Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with AMD processors => Topic started by: Psychoman67 on February 11, 2013, 07:28:07 pm
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Hi all, first post and I hope someone can help.
Where do I begin, right, last week I bought a GA-970A-D3 with Phenon ii X4 965 and 2 x 4 Gig Corsair Vengeance DDR3 and if relevant a 500 Watt OCZ PSU, which I've had for a few months. Now to the problem -
When I try and install Windows 7 Pro 32 Bit, it just seems to take ages ~ 2 hours!! on the third attempt. The system hangs at bios and then rolls on. then it starts to install, but I struggle as for some reason the wireless keyboard and mouse do not activate.. Starting windows splash screen hangs for about 15 minutes. There have been other problems - I thought for one minute it was one of the seagate hard drives which was a recertified drive. So I thought I'd go and buy a new one and low and behold , exactly the same problem.
So what I did then was to put the drive in my old system which was a GA-P31 -DS3L, Itel E8400 and 4 Gb DDR2 Memory and that took less than half an hour to install. The reason I upgraded was because the motherboard developed PCI problems and expansion boards would not work properly, but windows & Pro would run great and quick, but I felt I needed to upgrade.
Anyway, I won't write any more as your all getting very board, but I hope someone can help me as soon as humanly possible.
Thanks in advance.
Tony
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Hi there,
What revision is the motherboard? You can find it on the box label or printed on the motherboard in the lower left hand edge.
Have you made any changes to BIOS?
If not you may want to try changing the settings for SATA ports 4/5 to IDE and connecting your DVD/CD drive to one of these ports as I have had problems with some ODD's when running in AHCI Mode.
Make sure the HDD you wish to install the OS onto is connected to SATA port 0. During OS install I would recommend only having the main HDD and DVD/CD drive attached.
Disconnect any external USB devices (except for mouse & keyboard) and make sure that the mouse and keyboard are connected to the USB ports next to the P/S2 connector.
Try removing one of the RAM Modules. Windows 32 Bit will only see 4Gb anyway and if you want to use all 8Gb of RAM you will need to install a 64 bit OS.
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Hi absic,
Thank you for replying. I honestly think I was going mad here and am I just being thick. Oh sorry there was a typo - I only have 2 X 2 Gigs DDR3.
Answers to your questions -
Board revision is 1.4 and today I have updated the bios to F11.
Sata is on port 0 and set to IDE. and is also not set to AHCI.
Only one drive is connected which doesn't make any difference. Connected everything else and still the same.
Tried with one stick of ram. No difference.
At the moment I am just about to install win 7 64 bit to see if that makes any difference.
I am also wondering if the ram could be incompatible with the CPU - I bought 1600, but the motherboard is running it at 1333. I think the phenom will only take 1333..
It just seems very strange when my old board with intel CPU installed in less than half hour and boots up in a couple of mins or less.
Tony
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Have you tried installing the OS from a USB pendrive? I have done this for quite some time now and I find it much quicker and reliable than using DVD.
I would set the HDD to run in AHCI Mode as this could save you problems further down the line if you want to upgrade to an SSD for example.
As you are running a Phenom ii 965 you will need to keep the RAM at 1333MHz. The fact that it is rated at 1600MHz isn't usually a problem, I ran my 965 with 16Gb of 1600MHz RAM running at 1333MHz for 18 months. What RAM modules are you using?
I switched my main PC from AMD to Intel a while ago and I have to say it that I found the difference quite surprising. The Intel system seems to be much quicker during POST & BOOT then any of my AMD rigs. :P
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Thanks again.
I wouldn't know what to do or how to start putting win seven on pen drive. But yeah should be quicker - would like to try it though.
SSD's are too small and expensive for me at the moment, unless your thinking for me to buy a small one and put the os on that and use the hard drive for other software. Is that like running raid?
Ram modules are :- Corsair Vengeance CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9.
I think you definitely have a point about Intel based systems being quicker of the mark.
Funny I was going to buy an Intel i3 based system, but decided on this - I feel I'm regretting it now and thinking I've wasted my money.
Thanks
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A good guide for installing Windows Vista, 7 & 8 from usb drive can be found here: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/
You can pick up a 250 Gb SSD for around £150 which isn't too bad. But yes, you can get a smaller one, install the OS onto that and then use an HDD for installing other programs and files to and no, this is not like RAID at all, as the drives are stand alone not part of an array.
Corsair Vengeance have been my RAM of choice, since they came along and I have never had any problems with them on both AMD or Intel systems. (famous last words!)
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Thanks absic, sorry I went off last night, I had an unexpected visitor, always when you never need it lol.
Anyway, I installed 64 bit pro and thats giving me problems with BSOD LOL - Getting sick of it now - I either should have stuck with my faulty PCI Slot Intel system or built another Intel with i3 CPU. I have built many an AMD and Intel systems and never have I come across this. I can't even take the motherboard back as I don't think these small shops offer that kind of service. It's not like buying from online or PCWORLD. Anyway I'm writing this as quickly as I can before it gives me another BSOD. On the windows startup flash screen it hangs for about 10 - 15 mins then logs into windows as normal. Do you have anymore Ideas, I'm all out - My next idea is to buy a different ram.
Just had a Norton error saying high disk activity, when Nothing was running. Oh the fault originated before I installed NIS, just in case you was wondering lol. Funny as I've been on, there has been no BSOD, though I'm not holding my breath lol.
So to clarify - 15 - 20 mins to boot up - Isn't normal is it.
Thanks again - I'll try and get on later on - hopefully I wont get a visitor LOL
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No 15 - 20 minutes is definitely NOT normal!!! :o
I know you have updated to the F11 BIOS but I would actually try the latest F12c from here: http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4306#bios and I would also recommend using the QFlash utility to update the BIOS rather than the @BIOS software. Whichever method you do use make sure you disable the "Keep DMI data" option before running the update.
If this doesn't improve things can you post back with a full list of your hardware and peripherals as there maybe something else causing the problem.
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Thanks absic,
I was going to update it to F12c but then saw it was a beta, which I'm not comfortable with. But I will do it. I'm going to try and install Vista and see what happens there. Yeah yeah I know, I'm punishing myself and I don't learn LOL I may do the Bios via QFlash, but bit worried as the last time I did that, many years ago, it rendered my motherboard useless.
Anyway here is a full list of my rubbish lol :-
Motherboard - GA-970A-d3
AMD Phenon ii X4 965
2 x 2Gig Corsair Vengeance CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9
Seagate 500Gb - ST500DM002
OCZ MODXSTREME-PRO 500 Watt
Saphire AMD Radeon HD6670 2Gig
And just the usual peripherals. - Tomorrow I'll try and strip it all down and re-build, might go out and get a few new sata cables, just in case.
Thanks again and any more ideas are very welcome absic.
Update :- Unfortunately, I'll have to stick with F11 Biois, as I cannot update the bios with a flash drive, appears to have gone missing. Me suspect my daughter LOL
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I have had strange issues with my 970-UD3 with the 3-rd BIOS version regarding W7 installation stalling ,but i can t remember exactly what i did to overcome it:)
Nevertheless try and disable all power saving modes for the CPU like CNQ or C1E.
The BOOT time for AMD systems is ok ,under 60 seconds.
If your board is a Hybrid UEFI this will add 10 more seconds to the time prior to OS launch.With true UEFI or old BIOS this prolonged wait is non-existent .OS load takes maybe 30-40 seconds.With that CPU maybe you can still find a used 890GPA-UD3 it simply blazing fast.
I would advice for a mobo replacement to a UD3 version as the particular board you are using it s not an extraordinary release from Gigabyte ,unfortunately it still has BIOS bugs :)
It s not rubbish if it works as supposed to ,you will be surprised how well that rig work if everything runs as it was meant to.
Install using a known to work DVD ROM and a known to work OS disc.Try some Live Linux distroes ,you can put the iso-es to the usb stick with some tools like Rufus USB creator. Linux Mint or Kubuntu could be a good way to test and see if the mobo has issues with them too .
Is the HDD recognized at it s full capacity and not at 32 Gigs for example ?!
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Thanks Vezina.
If there is an issue with this board , then why have they selling it.
I have now installed the latest Beta Bios F12c with no luck.
Installing Ubuntu might be an idea, I did have that running for a few months on my old system, but found certain peripherals wouldn't work.
If there is an issue with this board , then I can't be the only one with this problem, but I'm not see it on any other forums.
I'm not sure if the shop will take it back. I think they charge for testing first. I have no way of proving it is the board , cpu or memory,
Yes hard drive is seen as 500Gb
Thanks - if you have any other ideas I could try, it would be most appreciated.
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Slowly going bald here :'( LOL
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I don't know about going and getting a few SATA cables. I reckon a few beers might serve you better! :P
From the main components there is nothing jumping out and slapping me around the face as the possible cause of the problem.
What DVD/CD drive are you using?
What mouse & keyboard?
What Monitor?
What other USB devices do you have connected?
Any other PCI cards installed?
Sorry for all the questions but I am really baffled by this problem and although the above items may not seem important they could well be.
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A few beers sounds good absic mmmmmmmmmmmmm Anyway lol
I just bought a new Liteon DVD writer, though I also have a sony optiarc. I have tried alternate swapping on both drives and nothing different.
Mouse & Keyboard is Microsoft wireless 1000.
I do have a front panel USB and Memory card reader - I will disconnect to see if that makes any difference.
I did have a PCI with USB and Firewire, but decided to disconnect it, but still no difference.
You think your baffled - I'm at a dead loss.
Was thinking of returning the board to the shop , but they charge a fee of £10 for testing and receiving it - WTH - I hear you say lol.
Think I said I've updated to F12c now, so luck.
Oh late last night, I cleaned the drive and tried installing Vista - Well that just fell flat on it's face - Half hour and nothing AAAAARRRRRRRGH
KLUNK PRRRRP PING - Stop the pidgeon - LMAO
Oh just reset the cmos - I'll let you know what happens
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£10 for checking a motherboard that they sold you??? Do they refund this if the motherboard is faulty?
Have you tried contacting Gigabyte Tech Support to see if they can pinpoint the problem?
Do you have a USB mouse & keyboard to try? I don't use wireless versions myself and it might be worthwhile eliminating this possibility.
Yes, front USB card reader could be problem as I have heard of this before.
Dick Dastardly is obviously out to get you!! :D
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Make sure the HDD and the Optical are installed into the first 4 SATA connectors as they are numbered by the BIOS.
The last 2 SATA connectors will run in multiword when in IDE Mode which mean ,slooowww speeeddd .
I would test with a WD hard drive just to make sure it s not some strange incompatibility.
Hearing you talking about the store policy made me feel good about my country ,even here you can return the goods with no questions asked in 10 to 30 days :)
Get yourself a baseball bat and gain your refund.
We have quality beer here by the way ,but we prefer wine. :)
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Forgot to mention, that during setup, I had to fit a usb mouse and ps2 keyboard as the wireless would not work, especially any alterations in the bios.
There is one other thing, when it first shows the starting windows screen, there is Hard disk activity for about 20 seconds, then stops..
Yeah the £10 you get back if found faulty. but I asked there advice about which cpu and memory is recommended for it. So if not faulty, I won't be going back .
there again. I have just tried another PSU, just incase there isn't enough power, but exactly the same.
I bought this last Thursday and it's been driving me mad ever since. I have 7 days to take it back, not sure if thats 7 working days. Just looked at receipt and it was last Wednesday :-[ :'(
I really cant spend any more money on this, so another Hard Drive is out of the question.
When it's booted into windows, it seems fine and performs admirably.
Vezina - I might just take my Baseball bat LOL -
I need a few cans and a bottle of Rosé me thinks lol
Oh resetting the CMOS made no difference. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh
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Came across this and thought, could it be this , that's causing my problems.
http://www.rodsbooks.com/gb-hybrid-efi/ (http://www.rodsbooks.com/gb-hybrid-efi/) ( I hope I done this right ).
Contacted Gigabyte Customer Support - Lets see how long it takes for them to get back to me.
Oh dear, depression is setting in - Mind has blown - HA HA HA HA HA HA HEHEHEHEHE ARRRRRGH - I've F F F F F Fliped LOL
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What if you downgrade BIOS-es ?! :)
You are using a Phenom so why not test BIOS -es from the first version that support your CPU ?! Nothing to loose.
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Well guys, I did a strip down for the third timeand thought sod it, I'm taking it back to the shop. So of I went, board , cpu and memory and thought so what if it costs me a tenner. I spoke to a nice easy going guy and he had a word with his manager and he took the board cpu and memorry. I waited a few mins , then he called me in and showed me what was happening. Low and behold, the damn thing was working, only past the bios to the point of disk error , as there was no drive. I asked him what he did and he said nothing.He said it might be the graphics card, Might be incompatible. I could feel embarrament creeping in as I've built loads of systems and apart from the odd hicup, everyone of them has been great and never failed. So I thanked him and he never charged me, manager said he'd let it go, but if it was to test the full system, he'd have to charge, I said fair enough.
I got home and started on it. I started barebones without box and connected up to psu and monitor, like he did. It Started and went through the boot, in a flash. So I then connected the hard drive which has had windows 7 already installed and guess what, in less that a minute the whole thing wen from boot to windows. you should have seen me, felt the releif and smile on my face. So then I started assembling the whole thing into the case. Taking my time, making sure every connector was pushed in correctly and neatly tucked away and taking my time. So finaly finished and ready for the big switch on. Well here goes nothing, I thought. BUM BUM BUM - As in 1 2 3 booted straight into windows, in fact I dont think id have chance to press delete to get into the bios.
So guys, not sure what I did wrong first time, second and third time, but something was amiss. Now whether the guy did something and wouldn't tell me, I don't know. But I'm a happy Valentino now LOL.
May be I built it all in haste, I don't know, but it appears to be fixed now.
So I would liketo thank everyone for there input and help, these last few days. It is / was most appreciated.
So now it is fixed is it any better than my old system?
Ga-P31 -DS3L - E8400, 4 Gig DDR2, and same Radeon HD6670 - We'll see. Anybody know of any good demo games to test it? something like a shootem up.
Thank you - Tony
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Hi again,
pleased that you got it sorted, even if you don't know exactly what went wrong the first time around. Still, it's a computer and they like to throw these things at us, just to keep us on our toes.
But remember..........
Anything can happen in the next half hour. :P
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Glad you got the thing going.
Most probable some BIOS glitch that went away when the guys cleared CMOS or replaced/tested stuff in there.
Practically you can play everything ,but the video card is oriented towards 1680 X1050 with medium details to high depending on the title.
A nice fun game would be Dirt 2 for the looks ,you can play even Crysis the original one with a decent level of detail.
If you like blood games play some Chivalry Medieval Warfare .
For this last game i recommend you Catalyst 13.1 as video driver as older video drivers may have issues with Unreal Engine 3 titles as in freezing.
This games do tend to stress the hardware and show the instability problems.
I recommend personally when you are playing games to disable CnQ in BIOS .
C1E should be off permanently to avoid clicks pops in sound.
LE:Oh and almost forgot , Metro 2033 is a game to play ,it stresses video cards to the bones.
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Thanks again guys for all your help. Normally I know what I'm doing - I think LOL
Think it was about the third time I dismantled the whole thing, a case of rip up n try again. The bios was reset a few times by myself, I even took the battery out lol. The only thing I can think of that may have been the cause is the Sata cables and sockets on the board. I think that sata cables have cheap sockets and are a far cry from the robust IDE cables. I had less problems with IDE years agao. Anyway, this board has awkward right angled Sata sockets, well awkward for my new case, which is slightly smaller than my old one and only a cheap one. It was a tight space to work with as the hard drives are virtually on top of the sata sockets. I had to work from the back. I'll take some pics to show you all what I mean. Really need another DVD drive, my other old one is cream and the case is black lol.
What I have noticed though is a stuttering of the sound now and again. Not sure what that is. I may even re-install windows 7 again as, may be the original installation might have got a little corrupt some how.
Thanks :D
I just love tinkering LOL
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Have you installed EasyTune6? If yes, remove it and see if that helps with sound.
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How would that affect the sound?
I will remove it though - like I said I love tinkering hehehe.
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EasyTune6 is known to cause audio problems in some instances, as it can introduce latency to the system. Other programs can also cause this kind of problem though but this is as good as any place to start.
This is one of the many reasons that any overclocking (I know you're not overclocking.......yet!) should be done through BIOS rather than through software in the Windows environment.
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Thanks absic,
I never overclock, never needed too and I don't think my stock fan would be enough to keep the cpu cool.
I haven't uninstalled Easytune yet, but I will.
Can I ask - I may have caught the bug again, so probably in a few months, I may buy a better CPU. How much would I have to spend to get something far better, than the 965.
Cheers - Time for some relaxing tonight and some beer and wine LOL.
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You wont find something far better than the 965 with that mobo.If i am not mistaking you are not able to run FX 2-nd generation 8 cores on this mobo.
I would say the CPU you have is quite ok.
Maybe buying a X6 could bring more interesting experiences.Something like X6 6300 or X6 1090T could be interesting.
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Apparently I can go up to an FX 8350 Vishera. Not sure if it would bring much of an improvement though.
It's amazing, even though I've built so many systems, There will always be something down the road that comes and trips you up. Well in this game, it's a continuous learning curve.
So now to test this system with some video editing from my Digital 8 Camcorder.
Thank you
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Yes , the revision 1.4 & 3.0 takes a FX 8350 , not the other versions though.Forgot they updated the board capabilities.
If you are using software that knows 8 cores then yes you will gain more performance compared to the 965 otherwise just overclock the one you have and reach the PII X4 975/980 clocks.
This in case you are having the low TDP version of the 965 as the 140W TDP one is already at it s peak.
You have a powerful machine there ,just put it to full use. :)
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Thanks Vezina,
The 965 is the Black Edition,so not sure what wattage it is and not sure what the black edition means. Can I overclock with the stock fan that came with the CPU? Not sure if I can.
Thank you
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To identify the CPU you need the code printed on it.
Both CPU versions of 965 are Black Edition they are both unlocked.
You can easily overclock them by rising the multiplier one notch.The problem with the 140W TDP one is that it s already at it s peak and so might be the motherboard.
If you are reaching 50-55 Celsius now ,stock , when in load , then yes you may be able to overclock ,but keep in mind :
-the CPU temperature must be below 65 Celsius at all times
-the motherboard CPU VRM may reach it s limit quite quickly (it s budged board) , this meaning either that it will not provide enough overclocking headroom either you will see sparks from it :)
-rising the clock will bring more noise from the stock cooler ,so you may hear some airplane engine sounds coming from the PC :)
So if the temperature is already at over 60 Celsius in load you should forget about overclocking just to be on the safe side.
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CPU Temperature is at 45 deg Celsius. CPU fan speed is at 3000.
I have never needed to overclock, but that probably due to the fact that my old P31 motherboard couldn't do it and I never know what to adjust. I suppose once I learn, it'll be like a bug LOL. I've had my finger on the VRM heatsink and it's quite cool.
As for the code on the CPU, I'll forget that for now - It's working, so I want some enjoyment LOL.
Thanks
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With AMD it s easy ,it s just the CPU Multiplier in the MIT section.
FSB ( or HTT is at 200M) X CPU Multi = CPU Frequency.
But better be safe than sorry.You wont see huge performance increases anyway.
It s also the wrong section for overclocking discussions. :)
If other issues arrive feel free to post.
Enjoy the machine
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Well I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU everyones help.
I am very greatful and let's hope I don't mither you guys again LOL.
Once again, Thanks guys
Tony