Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: palavering on February 01, 2010, 09:40:22 pm
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I am having above problem. My MO is P55A-UD4P. I have 2X 4GB dual channel RAM; Win 7 recognizes the 4 GB but reads it is using only 2GB. When I add 2 single channel 1GB, it reads that I have only 3 GB in use. I put the dual channel (from left to right) in the 2nd and 4th slots. At that point I get to use 2 GB only. When I add 2 X 1 GB, single channel to the first and fourth slots (from left to right), it give me 3GB only.
Any help would be appreciated. I am using Win 7, 64-bit Home Premium.
update:
I have discovered that the first two RAM slots on my board are not reading the RAM in it. The second two slots are fine. That's why when I put in six gigs of RAM, I am only able to use three. All RAM has been tested and is fine. Is there a way to turn on the first two slots (on the left, facing the MOBO. Thanks for any help.
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Hi
First try to upgrade BIOS into ver. F7 as it improves memory compatibility. You can download the file from:
http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_DownloadFile.aspx?FileType=BIOS&FileID=15550
For upgrade use Q-Flash utility inside your BIOS setup, see the guide at:
http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/FileList/NewTech/old_motherboard_newtech/flashbios_qflash.pdf
Is the limitation seen only in Windows 7 (like described here (http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1172.0;attach=131;image)) or also at the first boot screen (POST) of the MB?
What happens when you put only 1 module into DDR3-1 or DDR3-2 ? No boot at all (black screen, some beeps)?
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I have to leave but I'll try what you suggest when I return. The system beeps and shuts down when I use only the first two slots.
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I updated the BIOS firmware. It went flawlessly. But it didn't change the memory problem.
To answer your questions, when I boot the post reads that it is using 3 gigs instead of the 6 gigs that I have installed. Windows 7 also reports that I have 6 gigs but only 3 gigs is "usable," just as you snipped and linked in your last post to me.
This has become very frustrating. It appears to me that the first two slots (from left to right) are defective. I have been waiting five days now to get an answer. Should I request an RMA? The BIOS recognizes only one of my two dual-channel DDR3 sticks and, therefore, it doesn't double the bandwidth as it should--were it to recognize the other dual-channel stick I have inserted into DDR3-1.
Again, I appreciate any help you can provide--one way or the other.
Bill
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Hello,
I have the exact same issue - 8GB is reported as 4GB. After googling around, some solutions were 1)reseat CPU 2)check Win7 msconfig-boot-advanced-max memory setting 3)test each ram stick individually to eliminate RAM as problem. I have done all that and no dice. I dont think my case is Win issue as POST reports 4gigs. In bios, all 4x2gb sticks are recognized, but only 2x2gb are listed as usable.
Win7 Prof x64
i5 750
DDR3 2x2GB XMS3-1600C8 Corsair x2
Bios updated to F7.
Im guessing i just have to wait another bios update :(
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Does this mean that I must suffer the defective board until Gigabyte decides to redeem itself? I would like some sort of answer. I've got a lot of money tied up in this PC and, of course, I'd like to see it perform at maximum. I have fulfilled my end of the bargain, and I paid the asking price. Gigabyte has made its profit, and now I must wait days at a time to get an answer. This is very poor support.
If my words appear to be out of anger and frustration--they are!
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check required voltage for your ram and set it in the bios accordingly.
try with different ram vendor, in case you have some "extreme" ram type.
another suggestion - check the cpu socket for bent pins:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/269631-12-allowing#t1871384
Gigabyte has made its profit, and now I must wait days at a time to get an answer. This is very poor support.
If my words appear to be out of anger and frustration--they are!
sorry mate it's only open forum where gigabyte users can help each other, you can't push anybody and require fast replies. if someone knows the answer and is willing to tell you - he will do it for sure. :)
for gigabyte tech support you can contact http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/Support/ServiceCenter.aspx
btw - your dealer also made his profit ;D, why don't you ask him instead (also)?
if you are in such a hurry and no solution offered above by different ppl helps then go to the dealer and ask for warranty claim
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I thought this site was operated by professionals. I didn't know that it was operated by other members just like me. I'm sorry.
My vendor is ready to give me an RMA, but that means I have to dismount the Fan and Itel CPU, which can get tricky for anyone. Sometimes it causes the cpu to fail permanently. So, I'd like to find a workaround solution, if possible.
Thanks to all of those who replied. I am grateful.
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What I don't understand is how Gigabyte can offer for sale a board that is defective--or so fragile that it is likely to fail in one area or another. Perhaps someone here can help me to understand why we pay money for inferior or defective products?
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I thought this site was operated by professionals. I didn't know that it was operated by other members just like me. I'm sorry.
This site is operated by all - I mean GIGABYTE users, while some of them work for GIGABYTE (like me :)).
My vendor is ready to give me an RMA, but that means I have to dismount the Fan and Itel CPU, which can get tricky for anyone. Sometimes it causes the cpu to fail permanently.
Never heard that it caused CPU's failure. If it seems to be too complicated to dismount then read the manual (pages 12-15) or ask your dealer for help.
So, I'd like to find a workaround solution, if possible.
Thanks to all of those who replied. I am grateful.
My colleague from the other country had the same problem and it appeared that it was due the pins of the cpu socket were bent. So please check them well, as it was also suggested by Beekeeper before.
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Not only did I check the pins, but I found someone close by with a Gigabyte board, and I asked if I could use my CPU in his board to test it. It didn't work in his MOBO, but neither did his CPU--the same as mine. Moreover, it seems almost impossible to bend the "pins," as the CPU can only beinserted one way. Also, these "pins" appear less than fragile. I have contacted Gigabyte directly. Thanks to all. BTW, I have found testimonials all over the Internet referring to this problem. It is a frequent and persistent problem, with no solution available. Google or Bing it and you'll see how ubiquitous it is!
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Not only did I check the pins, but I found someone close by with a Gigabyte board, and I asked if I could use my CPU in his board to test it. It didn't work in his MOBO, but neither did his CPU--the same as mine. Moreover, it seems almost impossible to bend the "pins," as the CPU can only beinserted one way. Also, these "pins" appear less than fragile. I have contacted Gigabyte directly. Thanks to all. BTW, I have found testimonials all over the Internet referring to this problem. It is a frequent and persistent problem, with no solution available. Google or Bing it and you'll see how ubiquitous it is!
Interesting
Are you perhaps referring to the P55 gbt BOARD THAT uses the Foxconn socket?
This usually only affected those whom were OCing to a high degree and using Sub-zero cooling! A number of board manu's switched over to the much higher quality 'LOTES' socket with much more improved results and fitting. The LOTES socket give a MCUH tighter feel when clamped down than the foxconn socket. This is not GBT fault rather an issue with foxconn. Contacting my friend whom works for FAE at foxconn confirmed this issue!
I know it does not get around your problem, but it does give you a background of the p55 boards socket!
gilgamesh
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Thanks for the info. I contacted by email Gigabyte tech support. It has been a week now, and they have yet to open my email. Each time I check the site, it informs me that they haven't even read the email! This is not good. Without good support, hoiw can I recommend any PC vendor?
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This is not GBT fault rather an issue with foxconn. Contacting my friend whom works for FAE at foxconn confirmed this issue!
gilgamesh
Since most parts are not from Gigabyte they are never at fault. But perhaps they should have tested their combination of the parts in a better way before they take our money. It is up to them what components they use and also their responsibility.
Not even their software works - ever tried DES2 on WinXP SP3? A total chaos with the C states. Does not even uninstall correctly. The support told me that it is not a good idea to use this software with the colorful buttons anyway. It is meant for people who do not understand computers much - their words.
Honestly, if I did not need my computer so badly this MBO would not be here anymore (GA-P55-UD6).
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Well, I finally heard from Gigabyte this evening. Their advice: you must use white dimms first. No kidding. Then they offered to send me to the site where I can get an RMA. Of course, I have to pay for shipping both ways; in addition, they are in California. So, my guess is I'll have a long wait for another MOBO. I had to wait for a week to get a reply from my original email. No thanks, Gigabyte. I've learned my lesson well. And the support here by Gigabyte employees is just as bad. I've heard all the excuses that I want to hear. So, if you're like me (and there are many of you with the same problem), make this a lesson learned.
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@ palavering
so u are from USA ? why don't u go for warranty claim to the shop where u bought it ?
@ gilgamesh
do u refer to the issue reported here:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3661
?
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What I am about to write does refer to a Biostar motherboard but if you read through, you will see the difference in warranty compared to Gigabyte.
I had an issue with a Biostar Tpower I55, 4GB of RAM (2x2GB), but the OS only sees "1.99 GB Usable.
Full details over 4 pages here: http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?t=15892 (http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?t=15892)
I checked the pins, one was missing & two were bent.
The retailer - Novatech as well as the wholesaler Target Components who cover RMA for Biostar also refused stating it was user damage.
I spoke to Trading Standards/Consumer Direct as I read in the Sales Act that in the first 6 months of a purchase if the damage cannot be proven to be done by the end user then a warranty claim still exists.
Finally after stating this & quoting the Trading Standards Reference number to Novatech I got a call from them saying they would offer a refurbished Asus P7P55D worth £113, my original motherboard cost £138 so I refused this & asked if they would agree if I could purchase a brand new Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4 for (£75ish) around 50% of its purchase value to which after another day they rang back & agreed.
I think part of the problem is the Foxconn retention bracket, the new P55A Gigabyte models all use the Lotus retention bracket - all in all this took over 3 months to sort out.
Also read this:
BIOSTAR TPOWER I55 Motherboard Review
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/12/17/biostar_tpower_i55_motherboard_review/6 (http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/12/17/biostar_tpower_i55_motherboard_review/6)
Kyle's Thoughts:
The initial motherboard I had would not see more than 7GB of memory. BIOSTAR shipped me a second retail package that worked fine.
Since then we have learned that over-pressuring the CPU into the CPU socket can impact this. So this was most likely our fault and not BIOSTAR’s issue. BIOSTAR noted that there were bent pins in the socket when they inspected the first board I returned to the company.
Not sure if that happened on our test bench or in shipping. I would not even bring this up in the review except to help warn our readers that screwing down their heatsinks or waterblocks can impact the system memory.
I asked about this problem on these very messageboards to Gigabyte & it was said that if it was their motherboards they would issue an RMA. - http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,917.0.html (http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,917.0.html)
I recently bought an Intel I55 rig i.e. Biostar TPower I55, i5 750, Corsair Dominator GT 2000Mhz etc etc.
My question to Gigabyte is this, when I installed my rig I had faults with 2 faulty ram slots on further investigation it was due to 1 pin missing & 2 slightly bent on the socket, now I've returned this to the retailor who rejected the RMA & also the Supplier who also refused to repair/replace.
I am almost certain this is due to the Foxconn retention plate/socket as I've installed 12 motherboards in the last 9 years with no problem whatsoever.
I currently also own an AM3 rig using a Gigabyte motherboard UD5P which runs great. :) now I'm thinking of buying the Gigabyte I55 motherboard that uses the Lotus socket/retention bracket - so I'm asking what is Gigabytes policy on this type of RMA in terms of warranty ? I am almost 100% positive that I am not at fault with my Biostar RMA.
Thanks for your time to read this & hopefully I'll get a positive answer. :)
Hi Nelly
We can accept such product under warranty, shouldn't be any problem.
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@ palavering
so u are from USA ? why don't u go for warranty claim to the shop where u bought it ?
@ gilgamesh
do u refer to the issue reported here:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3661
?
Indeed I am , my friend
gilgamesh
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"This is a quote from Gigabyte, so stop telling people that their MOBO can't see memory sticks for this reason.
"In the past, Intel CPU’s used to have pins as per the picture below, but if you dropped the CPU, the pins
bent and could even break off. This was a problem Intel got around when it moved to the Core 2 platform by
moving the pins from the CPU to the CPU socket. These days all Intel CPU’s have little gold connectors on the
bottom instead which interface with spring clips inside the CPU socket making it nearly impossible to damage
the connectors on the CPU. However, there are still components on the bottom of the CPU that could
potentially be damaged if you don’t treat the CPU with care."
I had to send my "defective" MOBO to Gigabyte. Getting the RMA took two days. I learned today that it couldn't be delivered on Saturday because no one was there at 8:52 in the morning. I had to pay $16.00 postage to send the board as an RMA. I also learned that the "3 year warranty" begins when the MOBO is built, not when the user purchases it. I have notified several tech writers and pc magazines about this.
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Palavering
Hi
I just wanted to let you know ( Motherboards regardless of manufacturer SUCK ) I own an EVGA Board and having USB issues that should have been fixed with a BIOS flash. It helped but did not cure the issue. When I turn on my USB mouse my wireless internet connection goes out. What’s up with that, I have to a chose between having a mouse or the internet but not both. The reason I am on this board is that I am researching issues with Gigabyte boards seeing what kind of crap I will get into if I change to Gigabyte. So your not the only one with issues MOTHERBOARDS JUST SUCK PLAIN AND SIMPLE !!
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its a simple problem to fix you are trying to install your computer with a 32bit os you can not poor then 4 gig of ram on a 32bit os 4 gig max and even some of that wll be used by things like grafix cards,,or devices wih onbored memmory
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In the end, I had to RMA my MOBO. It was, in fact, defective. I had to pay to ship it to Gigabyte in California. It cost me $16 dollars to RMA a MOBO that was DOA. It took three weeks for Gigabyte to return it in working order. It does work flawlessly now. And I have been able to O/C my Intel Core i7 870 to 4 GHz without any instability. I did have to replace the OEM CPU fan with a Coooler Master Hper 212 Plus. I am grateful that I had the sense to watch several installation videos on YouTube; otherwise the install would have been a disaster. The instruction manual was almost useless. But I am content now and I want to thank all who attempted to help me resolve my issue. Best to you.