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Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config

Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« on: August 13, 2010, 12:14:30 am »
Hi all, I'm planning on building a new system with the phenom II x6 1090t. But want to find out about memory for this board (Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5). I plan to use corsair dominator gt, and was wondering if it will take DDR3 16000C8 2000mhz? I've read on some reviews that it takes 1866mhz(oc)+, which I would take to mean it may overclock to over 1866. But from what I've read about amd's memory controller this may be a bad idea. Also whats does it mean that you need to install 2 sticks in slots 3 and 4 for 1866 speeds? Does this mean it will only support 4gb in 2gb sticks? I'm really confused!

I want to run 8gb (4x 2gb) so to run 8gb do I need to stick to 1333mhz? (that would suck!)

If I put in 2000mhz sticks will it underclock it to run at the motherboards native speeds (1333), then allow me to oveerclock them up to the rams native speeds? Or will it just not work? Should I go for 1866 ram?
And can I run 8gb at 1866?

This is sorta going round in circles.

Thanks in advance but please anyone get rid of this confusion.

On a side note if anyone can point me towards 890fx water blocks for the UD5 (want the antec 1200 atx case and a pci-e x1 port or I'de have the ud7) I would be eternally grateful.

r9ball

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Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2010, 04:22:30 am »
This is a good place to start reading about ram speeds and the memory controller. Absic115 has done a lot of work putting the info together.

http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,2515.0.html
« Last Edit: August 13, 2010, 04:23:51 am by r9ball »

Dark Mantis

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Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2010, 07:30:17 am »
Quote
On a side note if anyone can point me towards 890fx water blocks for the UD5 (want the antec 1200 atx case and a pci-e x1 port or I'de have the ud7) I would be eternally grateful.

I really don't see the problem with buying the UD7 if you want the water cooling block built in. It makes life a lot more simple. It doesn't stop you from using one of the PCIe x16 slots for your x1 card.
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

absic

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Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2010, 07:38:02 am »
Hi there,

OK I know the situation is difficult and it is made so much harder by the information that is being given out by AMD and the Mobo Manufacturers.

You can run your RAM above 1333 Mhz but there is, according to AMD, the risk of system instability. I have a 1090T and have been able to get 8 gig of 1600 Mhz RAM running in Unganaged mode without issue. (Corsair Dominator 2 x CMD4GX3M2B1600C8 (8 Gig)). The real problem for AMD and motherboard manufacturers  is the variance in RAM modules and no-one can state with any degree of certainty that what works for one system at 1600 Mhz will work OK in another rig. AMD do not advise running RAM above 1333 Mhz with the AM3 CPU's but it is not something they want to shout about for obvious reasons.
Quote
I want to run 8gb (4x 2gb) so to run 8gb do I need to stick to 1333mhz? (that would suck!)
Not really, the actual perfomance difference between 1333 and 1600 Mhz is really not that noticable in the real world and, if you are getting a 1090T CPU with unlocked multiplier, boosting the speed of the CPU and leaving the RAM at 1333 Mhz is actually a better way to go for improved system performance. If you are using 1600 Mhz RAM, downclocked to 1333 Mhz it does give you the benefit of some extra headroom to play with when getting the extra speed from your CPU.

If you wish to use 1866 Mhz RAM you are limited to only 2 sticks of RAM in Unganged Mode (1 stick for each memory controller) So. at the moment, you would probably be limited to a Max of 4 Gig.

If you put any RAM modules in above 1333 Mhz the system will automatically drop them back to the default settings. You will have to manually adjust the timings to achieve the correct speed.
Quote
Should I go for 1866 ram?
Personally I would say no. Check for 1600 Mhz RAM on the QVL and stick with that.
Quote
And can I run 8gb at 1866?
Not unless you can find 4 Gig RAM modules the answer to that is also no.

Hope this helps clear things up a little.

Remember, when all else fails a cup of tea and a good swear will often help! It won't solve the problem but it will make you feel better.

Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2010, 09:17:05 pm »
cheers that clears things up a bit. I think I'm gonna go for the 1600 corsair dominator gt.
I actually found that post absic115 wrote shortly after I wrote the question. And felt a bit silly.
But I was still a bit confused about running 1866 speeds.
I didn't want the ud7 because I want the antec 1200 case. And I don't need all those pci-e ports.
I plan to use two 5970s in crossfire. But I've since decided I'm gonna use the Asus Crosshair IV Formula;
Mainly because because of the port layout but I prefer it's features and think it looks better. 

Dark Mantis

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Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2010, 09:33:14 pm »
Well at least you have made an informed decision now. I don't think the 1200 case would have stopped you using the UD7 though. I have the X58A-UD7 and at first had it in an Antec 903.
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

absic

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  • Never give up; Never surrender!
    • Bandcamp
Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2010, 09:50:39 pm »
cheers that clears things up a bit.
Pleased to have been able to help, even if you are now going to get an ASUS board.  :P

I'm not sure how the ASUS AMD boards interact with the AM3 CPU's or what their memory handling is like in comparison to Gigabyte so I would be interested in any insight you can provide when you get your new system up and running.

Good luck and happy computing.  ;)
Remember, when all else fails a cup of tea and a good swear will often help! It won't solve the problem but it will make you feel better.

Re: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 and memory config
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2010, 02:06:45 am »
Cheers for the help, I think I'm gonna be starting the build in a few months and it'l take a few months after to get all the parts (it's expensive)
But sure I'll post overclock results, technical spec and memory interaction when it's up and running.