gigabyte p55m-ud2 Ram issue

[markga]

Hi there, I have a gigabyte p55m-ud2 rev 1.1, running the latest bios, I7 870 CPU and 12GB of Kingston Value Ram.  My issue is that the machine will only detect half the ram I install, 2 gigs installed 1 gig picked up, 4GB installed 2GB available ect ect.  Bios does show all the ram installed however.  In windows 7 (yes 64 bit) resource monitor half my ram shows as hardware reserved so the ram is there but hardware reserved ie not available for windows.  Running an Nvidia GT240 GFX card.

Now I dont beleive the ram itself to be the issue as I have another gigabyte p55m-ud2 (rev 1.0) that detects and allows me to use all the ram installed.

I have tried clearning Cmos, and different bios versions such as f7 (improved memory compatibility) with the issue remaining.  I have been able to try two OCZ Gold 1GB banks (2 installed for a total of 2GB) and same issue 1GB available.

I have also tried another CPU an I7 860 and replicated the same problem.

Have tried Gigabytes tech support, and honestly they were polite but less than useful.

Also not a Windows issue as I ran a Linux fedora install with the same result.

Would anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Mark

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

You said you have another board the same well I would suggest trying all you memory in that one and see if it is all usable.

Have you loaded Optimised BIOS Defaults for the BIOS ?

Have you got all the settings for the memory on Auto in the BIOS ?

The other thing to check is if there are any bent pins on the CPU socket.

Take all the usual anti-static precautions.

Very carefully remove the heatsink and fan. Probably a slight twisting motion is best to release the two as the thermal paste can act like a glue.

Once off remove the CPU taking extreme care both physically and electrically(static) and place somewhere safe.

Make sure that the lighting is very good and even.

Now scrutinise the socket for any pins that are out of alignment, even slightly.
If in any doubt whatsoever take a couple of macro (close up) photos of the socket and post them on here for us to check.

Also look at the bottom of the CPU at the lands (little copper circles) and make sure that there is a mark in each somewhere near the centre.
If there are any missing marks or any of the pins are obviously bent then that is your problem.

Before refitting the CPU clean off all residue of the old thermal paste and the same on the heatsink and then apply a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) to the centre of the CPU once it is inserted in the socket.

[markga]

Yeah on the other motherboard of the same model just is a 1.0 revision, this picks up all the ram, and have tried auto settings, and load optimised defaults attempted no luck though.

I will closely examine the pins and see how they look.

Thanks I will let you know how I go.

Regards

Mark

[Dark Mantis]

I think it is worth a good look. Feel free to put some pictures up here if they are clear.