memory compatability problem, any way to solve?

[boing]

I've just upgraded my Ram from 8Gb to 16Gb, my old spec was

Motherboard .............. Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4
CPU .......................... Intel Core I7 860
RAM ......................... 8Gb G-skill ripjaws DDR3 1333MHz PC10666 (8-8-8-24)  1.5v

I've replaced the RAM with 16GB of DDR3 1600MHz 1.5v http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-16g...m4a1600c9.html

However, after replacing it the computer will not boot at all, I've put the old sticks back and everythings OK so i didn't break the Mobo.

I've just checked the compatability list and that RAM isn't on it, the problem is I need more than 8Gb but that board doesn't seem to take more than 2Gb sticks. Is there any way to avoid replacing the motherboard?

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

The motherboard works fine using 4GB sticks, I don't know where you got the idea that it will onlky support 2GB modules! You can check here:

http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3161&dl=1#sp

Your problem is that you are still expecting the motherboard to automatically configure the settings and voltage with all the banks filled. This won't work. You will need to configure the BIOS manually with the timings and voltage for the RAM. It should be printed on the side or the box it came in.

[boing]

Thanks for the reply Mantis, I was confused to be honest because the board is specified to run up to 16Gb but the memory support list only lists 1 and 2GB sticks.

Presumably then I will need to set the memory timings with the old RAM in then swap the new stuff over?

I thought these boards auto-configured to new memory?

[Dark Mantis]

They will only manage two sticks on auto. So install one or two modules and then enter the BIOS and change the settings before installing the rest of the RAM.

[boing]

So if it auto-configs with 2 sticks would i even need to go into bios? can i just fire it up with 2 sticks in then shut it down once it's set itself up and put the others in?

[Dark Mantis]

I don't think you really understand me. You have to enter the settings manually in the BIOS. You may even have to tweak them to get it to work with all the banks filled.

[boing]

I am a bit confused to be honest, when i built the machine at first I can't recall doing anything in bios except enabling turbo mode and changing a clock multiplier. I was almost certain I didn't have to touch mem timings.

Sorry to drag this out but is it just the main latency timings and frequency that have to be set? I shouldn't have to go into advanced memory timings should I? I'm a bit of a noob at bios settings.

[boing]

Ok, for anyone else hitting this problem, i just turned off the comp, reset the cmos, loaded the new ram in and the auto config picked it all up for me. Seems strange that it wouldn't detect this without the re-set though.

[Dark Mantis]

Are you saying the the automatic  settings worked for all four modules when inserted ? If so count yourself as lucky. It can work sometimes but more often than not is requires manual setting. Even if it is working now you may find that it will be unstable and you will need to do it in the future anyway.

[boing]

Yes, the amount of ram is correct and all the main timings (9-9-9-24) were correct. Is there anything in particular you think should be adjusted or checked manually?

[Dark Mantis]

No, if it is all working fine then I would just leave it for now. If you have a problem later we can sort it as and when it appears.

[boing]

Cheers, thanks for your feedback Mantis.