Upgrading a Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 to 32GB RAM

[Vitee]

Hi. First timer here.

I have recently purchased a Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 motherboard running an Intel Core i7 2600 3.40GHz, with Windows 7, 64bit. It came with 8GB of RAM (2 x 4GB Kingston 1333 modules). I have just ordered a Corsair 32GB (4 x 8GB) 1600MHz DDR3 CL10 Vengeance kit, to replace the 8GB Kingston modules. My question is regarding compatibility and installation.

1. Is this kit compatible with my motherboard? I did quite a bit of research and it seems to be. I certainly hope so!

2. Are there any tricks or tweaks I should be aware of?

Thank you for any help or suggestions.

Cheers,

Vitée

[Vitee]

Has no-one ever done this? Is it totally straightforward?

[Voodoo]

The manual says it supports 32 gigs, so why would there be a problem?

 I've only got 12 myself so I couldn't tell ya. 12 works fine though (3 4gig (2 dual channel)

 It's a pretty new board too though, so I doubt many people have them yet.

[Vitee]

Ok. Thanks Voodoo.

I guess I'm concerned because I've seen the Corsair RAM described as quad channel AND dual channel -- and I don't know if the mother board supports both.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome.

The memory that you have purchased is a good call. It is very stable and compatrible with most boards ok. The only thing you might find is that you might have to increase the memory voltage a touch like from 1.5v to 1.55v or so. It's possible that if you do have to do that you will also have to increase the QPI/Vtt vopltage a touch too. The thing that must be remembered is that a maximum differential of 0.5v exists between them. So if DRAM voltage is 1.65v say then QPI/Vtt must be no less than 1.15v.

[Vitee]

Thanks for the info Dark Mantis.

I don't have the kit yet -- it's en route. How would I know if I need to tweak the voltage? What would be the tell-tails signs?

Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

If it doesn't work properly or you get BSODs. Often it will just be unstable or not even boot properly. Install them and then post back with how you get on. If necessary we can sort them out.

Hopefully they will just work out of the box.

[Vitee]

Hi Dark Mantis.

I have just installed the 32GB of RAM ... and guess what... no boot.

BIOS sees the memory as 32768 MB

I initially set the XMP to Enabled (Profile1) - Memory Frequency= 1600 . No boot. Set it back to Disabled - same result.

System Memory Profile (SPD): Auto

I'm not sure how to increase the Memory voltage. Please help.

Thanks for your assistance.

[Dark Mantis]

Well the first thing to do is clear the CMOS so there is no memory of the old RAM.


Remove the power cable from the mains supply and then press the power switch on the case for a few seconds just to drain any residual energy in the PSU capacitors.

Once done remove the motherboard battery for a couple of hours before replacing it.
 
Next plug back into the mains supply and boot.
 
You will now need to enter the BIOS by pressing DEL and load Optimised BIOS Defaults.

Make any other changes to the BIOS settings to suit your self like disabling the floppy drive, disabling the full screen logo and making the HDD the primary boot device and then press F10 to save and exit.

That might be enough to prompt the system to work if not then you will need to go into the BIOS and find the memory settings. In that section you will be able to enter the timings and voltage manually.  I think the default voltage for that RAM is 1.5v. If I am correct set it to 1.55v and try again. If still no luck increase it to 1.6v. Make sure that your QPI/Vtt setting is at at least 1.15v although it will probably need to be higher anyway.

[Vitee]

Thanks for getting back to me. I will follow your suggestions tomorrow. Too late to tackle it now.

The motherboard battery is proving to be a bit of a hassle to remove right now.

I will report back tomorrow.

Cheers.

[Dark Mantis]

I usually find that a small flathead screwdriver is the best tool for releasing the battery. Once the clip is depressed it will normally just pop out.

[Vitee]

Hi,

I done as you suggested - removed the power chord, the MB battery and left it out overnight. I've also set Optimised BIOS Defaults. As I have SATA HDDs, I have set IDE controllers to None.

Now when attempting to boot Windows, it cannot detect any HDD and fails to boot at all. It gives me a DISK BOOT FAILURE message.

I have tried to get help via the Corsair forum, but their forum software seems to be totally out to lunch!

Anyways, I try a couple more times to set up the BIOS - But I need all the help I can get.

Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

Remove the memory except the stick in slot DDR3_1 which is the white slot furthest away from the CPU. Now try and boot. What happens now ?

[Vitee]

Tried that... same message: DISK BOOT FAILURE.

Added: Tried based on your suggestion.

[Vitee]

Should I re-install the original 8GB RAM (2 x 4GB) and load the BIOS fail safe defaults?

Thanks.