My GA-880GM-UD2H will only post with Memory in certain slots

[jack_dorsey67]

Hi,

I'm attempting to build a new system with the following:

o GA-880GM-UD2H motherboard Rev 1.4 Bios F8
o AMD Phenom II x2 555 Black Edition Processor
o 2 by 2gb Crucial DDR3 PC#- 10600 memory Part No CT2CP25664BA1339
o Using the integrated AMD 4250 graphics support
o Cool Master case
o Antec 380 w green power supply
o Western digital sata drive
o Small exterior Seagate USB drive
o IDE DVD
o Windows 7 (64 bit) Operating System

I can place the DDR3 memory modules in slots DDR3_2 and DDR3_4 and my computer will boot and run fine. I can place either a memory module in just one of the slots or a memory module in both slots. However any time I place memory in  DDR3_1 or DDR3_3 the system does not post. In those cases  my internal diagnostic speaker sounds with long beeps that continue until I shut off the power. My mother board manual indicates that message indicates "Graphics card not inserted properly"

Although my system is running well I have a number of concerns. One is that if I upgrade to 4 memory modules (8 gb) I expect that it won't work at all. The other is I'd like to use Dual Memory Channel and the current configuration is single channel.

The Crucial memory that I chose (CT2CP25664BA1339) is listed as supported for the motherboard on the Gigabyte web site. I've run both memtest and Windows 7 memory tester and neither found problems with the memory as configured. Windows 7 is running fine. I'm actually writing this upon the system that I'm describing.

Do you have suggestions for me? I want to have this resolved soon as I'm just purchased the parts and have 30 days to return them through Amazon. I want to be sure that memory slots 1 and 3 are not defective. Also could the memory controller in the processor be defective.

I'm hopeful that you can help me resolve this!

Regards
John Dorsey

[Ripshod]

Had this with a 1090T and 890FXA-UD5. The mobo may be faulty, but more likely as in my case, one of the IMCs in the processor is fried. I had to buy a second 1090T which fixed the problem. You want to run dual channel (for obvious reasons). I suggest getting hold of a cheap AthlonII for testing this hypothesis. 

[Dark Mantis]

I would agree  that is what is most likely the cause. I would either do as Ripshod suggests or RMA the CPU anyway.

[jack_dorsey67]

Thanks for your help!

I decided to ask for a replacement processor. Amazon will send me a new processor and I need to return my defective one in 30 days. The new one is supposed to arrive on April 28th (my birthday). That should give me time to get the processor currently in the system back to them in the 30 day period.

Jack

[Dark Mantis]

Please keep us informed of your progress in this matter.

[jack_dorsey67]

I'll report back probably on April 29th.

Jack

[jack_dorsey67]

Today I installed my replacement x2 555 and it runs fine with my memory in any of the slots. So I'm confident that the issue was a bad memory controller. The defective processor that I returned had one advantage in the I could unlock all four of the cores where on the new one I've only been able to unlock three of the cores (0, 1, and 2) when using default settings but enablling and disabling specific cores. Although I'm happy with that and would probably want to run mostly using two or three cores for reduced power consumption, I am curious if I could make for cores work if I went with non default settings.

Again thanks for the help!

Jack

[Dark Mantis]

Happy that it all seems to be going the right way now.

I am curious if I could make for cores work if I went with non default settings.

Quite probably not or at least not with stability. It is always something you can play around with and try though.