fix]

I also ordered 2133 and will be getting that on Monday and my MOBO on Tuesday so I will let you guys know if this works. If it doesn't I'll be very disappointed as this is the first Gigabyte Motherboard I have ever bought and it's already causing me a massive headache.

[ducksonetime]

All Z170 motherboards have had issues with overclocked RAM. Most seem to have been resolved with the most recent BIOS versions, however.

When I first booted my PC it was not able to post either. I was running 2666 sticks and had to buy a cheap stick of 2133 in order to update the BIOS and run the faster memory.

[Leppermessiah]

All Z170 motherboards have had issues with overclocked RAM. Most seem to have been resolved with the most recent BIOS versions, however.

When I first booted my PC it was not able to post either. I was running 2666 sticks and had to buy a cheap stick of 2133 in order to update the BIOS and run the faster memory.

And how exactly did you do that?  Just flashed to the newest version and you were good?

[Fix]

All Z170 motherboards have had issues with overclocked RAM. Most seem to have been resolved with the most recent BIOS versions, however.

When I first booted my PC it was not able to post either. I was running 2666 sticks and had to buy a cheap stick of 2133 in order to update the BIOS and run the faster memory.

From what Gigabyte told me on the phone that is most likely the problem. Been over a week without gaming and Im going crazy, hope it works when I get the new MOBO today or tomorrow. Ill let you guys know...

I also did some research and I read that faster RAM is pretty much useless for gaming. My computer is strictly for gaming. I don't do video editing, just OBS once in a while for Twitch. So I'm returning my 3400 Tridentz and getting a 500GB EVO SSD

[dmdilks]

I also did some research and I read that faster RAM is pretty much useless for gaming. My computer is strictly for gaming. I don't do video editing, just OBS once in a while for Twitch. So I'm returning my 3400 Tridentz and getting a 500GB EVO SSD

I have been saying that right a long. Yes it is nice that the you can run faster memory. It is more for bragging rights then any thing. Plus the other thing is if you are using the computer mostly for gaming any thing over 16-gb is a waste too.

[ducksonetime]

All Z170 motherboards have had issues with overclocked RAM. Most seem to have been resolved with the most recent BIOS versions, however.

When I first booted my PC it was not able to post either. I was running 2666 sticks and had to buy a cheap stick of 2133 in order to update the BIOS and run the faster memory.

And how exactly did you do that?  Just flashed to the newest version and you were good?

This issue occurs when factory overclocked RAM doesn't automatically scale down to 2133 and the motherboard doesn't yet support it's higher clock speeds so you can do a couple of things.

To guarantee it to work, you can install a 2133 stick and change the RAM speed multiplier from AUTO to 21.33 to force all RAM to run at 2133. This is probably the best option for you because, as some have mentioned above, RAM speeds have little difference in gaming performance. If you're feeling confident you can raise the multiplier from here and see how high you can go before you run into issues - I was able to get to 2400 before my board wouldn't POST with the shipped BIOS.

Option 2 is boot with the 2133 stick, enter q-flash and hope the latest version supports your RAM speeds. For me only the latest beta BIOS version supports my RAM when configured using XMP.

If any of the above stop your machine from POSTing you can always just swap any of your RAM sticks for the 2133 one and manually set the multiplier to 21.33 and start again. Just think of a stick of 2133 RAM as an essential Z170 system builder's tool rather than a piece of hardware - I keep one in my toolkit now! haha

Hope this helps

ducks

[Fix]

*Update Feb 9*

Got the new board, booted up fine with DDR4 2133.

Only issue now is I have an error code 6F or bF, it is running fine though. I am not sure if this is a minor bug to not worry about but the tech on the phone said it sounds normal ("sounds normal" lol)

I am currently downloading drivers but I do have an issue restarting/shutting down. The I/O turns off and the monitor but the fans and MOBO are still on? Very odd...

[Leppermessiah]

Received the 2133 speed ram... Makes no difference.   

[Fix]

Received the 2133 speed ram... Makes no difference.   

What is the model of the 2133? Also, is this a replacement board? Mine works fine with my replacement board now and DDR4 2133 RipJaws. It could be your BIOS maybe? Im sure someone here knows what it could be or you can just call Gigabyte. I call them anytime I don't understand something