Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with AMD processors => Topic started by: kleaverjr on September 10, 2011, 01:27:04 am
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OK,
I managed to get Windows XP install done and APPEARED to be fully functional.
HOWEVER, since I have started using this system, it freezes for 5-30 seconds at a time and then proceeds to function normally. Everything else on this system is the same as before except the MB and Athlon X6 Processor. I'm hoping it is a BIOS Setting that I don't have optimized that is causing this system to malfunction like this. One thing I notice is I have set the memory in the BIOS to be "Ganged" but it still posts as Unganged. Could this be part of the problem?
Windows only reports 3.18 GB of RAM, when there is 8 Gigs! (2 - 4GB memory). It posts as 8 Gigs unganged.
PLEASE HELP!
GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD5 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 15000) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9
GIGABYTE Super Overclock Series GV-N470SO-13I GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
Windows XP 2005 Media Center
Getting very desperate and frustrated. I'm about to rip the d**n thing out and toss it across the room!
Thanks.
Ken L
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With an amd and 8 gigs it should be set to unganged period. Also if you are using windows xp 32 bit it will not see all 8 gigs. the maxium it will see is 4 gigs now understand if you have memory on your video card your system will only see 3 and some change. It may never show all 4 in xp 32 bit even without a video card the results are usually like 3.89 gig or 3.74 gig and so on.
Id also try it with just 1 stick and wouyldnt hurt to run memtest on it or windows memory tester hit f8 when starting and pick mem test in windows.
Also list hard drive type and what it is connected to and how you are running it in bios achi. sata. ide. and any other cards or add ons please.
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Hi
As autotech has mentioned you are never going to be able to access more than 4GB whilst running a 32 bit operating system. That is just the way things are and there is no getting around it. By all means check that each of the modules is working poroperly with Memtest86+ on one stick at a time for at least 10 complete loops.
I would just suggest upgrading to a 64 bit OS version and updating at the same time. XP whilst a great OS in it's time is getting a bit old now and losing support from driver writers etc.
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autotech was on the mark with requesting Hard drive info.......this is the prime candidate for you freezing if there/it's a green for instance
If you decide to keep 32bit installed for a while.......you can put the spare 4 GB of ram to use by downloading RamDisc By DataRam.....
this will allow you to create a 4 gig virtual disc (memory) for use as another drive for firefox and IE TMP,TEMP.....OS page file cache ext.....it'll be the fastest drive you have ever seen at 4000Mb/s Plus.....configure so it dumps it's catch when you power down.....best security feature you could ever have..............totally free up to 4096Mb .... why leave 4 gig of Ram doing nothing that you've already paid for! ;)
Aussie Allan
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Hi Ken,
Did you update to the F5 BIOS as I suggested in your previous post? http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,6690.msg52440.html If not, that is the first thing that I would do.
How far have you got with the RAID array(s) you were planning on installing?
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Thanks all for the feedback...
Here are the additional specs requested:
SYBA SY-PCI40010 PCI SATA II (3.0Gb/s) 4 Port RAID 0/1/5/10 JBOD Card (Used for RAID 1 Array)
2 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3320613AS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - in RAID 1 Array - (Using SYBA Card)
5 - Seagate Barracuda ES ST3750640NS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - in RAID 5 Array - Using AMD RAID Controller
BIOS is updated to Version 5f (Latest I could find available)
Both arrays are working.
I'm wondering if there is an issue with my video card because once in a while the monitor goes blank and then it comes back with it showing "DVI Signal selected" on my monitor. Though the card is less than a month in service and i just got it from Newegg. It didn't give me any problems before though and it's made by Gigabyte as well.
Thanks again for all the help. Sorry that it took so long to reply. I was at a show selling stuff this weekend and was away from the internet. Not "totally plugged in" (i.e. with an iphone or the like) like my good ol' desktop computers.
As for switching to a more current version, I know at some point I will have to, but it will almost take some one to drag me kicking and screaming to do it. I HATE VISTA with a passion. I tried it and absolutely can not stand it's ridiculous "safety" barriers Microsoft put in it. And I heard Windows 7 is even WORSE! UGH! I even had a friend who hated Mac's actually go out and buy one because of windows 7. I really don't want to do that!
Ken L.
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I don't know exactly what you have heard about Windows 7 but most people I have talked to and myself like it and trust me I am no Micro$oft fanboi at all. It is far superior to Vista which was a dead loss and I would never use after initial trials. I realy wouldn't take too much notice of the gloom merchants and give it a try. Once you feel at home with it I would be surprised if you still dislike it.
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Yeah, i'm with DM!
What ever You do do DON'T go with Vista .. never!
Win7 FTW. A great OS. 7 is todays XP. Works perfect and is nice for the eye. I think there was so called Classic option in 7 so it would look quite like XP.
I had sooooo many troubles with Vista. Even it was installed by shop who put together my PC. It couldn't even update to SP1 (and not talking about that SP2 was also not installed because there wasn't even SP to go on).
NEVER Vista - go for Win7 ... really nice.
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Hi Ken,
changing from one OS to another is always a little traumatic, especially if you have come to love the version you are using. I remember how much I hated 98, 2000, & XP when they first came out. Vista was a dog but I always say that I ran it as a beta tester for Windows 7 and I still feel that all of those that plugged away with Vista should have been given a free upgrade to 7.
Windows 7 is different to XP but it is reliable and and easy on the eye. The Windows security measures that were so annoying on Vista have been improved with a simple control slider that allows you to turn it off completely if you so wish. I am running the 64 bit Ultimate edition and it has provided me with a solid platform with all of my hardware working, even some of the old bits of kit I have knocking around such as an old HP scanner.
OK, so that is the sales pitch over and hopefully you will now be a little more receptive to the idea of upgrading to a 64 bit OS that will allow you to make full use of your 8 Gig of RAM, but that doesn't help with your current problem.
Small system freezes can be due to many things, both hardware and software so it can be a little like looking for a needle in a haystack.
First off, as your operating system is only 32 bit I would remove one of the sticks of RAM from the PC. As has been mentioned before, a 32 bit OS cannot use any more than 4 Gig and this will take one possible cause of conflict out of the equation.
Whilst talking about RAM have you checked in BIOS what yours is actually running at especially the timings? You have some pretty fast RAM there and by default it will be pulled back to 1333MHz and although it should work without a problem it is worthwhile running MemeTest just to make sure everything is OK.
I'm not familiar with your RAID Card but does it have the latest firmware? This is an area that can easily be overlooked, especially when you have just bought it but it is worthwhile checking, just in case.
There could be a problem with your graphic card but I have to say that is not the first place I would be looking. The only practical way of knowing would be if you have a spare graphic card that you can use instead.
Check power saving options from within the OS. A 5-10 second pause would seem to be the time taken for HDD's to spin up if they have been powered down.
I can't remember if your OS installed on a single drive or on one of the RAID Arrays. I think, in your previous post you had a single drive attached to one of the marvell ports. Is this still the case?
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Just to pitch in my two cents worth, Win 7 is great (despite the problems I'm having with my own Motherboard).
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Just a quick thought about Windows 7. I forgot to mention in my earlier post that, if you get the Professional or Ultimate version you can, using virtual PC, run XP mode. Just something extra to think on! ;)
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OK, I'm not an expert when it comes to diagnosing things, hence why i am here, but this on going video problem (the "Freezing" has gone away for now it seems) is something is overheating because if i leave the computer off for awhile and it cools down, it works fine, but once it is on for awhile, then the monitor looses the signal. And when I reset/reboot, it works for a short time, then looses signal again. So now I need to figure out is it the processor overheating or the video card. The video card did not overheat with the older MB, so my thoughts are, it's the processor. I used the heatsink/fan that came with the processor, i'm thinking of now replacing it with a upgraded heatsink/fan cooling device. And finding a way of getting more cool air into the case itself. Any thoughts.
Thanks.
OH, and when i order the fan, i will order one copy of Win 7 as well.
Ken L.
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Hi Ken,
have you tried using HW Monitor or another software programme to check your Temps?
I have to say the stock AMD cooler leaves a lot to be desired and I switched to the Noctua NH-D14 sometime ago (when I was runninng the GA-790XTA-UD4 mobo in fact) with my 965 & also the 1090T CPU that I currently run and saw a dramatic improvement in temps and it is also much, much quieter even though I run the fans at full speed.
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WOW! THAT FAN IS HUGE!! Bigger than the one I am looking at right now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055
I usually go with Coolmaster. I don't think the Fan you used will fit because my memory has too high a profile! UGH!
Also, i know it's a bit off topic from the thread, but since a few of you have encouraged me to go with Win 7 in hopes of fixing some of these issues, what is the real advantage of Ultimate over Professional? I will go with at least the Professional level since that version has XP Mode, which I'm sorry, though I'm above a novice when it comes to these things, I have always thought XP was the best so for this "transition" I like to have something i am familiar with. PLUS, I have some software that i know won't run on Vista, so hopefully with Win 7 Prof i can run them in XP mode. But is it worth the extra $50 to go from Professional to Ultimate. What do i really get for that extra money? Thanks.
Ken L.
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The only real advantage of Ultimate over Pro is the ability to change the Windows User Interface Language and Bit Locker Encryption.
My wife is Japanese and likes to see the Windows menus in her native language which is the only reason why I run the Ultimate version. I do not use the Bit Locker encryption but, if you are running a system that deals with a lot of sensitive DATA then this will encrypt the HDD to add another layer of protection.
If it wasn't for my wife, I would be running the Pro version.
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Thanks!
BTW, in addition to upgrading the CPU Heatsink/Fan would it be worth upgrading the cooler for the GIGABYTE GTX470 Video Card to this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118066
Or am I putting the cart in front of the horse here?
Ken L.
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I think, at the moment, this is probably a step too far.
The first thing to do is try to find out which component is causing the problem by overheating. You are probably right in your supposition that it is the CPU but it could also, just as easily be the Northbridge or graphics card, hence my advice to check temps with HW Monitor. This will give you a better idea of the next steps to take and where to invest to give you the best return for your money.
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This is what the sensors are reporting:
Mainboard Temp: 38.0
CPU1: 37.0
CPU2: 45
CPU0 Core: 45
Chassis Cooling Fan: 3270-3280 rpm
Voltages:
05: +5.18
Core +1.5V
+3.3V: +3.38V
Aux: +1.47V
Graphics Adapter:
Fan Speed 1550-1650 RPM
GPU Temp: 41.0
Ambient Temp: 37.0
Are those "normal range" figures?
And the other question is, how do i find out what the temp is when the screen goes blank?! UGH""
Thanks
Ken L
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Well, looking at those figures they seem pretty much about where I would expect them to be.
The CPU Temp of 45C is about right as you are using the stock cooler but doesn't really leave you a lot of headroom if you start putting it under a constant load for any amount of time as the max temp for the 1090T is 62C.
The only way to really see what is happening with the temps is to keep your monitoring software running while you are doing other things to see if something gets too high.
As a matter of interest what PC Case are you using? Does it have a good airflow to help with cooling?
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OK, i'm upgrading just the CPU Heatsink/Fan and getting Win 7 Prof.
Here's the case I have for this:
Broadway Com Corp R-800 Black thick Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811162051
It was the only case that i could find that had enough drive bays for all the drives I have and plan to add!
Ken L
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UPDATE: OK, after running for an hour or so, the screen went blank because of loss of DVI signal. So I press the reset button, and as it was rebooting, before the Windows XP screen, the screen went totally blank (after posting) BUT I heard the "music" that Windows XP plays as it is logging in. I don't know what that means in terms of what is working and what isn't. Any ideas?!
Ken L
UPDATE TO UPDATE:
AND when I pressed the Power Off Button, I heard the "Log Off Music" from WIndows XP, and the system shut down. Hmmmmmmm.
I am using a Sceptre LCD Monitor.
KDL
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I think it is clearly a sleep issue with power saving or a ssd issue. Are you running it in ACHI mode and so on is a post by absic on bios settings and is easy to over look something simple have been there myself. As it happens in about the same time and if you move mouse it last longer id go that route.
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I expect it has already been covered but just in case it hasn't update the BIOS to the latest version along with the graphics drivers. Load Optimised BIOS Defaults and make sure that the graphics boot options are correct assuming that you can now enter the BIOS.
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Sorry, been having more issues with a different computer. As for this one, the Primary Drive (C:) is on a RAID 1 (Mirror) Array through the RAID Hard Drive Controller Card. The Windows 7 OS just came from Newegg so I'm going to try to do that tonight! **crosses fingers**
As for the BIOS and drivers, they are all up to date. I am running version 5f for the bios, and I downloaded all the latest drivers from Gigabyte for the MB AND the Graphics card.
Thanks again!
Ken L
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UGH!!! Windows 7 is taking FOREVER to install. It gets to Expanding Windows Files and practically gets stuck at 71% and stays there for hours! I've pullled out the extra 4GB of memory and all the peripherals have been removed during the initial install and it still is stuck. Did any of you have this problem with Win 7 Prof install with this MB?!
Ken L
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Hi Ken,
You do seem to be going through hell. I have to say that I didn't encounter any of the issues that you are facing whilst trying to install the OS and I have reconfigured my system countless times since getting this motherboard. Of course, I have only tried installing the OS on single drives (HDD & SSD)or in RAID0.
I wonder if the problem you are facing is due to the PCIE RAID card that you are trying to install onto. This could be a problem with the card itself or with the BIOS not properly recognising it. Have you tried contacting GTS here: http://ggts.gigabyte.com/tech.asp?ClassID=2&Country=U.S.A.&SourceWeb=B2C to see if they are aware of any problems with running PCIE RAID cards?
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As I said before in one of the threads, maybe this one, I have NEVER have had so many issues with a "new" machine that I have built like this before. HOWEVER, not sure what I did, but Windows 7 did FINALLY install. and FOR NOW is running and is stable. There are two remaining issues that I can't seem to figure out what is going on, and though not critical I would love if someone could help me figure out solutions as to what is going on.
The memory, when posting, is still reporting "Unganged". Now that I am running Windows 7 Professional (x64) and if I understand correctly, "Ganged Mode" is the more efficient and faster setting for memory (2x4GB memory cards) so if someone can help me figure out even though I have it set for Ganged, it still posts as unganged that would be helpful.
Also, I have the Marvell Controller set for IDE Mode. The Master slot is connected to a 3.0TB Hard Drive (this was a USB External drive that I accidentally broke the plug that was soldered to the circuit board, so I just took the physical drive out of the external case and have put it in the desktop) and the Slave is connected to the DVD-ROM drive. For some reason, when I have the drive connected, after the system posts, and it indicated that it is loading the OS, the next screen says "PRESS ANY KEY TO REBOOT". The Hard Drive Boot Priority is set for the RAID 1 ARRAY to be first. If I disconnect the drive, the system boots up properly. Any ideas how to "fix" this problem? It has to be the Motherboard because it doesn't even reach the Hard Drive to load up Win 7.
Thanks again for all the help and patience through all of this!
Ken L.
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Hi again,
hopefully your on the home straight now so let's see if we can't solve these last couple of issues for you.
First off DO NOT try and run your RAM in Ganaged mode. Yes, it used to be the case that running in ganged mode was better and for single core processors that is true but not with the current crop of multicore AMD processors. In Fact, AMD actually recommend running in Unganged mode for Memory. If you haven't read through this thread: http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,2515.0.html it might help a little.
Now, as to why your PC is doing strange things with the HDD attached to the Marvell controller in IDE Mode, my best guess (and it is only a guess) is that it is due to the 3TB size of the HDD.
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Thanks again! I guess I need to get with the times in terms of understanding how today's processors and memory works!
I thought with using Windows 7-64 would allow me to use the 3.0 TB drive. Hmmm.
I appreciate all the help!
BTW, I am getting a BSOD now consistently. Looks like there is something up with the USB configuration/settings (0x000000009F) that Win 7 doesnt' like. I'm trying to trace that little bug down. I can't wait to get things totally stable and functioning!
Ken L
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Hi again,
I don't think the 3TB Drive issue is to do with Windows but with the Marvell Controller and the way that is seeing the drive. This may be down to the BIOS and it might be worthwhile contacting Tech Support about this. I'm not sure of the EFI option in BIOS and if this would help but it might be worthwhile setting this to EFI rather than AUTO just to see if it makes a difference but I think it might effect the AMD controller rather than the Marvell one.
Sorry to be a pain but would it be possible for you to repost your full system specs for the way the PC is now configured?
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GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD5 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler Intel Core i7 compatible
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 15000) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9
GIGABYTE Super Overclock Series GV-N470SO-13I GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
2xSeagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3320613AS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (RAID 1) - PRIMARY (C:) DRIVE
2xWestern Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (RAID 1) - DATA( D:) DRIVE
5xRecertified: Seagate Barracuda ES ST3750640NS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive (RAID 5) - STORAGE ( E:) DRIVE
Broadway Com Corp R-800 Black thick Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
Antec EarthWatts Series EA-750 Green 750W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Continuous P.S.
Windows 7-64 Professional
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Hi Ken and thanks for the details.
You are also using the SYBA SY-PCI40010 PCI SATA II (3.0Gb/s) 4 Port RAID 0/1/5/10 JBOD Card (Used for RAID 1 Array) and I am wondering if the problems your having could be due to running different RAID controllers. Sadly I'm not too familiar with all of the RAID configuration possibilities or the limitations and this is something that I feel only Gigabyte Tech Support will be able to answer with any assuredness.
There have also been a few issues on the forum with some of the Overclocked Nvidia graphic cards and this could be another source of the problem. Have you a lower spec'd GPU that you could try, just to eliminate this as the cause?
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OK, i'll see if they can help. They haven't responded to my previous pleas for help.
Yes I forgot to list the HD Controller. It's running both RAID 1 arrays.
No I don't have another Graphics card. I am double checking to ensure all the drivers are up to date.
I'm also removing 4GB of RAM to see if it might be a RAM issue.
Thanks again for your time.
Ken L.
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Yes, sadly Tech Support can be a bit slow especially when the problem is not something they have come across before. I think it is due to the way Tech support is arranged and a lot of questions have to be referred back to Taiwan.
If you haven't run MemTest to check your RAM then that would be a good idea as a lot of instability problems come down to dodgy RAM. That said, I use Corsair RAM and haven't had any major issues with any of the sticks I have bought over the year. You can download MemTest from here: http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You need to test each stick individually in slot DDR3_1 on the motherboard for at least 10 passes. This will take some time to complete but is worthwhile as then you will know if hte RAM is being a little troublesome.
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This is one thing that really is puzzling me. I'm using manufacturer's that I have NEVER had any issues with.
I have used Gigabyte MB"s with AMD processors for the last 5 systems I have built, and used Gigabyte even before then.
The graphics card is Gigabyte as well.
Corsair has been my usual manufacturer for memory. It seems like these guys are all failing me! :-\ UGH
Ken L
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I know what you're saying and I have been using Gigabyte, AMD and Corsair for my main components for over 10 years.
If I'm researching the correct RAID Card that you have, then that does seem to be a little less robust: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816124028