GA-880GMA-UD2H RAM compadibility

[The Greek]

Hi,

I recently build a pc with the following parts

cpu : AMD 955 3.2ghz
mobo : GA-880GMA-UD2H
gpu : XFX 5770
ram : GEIL VALUE 2x2gb CL9-9-9-24 10660 / 1333
stock clocks, stock fans and 450W power

My problem is that the system freezes after a while in gaming, i get some random BSOD and i fail Prime95 blens, OCCT Linpack and AMD overdrive calculation test in les than 2 minutes. Memtest and memory test from windows didnt indicate any issue with the RAM and the small FFTs from Prime95 and amd cpu and fpu look fine.

Should i think there is a compatibility problem or that there is some issue with the mobo? My othere problem is that i dont have an extra stick of ram that i know works with this motherboard so i can do some trial and error.

Tell me your thoughts please and make it a bit simple because i am no expert ,
and if you can tell me which RAM is deffinately compatible so i can go for it.

Thank you very much!

PS: BIOS on motherboard is F2 but i flashed F4A which is the newest without any luck.

[absic]

Hi there,

from your system specs I would suspect that your problem is with the PSU and I suspect it is a little on the underpowered size for your Motherboard and Graphics card. You don't say what make it is but this is the first place I would be looking if it was my system.

Also the Gigabyte manual recommends a PSU of at least 500 Watts for the motherboard.

[The Greek]

Thanks for the response,

It is WIN POWER 450W (http://www.power-win.com/en/p/43-switching_power_supply.html maybe). I tried to test the system without the graphics card (so i guess less stress on the psu) but no change. How can i test the psu? the thing is that i dont have any tools for that. Although from OCCT tests you get digramms with volts for all 3.3 5 and 12.

[absic]

To be honest testing the PSU isn't going to help too much.

With your system I would recommend a PSU of at least 650 Watts. The only way of being certain if it is a PSU problem is to try and get hold of a more powerful one to try in your system.

[Dark Mantis]

How to jump start a PSU video   http://www.corsair.com/cinema/movie.aspx?id=1358543
Although I would have to agree with absic on this matter, your's is much to underpowered even if it was new.

[The Greek]

Ok then link me a good and cheap solution to replace my psu then (and hopefully i am good enough to change it my own...).

Although i have to say that none of the requirements asked for more than 450W.
So you feel there shouldn't be a compatibility issue?

[Dark Mantis]

I am afraid that there is a conflict in your statement. There is no such thing as a good and cheap PSU. You do get what you pay for.

Can you post the exact model of memory that you are using?

[The Greek]

I replace my ''good and cheap'' with ''good value'' but i think you got my point.

GV32GB1333C9S
2 x http://www.medwaycomputers.com/geil-2gb-ddr3-1333-cl9-value-oem-p-102168.html?zenid=gsstdraojr14eb0ik6psh3peb4
is the detailed info for the RAM

thank you very much for your time, much appreciated

[absic]

Just picked this info up from the XFX website for your Graphic Card:
450 Watt or greater power supply with one 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connector recommended 600 Watt and two 6-pin connectors for ATI

So they recommend 600 Watt + PSU for this card!

[The Greek]

I agree with you absic but i have already contacted XFX and they told me that the 450W should be sufficient. But thats not my problem (or at least i think)
because i tried to run Prime95 blend with no video card and i got the same results. I think that indicates a different problem.

I will go for a bigger psu anyway now but i am worried that this won't solve my problem.

[absic]

Yes, I understand and whilst your memory is not on the QVL and it could be the cause of your problem I have often found that a lack of power in the system can also throw up the kind of issues that you are facing.

You say that you have 2 sticks of RAM.
Have you tried testing each one by itself?
Have you installed them into the DDR3_1 & DDR3_2 slots on the motherboard?
Have you disabled the on-board graphics? (As you are using a 5770 PCIE Card you do not need to use the on-board GPU)

[The Greek]

Testing the sticks one by one yes but not thoroughly. I deffinately have tested one and failed but didnt test the other one. Will do first thing when i go home. I have them in slots 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 which are same color. And no i havent disabled on board graphics (dont know how). Is this a BIOS setting?

I am getting close to getting a cup of tea and start swearing tbh....

[absic]

I know that feeling.

Do you know what the revision number is of your motherboard?

Disabling the on-board graphics is done from within BIOS. When you enter BIOS you need to go into the M.I.T. Section. There you will find a heading called IGX Configuration. You need to enter this sub heading and then change the Internal Graphics Mode from UMA to Disabled, this will turn off the internal graphics chip.

The RAM modules should ideally be in the first two blue slots on the motherboard. This will allow the memory to run in DUAL Channel Mode. When you test the RAM it is best if you run the tests using only the first blue slot.

Now, go and get that cup of tea, take a deep breath and remember: Never give up; Never surrender!

[The Greek]

check the 600w specs
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/power-supplies/mainstream-performance/ocz-stealthxstream-2-400w-600w-power-supply.html

is this good enough you think? I feel is the best i can do with the money i am willing to spend. Descent brand - descent specs?

i am going to return my RAM and get a better and deffinately compatible one. Any suggestions?

About the mobo, it is rev 2.0. I will disable the on board graphs ( is this going to save power?).

New cpu fan, new base fan, new power AND new RAM! i feel i am getting a second new pc in a weeks time...
where OH where is my mind/money?

[absic]

Hi there,

before you RMA anything it is worth while exploring the problems you have and try to resolve them without spending lots of money.

Whilst I do feel your PSU is a little weak there could be something else causing you grief.

As I said in my last post, disabling on the on-board graphics will help as this will result in less power being drawn by the motherboard. It could also be causing a conflict with your 5770 card so it is worth checking this out first.

BSOD's can be caused by many things and they are not always power or RAM related. If you could state what make and model your Hard drive(s) are, what DVD/CD drive you are using, what your OS is and also any other USB devices you have.