GA-MA790XT-UD4P - High default memory voltage

[QuickStep]

Hi.

Quick question, I noticed my RAM is working at 1.6 volts, there's no obvious reason why, nor available BIOS options to select 1.5 volts, I'm scratching my head over this, any ideas what's going on?

As a side note, I was hoping at one point to use very low voltage RAM, like the G.Skill ECO at 1.35v, I take it the lack of negative voltage values, like those afforded to the CPU, means I need to hunt for another motherboard?

Thanks.

QuickStep.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

I take it that you have the BIOS memory settings at Auto. That is probably why it is set at 1.6v as if that is what the SPD is set for that is what the BIOS will go to.

[absic]

Hi there Quickstep,

What BIOS Version are you running?
What RAM are you using at the present?
What CPU ar you running?

Some Gigabyte motherboards had the default RAM Voltage raised to improve system stability but I'm not sure if your Mobo is one of them.

[QuickStep]

Hi

I take it that you have the BIOS memory settings at Auto. That is probably why it is set at 1.6v as if that is what the SPD is set for that is what the BIOS will go to.

I did have it set to auto, and that's what I thought, I fully expected the RAM to default to 1.5v it's supposed to be rated at (I'll have to double check the specs again, maybe I missed something), I can only assume one of three things, either the stated RAM specifications were wrong, only relevant for lower clock speeds, or the motherboard is misbehaving.

I guess I'll plunk down the money for the new RAM and find out, at least I'll still have the RAM I want come what may .

Thanks Dark Mantis.

Hi there Quickstep,

What BIOS Version are you running?
What RAM are you using at the present?
What CPU ar you running?

Some Gigabyte motherboards had the default RAM Voltage raised to improve system stability but I'm not sure if your Mobo is one of them.

BIOS: F8 (latest, issued about a month ago)
RAM: Kingston 2GB DDR3 1066mhz (*EDIT*) Model KVR1066D3N7/2G
CPU: Sempron 140

The main thing bugging me is, auto is one thing, but manual settings also bottom out at 1.6, would SPD do that? lock you out of certain manual voltage ranges, it does seem strange since I can increase the voltage till it no doubt would burn out, but there is no room to manually lower voltage, I guess that's what I'm trying to get at, would the lower manual (or auto for that matter) settings be there, given the right RAM?

Thanks.

QuickStep

[absic]

Hi again,

As I mentioned before, on some AMD Gigabyte Mobo's the lowest RAM voltage was raised to 1.6V to improve system stabiltiy and it couldn't be lowered below this.

You could try reflashing with an earlier BIOS (don't go earlier than F5 or your CPU won't be suported!) to see if that would allow you to get lower RAM voltage settings. You can flash back to the F5 using the QFlash utility, in the same way that you would do an update.

EDIT:

I guess I'll plunk down the money for the new RAM and find out, at least I'll still have the RAM I want come what may. 

If the Default RAM voltage is locked at 1.6V then it will stay at this no matter which RAM you try to use.

[Dark Mantis]

absic's explanation seems the most likely to me and I have heard this before. If that is right then as he said it won't matter what memory you install as it will be forced to use a higher voltage by the motherboard.

[QuickStep]

Just swinging by to let you know how it went, no joy, the F5 BIOS revision did not succeed in enabling lower RAM voltages.

Cheers for the help.

QuickStep.

[Dark Mantis]

I would suggest contacting GGTS and see if they can offer you a custom BIOS that will allow lower settings for the voltage. If not hopefully they will at least tell you why you can't drop for sure.

Just enter your email address and click on the language of choice.
GGTS   http://ggts.gigabyte.com/

Please expect several days for a reply.

[QuickStep]

Done, no custom BIOS will be provided, and the voltage increase is indeed for stability.

Done and dusted I think, thanks  .

Quickstep.