Can we get an official response from Gigabyte regarding Z68 cold boot?

[Rolo42]

That is one reason I quit buying Asus after 2005 and replaced them with Gigabyte.

What make/model memory?

How many sticks?

Are you only manually setting [XMP] or are you setting other values as well?

What does [XMP] and everything else left on default values report for freq., timings, voltage?

[Lsdmeasap]

Thanks DM

Yes, if you have 8GB or more you may need to increase QPI/Vtt, I said maybe as it's not a definite.   Have you tested your memory at all using your current settings?   If not, please do as you may not need to change anything in regards to your memory.   Here, use this Memtest86+, run at least 5 full passes or overnight while you sleep.
http://www.memtest.org/#downiso

Yes, I've done memtest86+ 24 hours on each stick, then 24 hours with both stick, at rated settings: 1600MHz 8-8-8-24 1.5v 2T. No error, but then sooner or later gigabyte BIOS warning.

I don't want to overclock or  change ant QPI/Vtt setting as I don't know what I'm doing and I'll break something. If 1333Mhz 9-9-9-24  could be stable then I'd use that, but I don't know why I should need to mess around with BIOS just to get things stable at stock settings. Gigabyte p67/x68 just seems to be unstable - I don't know anyone with an ASUS board that can't run stock speed reliably without BOIS modification - 8GB or not.

Sounds like your memory is fine to me then if you really did all that testing with memtest86+, that's a lot and way more than needed so I don't think it's a memory issue and you don't need to change anything I mentioned since your memory is stable.

[Neil79]

UPDATE!!

F7E

Beta BIOS
Improve power on issue
Update ME / CPU code

I did say it was a bios/board issue 

http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3912&dl=1#bios

[Neil79]

I asked support what the cause was and I got this

Hi,

Update new ME firmware which fixed cold boot issue.

Which was in the F7e which I already updated too and love , what's ME btw?, could they be talking memory

[Rolo42]

Intel Management Engine

Its remote administration running at the firmware level.

[Dark Mantis]

So Neil79, have you updated the BIOS to F7E and has it solved the cold boot issue ?

[Neil79]

So Neil79, have you updated the BIOS to F7E and has it solved the cold boot issue ?

So far yes and was also very easy with no issues to update the bios from the previous one, unlike all the other bloody times lol

[Dark Mantis]

Well, fingers crossed that it will work better too. 

[Lsdmeasap]

Just posting an update on this for anyone following via email updates

Stasio posted a bunch of new BIOS this week and last, they should solve these issues for you guys!
http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte/28441-gigabyte-latest-beta-bios-544.html

[Neil79]

and again already posted

[Lsdmeasap]

I know, just making some rounds for anyone subscribed via email that might have missed it.

[lkteer]

You may just need an increased QPI/Vtt voltage, this is often needed when increasing the memory to 4-8GB or above, try rasing this before you insert the second module and see if it helps.   Try 1.2-1.35 and see if that helps.

It very well could also be a memory compatibility issue...

Hi i tried upping both memory voltage and QPI/Vtt, not helping yet.  They were 1.5v and 1.05.

I checked and my ram are listed as being compatible for both the MX and the MA board.

I tried with other rams. But i'm quite sure the issue is with the boards when more than one channel is involved.

When more than one channel is involved the boot cycle happens.

These are the ram's http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-16gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz16gx3m4a1600c9b.html

these are their specs:

Performance Profile :: XMP
Memory Configuration :: Dual Channel Memory
Type :: DDR3
Package - Memory Pin :: 240
Package - Memory Format :: DIMM
Tested Voltage  ::1.5
SPD Voltage :: 1.5
Speed Rating  :: PC3-12800 (1600MHz)
SPD Speed  :: 1333Mhz
Tested Speed  :: 1600
Mhz Tested Latency :: 9-9-9-24
SPD Latency :: 9-9-9-24

Anything else i can try?

[Dark Mantis]

It would be worth checking for bent pins on the CPU socket also.


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.

[Lsdmeasap]

You said they were 1.5 and 1.05, what is your memory rated at?  And up to what did you try increasing the QPI/Vtt?

[lkteer]

Thanks for your help guys but i think the problem is the gigabyte mobo's themselves...

I have already looked at the CPU thoroughly and am not inclined to take the motherboard out once more.

It is my impression that there is a serious problem with Gigabyte motherboards of this kind since i have been able to find people across the web with the exact same problems, and no resolutions

Look at these threads, we all have the same problems; boot cycle with more than 8gb's of ram:

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1162913
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128492
http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=1245497&mpage=1

As far is i can see i have just been unlucky with boards and need too rma both of them if i have the time.

I would  like to see an official statement, a bios update, just a clue as to what the culprit of this problem is, since i have already bought one replacement board out of my own pocket.

luckily 8gb ram's are enough for me at the moment, just not very optimal