GA-EP45T-Extreme wont accept 16GB ??

[alien8]

Running G.Skill PC1333Mhz  1.5v  9-9-9-24   2 X 4GB Memory for the last 2 months and noticed from the online Computer shop I bought these from,
Well the other day I looked again and there were few GBP cheaper so I thought I would bring my system up to the full amount of Memory..
Anyhow to cut a long story short..
The Gigabyte website says that my Motherboard can support Memory up to 16GB, but it seems I can only install up to 12GB leaving me with a single stick left, I've tried clearing the CMOS, and even checked the Memorysticks thinking it might have being a faulty stick, but no problems all the sticks work..

I even have the latest BIOS installed.. which now supports Memory speeds up to 2000Mhz.

Any ideas why its not allowing me to work with 16GB, when I installed the 4 sticks, the whole system just keeps restarting as soon as it starts to power up[On ~ Off ~ On ~ Off]

Powering my Motherboard with a Corsair 750W TX PSU

System:
Antec Nine Hundred Case + 5 Fans fitted
GA-EP45T-Extreme Motherboard
Intel E8600 ~ 3.33Ghz + Zalman 9500 Cooler
G.Skill PC1333Mhz X 3 sticks ~ 12GB memory
ATI Radeon 5870 Graphics Card~ Twin Fan Cooler fitted
2 X 1TB Samsung Hard Drives
LG Blu-Ray Writer
Corsair 750W TX PSU

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

The thing is I expect that you are still running with al the settings on Auto for the memory in the BIOS. If that is so then you are unlikely to be able to run with all slots filed. You will need to manually enter the timings and voltage etc. You will also need to increase your memory voltage to 1.55v roughly to make up for the extra loading on the controller.

[alien8]

Hi

The thing is I expect that you are still running with al the settings on Auto for the memory in the BIOS. If that is so then you are unlikely to be able to run with all slots filed. You will need to manually enter the timings and voltage etc. You will also need to increas eyour memory voltage to 1.55v roughly to make up for the extra loading on the controller.

Would it only be the 9-9-9-24 and a increase in Dram Voltage that need adjusting, anything else in the bios, like you say  most of the settings are on Auto.
Thanks for any help..

This is the Motherboard BIOS Pages that is simular to mine.:
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/9406-gigabyte-ga-ep45t-extreme-motherboard-review-6.html

Thanks

[oggmonster]

If it works okay with three sticks then pop those in + go into the bios and increase northbridge voltage (will be called mch core) not sure how much of an increase it will need, but I would imagine it would be a fair ammount for 16gb ram.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes as Oggmonster has described  also. Increase the MCH voltage, the memory voltage and set the timings to stock for a start.

[alien8]

Yes as Oggmonster has described  also. Increase the MCH voltage, the memory voltage and set the timings to stock for a start.

Done all that, but still no joy, still resets.. I've taken the Memory Voltages all the way up to 1.8v and MCH in steps to its limits, and have set the timmings.. but still wont post using 16GB

[Dark Mantis]

It might be a good idea to check the memory with Memtest86+. You will need to follow these instructions to test it properly. It will take a while.


I would suggest that you download and run the latest version of  Memtest86+ to check your RAM first.

Memtest86+        http://www.memtest.org/

Insert one stick of memory in slot 1 and run Memtest on it for at least 10 complete loops/cycles and if there are no errors then swap it over with the next one and continue untill you have checked all  modules.
 
If you have any errors the module is faulty.

If you have any faulty modules you will have to return the whole kit as they are matched.

Post back when you have done that with the results.

[alien8]

Did the Memory test on each stick and all passed 100% !!
But I believe I have found the problem !!
When I tried to install only 1 stick into slot 1 it would not boot, so had to use slot 2.
The board has 4 slots 2 marked Green and 2 marked Orange, so after the Memory test I tried slot 1 and 3 this time it booted but only showed 4GB when it should have shown 8GB..
I believe the problem lies with slot 1 being faulty..
Question: Is there anywhere this could be a BIOS update problem ? as the latest one is a beta, could there be any connection with the beta update and memory slots ?
Thinking the BIOS interacts with the Memory slots...
What do you think ??
The fault is somthing to do with that 1st Green Slot, and if anybody asks "Yes I made sure the memorystick was firmly seated in the slot"
Them G.Skill Ripjaws certainly live up to there name on them heatsinks, when my fingers slipped off and caught the top of next heatsink and ended up with a nice groove in my knuckle 
At the moment its running with 12GB, but its not running Dual Channel Mode as it reports Flex Mode [running only 3 slots]
I need that other slot to complete the system..
If the BIOS doesnt sort it then, I just have to keep the extra memory stick for my next Motherboard.
Thanks for any help !! 

[Dark Mantis]

Yes it is possible that a badly written BIOS update could cause a problem with one of the slots. Try going back to a previous BIOS version and check to see if the slot is still faulty.

[alien8]

Yes it is possible that a badly written BIOS update could cause a problem with one of the slots. Try going back to a previous BIOS version and check to see if the slot is still faulty.

Nope still no joy, I went back to 2008 and that Slot 1 still wont work, I have now contacted Gigabyte UK returns via email asking if my Motherboard would still be under there warranty for faults on there Motherboards.
I emailed them today, and will update a reply when I have it back from them.. due to the Easter Holidays this maybe sometime.
But will keep you informed Dark Mantis.
Thanks for all your help..
Regards Alien8.. 

[Dark Mantis]

The motherboard is under warranty for three years from the date of manufacture.