Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC 2 sticks of memory / dual channel issues

[billybob69]

I've started to update my PC and bought a 'new old stock' motherboard
I have two sticks of RAM, both the same make / model / batch. One is new and the other has been used in my previous machine.
The CPU was working on my previous machine as well.

I did do a check beforehand and it indicated that they were all compatible together. According to Kingston they should work together -
https://www.kingston.com/unitedkingdom/en/memory/search?model=88986&devicetype=7&mfr=GIG&line=GA-Z97X-SOC

When I booted up the new build for the first time with the sticks of RAM in it, it gave me a "C0" error message.
They were in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets (the orange sockets). Figured out that it was a RAM error message. Have got the machine fully booting with just one stick of RAM. Have tried each RAM singlely in each slot and it has booted no problem.
That would suggest to me that it isn't a RAM or a RAM slots issue?

Didn't really pay much attention to the CPU pins on the mobo, but assume that as it is a new board they are OK (currently can't find my magnifying glass to check)

Should the system automatically recognise that there are two sticks of RAM and make changes automatically? Or do I did to go and change some setting somewhere?

if it is isn't a settings issues, anybody care to suggest what I look at next?
I've had a look around in the UEFI BIOS Memory tab and the XMP doesn't allow me to change it from disabled.

It is used mostly as a HTPC / ocassional gaming machine, so just want to get it work with the both sticks of RAM.

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC
BIOS Version F7 (as far as I can tell is the most up-to-date)
RAM - Kingston KVR16N11K2/16 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 1600 MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL11 240-Pin DIMM 1.5 V
CPU - Intel Core i7-4770 SR149 3.40GHz MALAY
OS - Windows 10

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,
The memory you are trying to use is not on the QVL for your board.

https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z97x-soc.pdf

I know trying to match newer current RAM with an older board can be challenging. 

Unfortunately, you cannot always rely on what a memory manufacturer claims. 

What to try:

Use slots DDR3_1 and 2...  this is correct for single stick dual channel configs.  (You are already doing this)

Set the memory parameters manually in M.I.T. (BIOS) and see if you can get the system to start.

Try different RAM

or (last resort)

Check the PINS in your CPU socket.  We hope this isn't the issue, but you should check failing all else.

I would try manually setting and testing with other RAM first.   

   

[billybob69]

Thanks for the reply.

Greetings,
The memory you are trying to use is not on the QVL for your board.

https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z97x-soc.pdf

I know trying to match newer current RAM with an older board can be challenging. 

Unfortunately, you cannot always rely on what a memory manufacturer claims.
 

Grrr. I thought that buying based on information from a reputable supplier like Kingston would mean that I would be good to go :-(

Set the memory parameters manually in M.I.T. (BIOS) and see if you can get the system to start.

Can you give me a bit more information as to what parameters I need to set and what I need to set them to?

[shadowsports]

Greetings,
See page 42 of your manual;

https://download1.gigabyte.com/Files/Manual/mb_manual_ga-z97x-soc_e.pdf

Memory values.  You can get these from the manufacturers website.  Enter the model number and it should display the values in the RAM's spec. 

You are basically entering values for your installed RAM manually instead of allowing the system to do it for you.

Since you are using RAM from two different kits, you may need to experiment until you find common settings that allow the system to start.  This is not guaranteed to work, but worth a try.   

 

[billybob69]

So I buy 2x 8GB of RAM on Gigabytes QVL list (Kingston KVR16N11). They are second hand but the seller has confirmed that he has used both sets of RAM in a dual channel unit.
I fit both sets of RAM to my system and the mobo has its bleeping fit and won't boot. Remove the one stick and get into the BIOS.

There isn't actually a XMP option on the BIOS (which is strange as when I had the non-QVL RAM fitted it did show).
There is note in the manual that says that XMP is only available when the CPU AND the memory support it.

Don't tell me - Gigabyte sells a mobo as a "overclocking motherboard" but some of the RAM on QVL doesn't support it???

Any other possible suggestions?

For reference the RAM spec is -
Kingston KVR16N11/8 - 2x8GB, PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600MHZ) CL11

[ex58]

author=billybob69

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC
BIOS Version F7 (as far as I can tell is the most up-to-date)

BIOS F8c
http://www.mediafire.com/file/6chvlrjtvec6kpm/Z97XSOC-8c.zip/file