AMD FX Bulldozer CPU's and RAM speeds above 1600MHz

[absic]

There have been a few posts on the forum recently where some users have encountered an issue with the AMD FX (Bulldozer) processors when trying to run RAM above 1600MHz with all four memory slots on the motherboard populated.

In an effort to clarify the situation I have been in contact with AMD UK who have provided the following information:

Hello absic,
 
You were right, the processor is certified for 1866 on two DIMMs only. On the others it is still possible to run, but not certified.

With manual settings for 1866 (you would be overclocking but as the memory is rated for that speed there is no risk), since the motherboard is tested to work at that speed, you should be able to run all 16GB of RAM at the desired speed.
 
Some motherboard tests from the QVL highlight how some RAM modules only ran with two DIMMs while others ran with four.

So from this information it seems as if you can run with higher speed RAM with all four slots populated but, that it is very much dependant on the RAM modules that you buy. Also, doing so is regarded as overclocking by AMD and is not certified (guaranteed) to work. However, if you do get your RAM running at these higher speeds there should not be any issues with the Memory Controller on the CPU

If you are running an AMD FX (Bulldozer) Processor and you want to run RAM at speeds higher than 1600MHz with all four RAM slots populated then the best advice is to check the QVL (Qualified Vendor's List) for your particular motherboard and/or with the RAM Manufacturer before buying any modules to ensure that they will work with your system properly.

[DarkFoss]

Thank you Absic for taking the time to get clarification on this issue!

I'll chime in that for Corsair the QVL is CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9. I'm using 2 8G kits of CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9R successfully..
It's pretty much the same as the QVL except it's red and the timings is 9-10-9-28 instead of 9-9-9.

Hopefully others will chime in with 1866 ram that works on this mobo..especially if using 2 kits.

[quixote]

I am building a new machine with cmz8gx3m2a1866c9 (4gbx2 dimms) on GA-990FXA-UD3 with FX-8120. After setting up the multiplier to run at 1866 mhz, saving to cmos rebooting, I entered to cmos and saw that the multiplier has return to run at 1333mhz.
I have not been able to install windows yet because problems of 0x8007045D 0x8007002 during file expansion phase at either RAM setting. 
Would this be a RAM setting problem or  MOBO? Any help or direction will be appreciated!

[sk5]

I am building a new machine with cmz8gx3m2a1866c9 (4gbx2 dimms) on GA-990FXA-UD3 with FX-8120. After setting up the multiplier to run at 1866 mhz, saving to cmos rebooting, I entered to cmos and saw that the multiplier has return to run at 1333mhz.
I have not been able to install windows yet because problems of 0x8007045D 0x8007002 during file expansion phase at either RAM setting. 
Would this be a RAM setting problem or  MOBO? Any help or direction will be appreciated!

I have a very similar setup with the same problem. Just built a system using a GA-990FXA-UD3 (rev1.1 with F5 BIOS) with FX-8120. But I went with CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 (4x4GB dimms). I can't get the ram to run faster than 1333mhz. I have tried to increase it to its rated 1600mhz. But the system won't boot and automatically reverts back to 1333mhz. I tired to increase the ram voltage to 1.6 that didn't work either. Ran memtest86+ and got no errors. Tried to run just two sticks and still wouldn't get above1333mhz.

Anybody got any ideas?

[teknology9]

Hi,

There is a beta BIOS available for your MB, you could try that and see if that helps but before you do read the note on the page regarding the beta BIOS.

http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3996#bios

Hope this helps

Teknology9

[quixote]

@sk5 Were you able to install windows?
I was running on F4 when I posted. Updated to F5 yesterday, same issue.
However, now windows 7 installation hangs and tells me that source media cannot be found. I go to CMD where it starts at X:\boot\ but my SSD and DVDR are no longer mapped.  I'm starting to get frustrated here.
I think I'm returning this thing before I do something that voids the warranty.

[sk5]

@sk5 Were you able to install windows?
I was running on F4 when I posted. Updated to F5 yesterday, same issue.
However, now windows 7 installation hangs and tells me that source media cannot be found. I go to CMD where it starts at X:\boot\ but my SSD and DVDR are no longer mapped.  I'm starting to get frustrated here.
I think I'm returning this thing before I do something that voids the warranty.

Yes I was able to install windows. And my system runs just fine, but my ram still is running below it's rated speed.

@teknology9
Upgraded to the F6e beta BIOS. Still no change. My 1600mhz rated ram will not run above 1333mhz.

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi sk5,  

...
Yes I was able to install windows. And my system runs just fine, but my ram still is running below it's rated speed.

@teknology9
Upgraded to the F6e beta BIOS. Still no change. My 1600mhz rated ram will not run above 1333mhz.

Have you tried to relaxe (more up) a timming of your RAM?

Check with CPUID CPU-Z. In SPD Tab.

You will see different Timmings possible. For make a setting in BIOS...

EDIT01 : The BIOS F6E is a BETA BIOS. Is not necessary or util to intall and use this BIOS version (F6E).
The best are you install BIOS version F5. This is more secure and stable for a BIOS.

Start with it to see if things are better.

Otherwise, do you have any indices, the fact that there would have the other possible causes of problem.

Extract of Gigabyte website (Download Bios) :

What is a BETA?
BETA describes a new version that is reliable yet may not include all the features of the final product. During this phase we are previewing new features and gathering customer input to insure our product provides the best experience possible.

Gloup-Gloup

[sk5]

It works.

I just checked CPU-Z again and on the 1600mhz setting it shows 41 for the tRC and 34 for 1333mhz. Setting the ram to 1600mhz and the tRC to 41 did the tick. Funny I must have looked at the CPU-Z memory timing table 2 dozen times over the past week and never noticed the difference in tRC number.

Yea I was little hesitant to try the beta BIOS but figured I would give it try. I will probably revert back to the F5 now that it is working correctly.

Thanks Gloup-Gloup

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi sk5,  

Thanks for your message.

I'm glad to see that things are better. Pfiew ...  

Secondary comments from me:
===================

I wish Absic    find a solution acceptable to his own situation.

Otherwise I read in the first post (original post) that it is a question and answer clarification for the benefit of all members (and non-registered visitors).

I see that this topic is very hot ... Already several members of the Forum explains their hardware situation, including the BIOS.

Gloup_Gloup

[teknology9]

@sk5

Good to hear you have made progress, trying the beta bios was merely a suggestion.....but it appears that you have cracked it.


teknology9