UD5 detects less RAM only on reboot(cold boot OK)

[Alphatrack]

Just one quick question:

In case the service department replaces my UD5 with a UD7 or UD3 will I be forced to perform an Windows 7 format and re-install? Or will I be able to keep the same OS given that these motherboards have more or less the same components?

Thank you!

[Dark Mantis]

No even a change of motherboard for the same model will be picked up by Windows as a change of hardware and you will have to reactivate  the OS again. You will probably be able to get away with actually having to reinstall it though.

[Alphatrack]

No even a change of motherboard for the same model will be picked up by Windows as a change of hardware and you will have to reactivate  the OS again. You will probably be able to get away with actually having to reinstall it though.

Ηmmm...reactivating is not so much of a hassle, re-installing will certainly be a job that will take me approximately 2 weeks to do. I am ok with reactivating windows, what concerns me is whether the OS and the programs will work correctly and that all the devices will function as well.

[Dark Mantis]

If you sent away a UD5 that should be what is returned (otherwise I'm sending my UD7 back for a UD9 ). If so there shouldn't be any difference in the chipset or other devices onboard. As long as your peripherals are the same you shouldn't have any problems.

[Alphatrack]

If you sent away a UD5 that should be what is returned (otherwise I'm sending my UD7 back for a UD9 ). If so there shouldn't be any difference in the chipset or other devices onboard. As long as your peripherals are the same you shouldn't have any problems.

I know, but I was told that UD5 was out of stock so there may be a replacement with another equivalent motherboard  . They tried with another brand new UD5 but it had the same behavior. I don't know what to think. Let's see...

[Dark Mantis]

I expect if the original UD5 is out of stock they will replace it with a GA-X58A-UD5 instead. Basically the same board just a bit upgraded.

[Alphatrack]

Well, right now all the X58 motherboards are out of stock. I'll most probably get a UD3R because it is in the same price range as the UD5.

[Dark Mantis]

Personally I would hold out for the same spec which would be the GA-X58A-UD5 

[Alphatrack]

Personally I would hold out for the same spec which would be the GA-X58A-UD5 

Why is that? As far as I can see in the specs, the only difference between the two is that the UD3R suports SLI / Triple SLI whereas UD5 supports only SLI. All the other specs look identical. Am I missing something?

[Dark Mantis]

Both boards specifications are almost identical apart from the fact that the UD5 is slightly better built. They both will accept triple SLI/Crossfire setups, have the same number of USB ports etc.

[Alphatrack]

Is it something critical then? In what aspects is it slightly better built. The most possible replacement will be a UD3R that's why I am asking.

[Dark Mantis]

Nothing to worry about. The heatpipe cooling is a bit better on the UD5, that type of thing.