Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: gwmbox on April 28, 2011, 03:30:17 pm
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Hi all, new to the forums as this is my first real issue with a Gigabyte board.
I have a GA-X58A-UD3R (rev1) motherboard with an i7 930 and have had working on it 6GB of DDR3 ram in slots 2, 4 and 6 and I just bought another set of 6GB's Ram of the same type and size with matching brand and number and installed the ram but I am only able to get 8GB RAM enabled. the 12GB shows but only 8GB is enabled. The RAM is 6 x 2GB sticks of Corsair XMS3 CMX6GX3M3A1600C9. It would seem that the last 2 sticks are now working, however before adding the new sticks the last two slots had one stick on and was working fine. I have also removed, moved around and replaced the RAM several times, plus I blew out all the dust in the PC just in case it was that too, but no luck so far and hence my call for help please.
At the same time I have in the PC 2 x SATA3 and 1 SATA2 drives, the SATA2 is only used as a store for old files but the two SATA3 (1TB each) are the main system and file drives. I do not however think I have set them up correctly as they seem slow and therefore I am seeking assistance in what I need to change or do to get them working at the best possible performance.
The BIOS version running on the board is F6.
I have taken several photos of the BIOS with my iPhone to show you the current settings, if you could advise what I need to change to get the full 12GB Ram working and the HDD set-up correctly (with a guide on how to actually do that too) it will be greatly appreciated. If more information is required please let me know and I will reply with any added detail.
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios1.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios2.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios3.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios4.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios5.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios6.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios7.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios8.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios9.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios10.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios11.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/lostdram.jpg)
I hope someone can help guide me to get this working as best it can, thanks
GW
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Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte forum.
Your first problem is you have left al the settings on Auto. That may be alright for 6GB of RAM but won't work with 12GB.
You will need to manually enter all the timings and voltages required.
The timings you need will be on the side of the modules (I expect from memory they will be 9-9-9-24). The memory voltage will be 1.65v but because of the extra loading on the memory controller you are going to have to increase that to 1.7v.
Yopu will need to set your Uncore multiplier to 2x your memory multiplier up to a maximum of 2x +2. You will also need to set your QPI/Vtt voltage and this is something that varies so I can only suggest that you start at 1.2v and try raising it as you gop until you find a stable voltage to a maximum of 1.45v
Well that gives you something to play with for now. Post back and let us know how you get on.
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Thanks Dark Mantis for the info. Yes everything is on Auto as that is how the PC shop that built the system for me set it up. I am happy to make adjustments where needed and will try what you have suggested to see if that makes a difference or not and report back tomorrow (its 1:15 AM here now - time for bed :) ).
Just so I know when I go to make the change where exactly is the Uncore Multiplie and QPI/Vttr settings located? I can fumble around and try and find them but if you know exactly where they are it will ensure I don;t make more problems for myself :)
Also while I have you, the SATA3 for the HDD, should that work as currently set in the BIOS (probably all set to Auto again) or do I need to change the HDD set-up to RAID or other settings? I just find the HDDs rather slow and not what I would expect for a SATA3 set-up.
Cheers again
GW
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I wouldn't worry about the hard drives yet otherwise you will end up getting confused. Deal with the memory first.
Most of the settings you need should be found in the MIT section or Advanced BIOS Features.
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You will need to manually enter all the timings and voltages required.
The timings you need will be on the side of the modules (I expect from memory they will be 9-9-9-24). The memory voltage will be 1.65v but because of the extra loading on the memory controller you are going to have to increase that to 1.7v.
I made a few adjustments and added the timings but left the rest to Auto as I was not sure if the rest needed to be changed or not. but I cannot find where I can change the memory voltage from 1.65 to 1.7, it is not editable If I go into the Advanced Voltage settings of the MIT I can edit the DRAM setting from 1.5 to 1.7 but the 1.7 is in a light pink (low warning) colour, is this the correct place to edit the voltage or not?
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios15.jpg)(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios17.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios16.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios18.jpg)
You will need to set your Uncore multiplier to 2x your memory multiplier up to a maximum of 2x +2.
I have no idea where the 'Uncore Multiplier is, is it called something else, I had a look at a lot of other settings but could not find anything that had settings like 2x or +2.
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios12.jpg)
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios13.jpg)
You will also need to set your QPI/Vtt voltage and this is something that varies so I can only suggest that you start at 1.2v and try raising it as you gop until you find a stable voltage to a maximum of 1.45v
Is this the correct place to edit the QPI/Vtt as this appears to be for the CPU?
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios14.jpg)
Well that gives you something to play with for now. Post back and let us know how you get on.
Thanks again for your help
GW
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OK.
Your Uncore Clock Ratio (multiplier) needs to be set to 24 to 26 (which is 2x your memory multiplier to 2x +2 as your memory multiplier SPD is x12)
Increase the voltage to 1.7v as you saw and don't worry about the colour change. It is just a warning.
Yes that is the correct place to adjust the QPI/Vtt as it is connected to the CPU.
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Firstly may I say a big thank you for your continued help.
Ok I have changed the settings to what you have suggested but still only 8 is enabled of the 12.
Below are the latest BIOS screen shots showing the changes. If I have missed something please let me know and I will try that.
Please continue to help me, I really want to get this to work.
Thanks again
GW
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios19.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios20.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios21.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios22.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios23.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios24.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios25.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios26.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios27.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios28.jpg)
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Mostly looks fine but I notice that you are still using the XMP support instead of manually entering the timings etc. So correct that.
Your DRAM voltage is still a bit low at 1.68v. Try increasing it to 1.70v. You may have to set it to 1.72v to achieve this.
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OK, I have set as you have said but still no 12GB :(. I even removed all the ram and moved the sticks around again but again still only getting 8GB enabled.
Here is the latest BIOS screen shots, please continue to help me figure this one out and again your time and support is very much appreciated
GW
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios29.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios30.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios31.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios32.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios33.jpg)
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Hi
My first question is did you take these photos before you had saved and exited the BIOS after making the changes ?
Change the DRAM Timing Selectable to Quick
and Performance Enhance to Extreme.
Download and run CPU-Z. It will be able to tell you which slots are not seeing the memory.
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Yes the photos are after a save and reboot :)
OK here are the latest shots and the cpu-z stuff, plus two text files from cpu-z and speccy that I hope will tell you something :)
Any other suggestions please :)
thanks again
GW
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios34.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios35.jpg) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/bios36.jpg)
Text file
http://gmwebfiles.com/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/?download=cpu-z.txt
CPU-Z images
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image1.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image2.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image3.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image4.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image5.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image6.png)
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image7.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image8.png) (http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/cpu-z-image9.png)
Speccy
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/speccy1.png)
Speccy xml (txt file)
http://gmwebfiles.com/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/?download=my-PC_xml.txt
Windows screen-shot
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/X58AUD3Rrev1/cpuz/windows.png)
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OK I think might have got it sussed.
Go to the Run command box and type in msconfig when it opens find the maximum memory setting and change it to12 GB. Chances ar eit is set to less than that now. Save and exit.
On reboot you should see all your memory.
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No luck, it had no value set so I ticked it and set it to 12GB, rebooted and unfortunately as still only 8GB shows on the boot screen then the dram recovery thing and so on....
However when I finally got into windows after 4 reboots of the DRAM recovery thing, I went and rechecked the msconfig setting but it had a 0 in there now, not the 12288 I entered... I made sure it was run with admin priv's and it was but again after another save and reboot the same happened....
GW
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Don't forget as well as running it with admin privs you must also remember to save the settings when leaving.
Make sure that you tick the box Make all boot settings permanent
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Yes tried that twice, still no luck. Arghhh this is so frustrating.... thanks for sticking with me trying to figure this one out. I will have another look at it when I am more awake tomorrow :)
Cheers
GW
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No, the setting of max to 12288 wll not stick, each and every time I go in to check it it says 0, even after an apply, a save or a make permanent and restart.... is there a reg entry I can edit to force this to remain at 12288 just to see if this is infact the issue I am having?
If I un-tick the box and restart then it remains un-ticked, but that is the only thing it retains.... arghhhh!
Thanks and please do not give up on me :)
GW
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I don't understand why the setting will not work but as you suggest it could be a registry setting that is blocking it. Trouble is I don't know which one. Maybe someone else will be able to throw some light on it.
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Thanks, but don;t give up on me, any other help and ideas please
Thanks
GW
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*
I have similar problem with a bad memory stick ( BIOS detect all sticks but cannot use all )
test only with one stick , remove , test another ....
Pierre
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test only with one stick , remove , test another ....
Pierre
I did the same, all sticks are working fine when I test one by one, it only fails when I go over 8GB's in the slots.
GW
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From what you say I think it is highly likely that it is down to a bad memory controller then. As this is now incorporated into the CPU it would mean RMAing that component.
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From what you say I think it is highly likely that it is down to a bad memory controller then. As this is now incorporated into the CPU it would mean RMAing that component.
Er, what? sorry do not understand what you just wrote? Are you saying my board is faulty?
GW
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Don't know if this will help, but I noticed that you were running a 64-bit version of windows. In the BIOS, suggest you go to the Power Mgmt Setup Page and change the HPET Mode to 64-bit mode. I am using Win 7 64-bit with this motherboard and my system won't even run properly with the HPET Mode setting at 32-bit mode. Don't know if this will make any difference in your current memory problem, but shouldn't hurt to try changing this setting.
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Hi DM,
I am really a bit worried when you advice to set the RAM to 1.70 or even 1.72. Usually I keep it on 1.64 instead, just under it.
My 980X runs on 1.28125
QPI = 1.280
RAM = 1.64
Runs on 4.2 Ghz, I can even do to 4.4 Ghz with slightly higher voltage in the CPU.
Is Rock Stable. Even with 100 % CPU running. Prime 95 or LinX
Thought the Idea was to run your CPU and stuff with the lowest voltages possible and the fastest speeds. :o
KJ
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From what you say I think it is highly likely that it is down to a bad memory controller then. As this is now incorporated into the CPU it would mean RMAing that component.
Er, what? sorry do not understand what you just wrote? Are you saying my board is faulty?
GW
No I am saying that part of your CPU might be faulty. It is the part that looks after the memory.
Hi DM,
I am really a bit worried when you advice to set the RAM to 1.70 or even 1.72. Usually I keep it on 1.64 instead, just under it.
My 980X runs on 1.28125
QPI = 1.280
RAM = 1.64
Runs on 4.2 Ghz, I can even do to 4.4 Ghz with slightly higher voltage in the CPU.
Is Rock Stable. Even with 100 % CPU running. Prime 95 or LinX
Thought the Idea was to run your CPU and stuff with the lowest voltages possible and the fastest speeds. :o
KJ
You are quite right and it is ideal if you can run with the least possible voltage so less heat etc. The thing is that first you have to get it running stable and then you can start trying to cut back on the volts if you can. If you are filling all the slots with RAM then you are putting an extra load on the memory controller so to give this the necessary extra power to work stably you need to up the voltage. Normally 1.66 - 1.72v depending on other specs.
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@ DM,
If you are filling all the slots with RAM then you are putting an extra load on the memory controller so to give this the necessary extra power to work stably you need to up the voltage. Normally 1.66 - 1.72v depending on other specs.
Ah, I got ya, so you only up the Voltage when you have let's say have 12 GB, 24 GB or use all 6 slots in your Mobo......
So what happens if one or 2 RAM sticks die in the process, would that affect the voltages on the RAM sticks in total ?
Interesting what Threeboy says,
Don't know if this will help, but I noticed that you were running a 64-bit version of windows. In the BIOS, suggest you go to the Power Mgmt Setup Page and change the HPET Mode to 64-bit mode. I am using Win 7 64-bit with this motherboard and my system won't even run properly with the HPET Mode setting at 32-bit mode. Don't know if this will make any difference in your current memory problem, but shouldn't hurt to try changing this setting.
I set my HPET mode to 64bit when I use or install Windows 64bit, but I have seen if you have installed it with HPET Mode 64bit and go back to HPET 32bit it does not like that or even does not boot either. Has anyone had this experience too ?
KJ
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Yes that is basically the gist of it. I would think that if you had a stick die it would still be trying to be used by the controller so probably wouldn't affect the voltage. I must admit to not being sure of that and it is just conjecture.
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OK guys
I have been playing around with the ram locations on the board and I am able to get 10GB running but not 12GB. It appears that my DIMM slot 2 might be faulty, as whenever I add a ram stick on that slot the last two (5 and 6) dimms stop working or being enabled. Does that make any sense to anyone? Maybe a faulty DIMM slot or a fault in the CPU? Not sure how to test for that, any ideas?
Either way I am happy to have at least 10GB working, I can use the other 2GB in another PC.
Now if I can go back to the HDD and ask about that set-up please. The drives as I mentioned in my first post are 2 x SATA3 drives but they seem awfully slow. I have not set up RAID or anything on the system, so maybe that is it?
from the first post
'At the same time I have in the PC 2 x SATA3 and 1 SATA2 drives, the SATA2 is only used as a store for old files but the two SATA3 (1TB each) are the main system and file drives. I do not however think I have set them up correctly as they seem slow and therefore I am seeking assistance in what I need to change or do to get them working at the best possible performance.'
I am going to update the drives to 3 x 2TB SATA3 drives as well, so I'd like to work out the optimal performance if I can please.
Thanks
GW
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Hi
Forget the SATA3 rating for your drives as you are not able to make full use of it on your motherboard anyway. The fastest ports are the ones controlled by your Intel ICH10R Southbridge chip. I would suggest that you set it to AHCI when you re-arrange the setup and put the boot drive on SATA2_0 followed by the rest of your hard drives. Put your optical drive on one of the GSATA ports and set it to IDE mode in the BIOS.
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Forget the SATA3 rating for your drives as you are not able to make full use of it on your motherboard anyway.
Why is that? I thought and I bought the board because it was SATA3 ready? Why have it as SATA3 and it not be usable?
The fastest ports are the ones controlled by your Intel ICH10R Southbridge chip. I would suggest that you set it to AHCI when you re-arrange the setup and put the boot drive on SATA2_0 followed by the rest of your hard drives.
Hmm, ok, if I cannot get it to use SATA3 then I have wasted some money damn it, I will have to try this then if the SATA3 is unusable. So do not use the SATA3 ports at all?
Put your optical drive on one of the GSATA ports and set it to IDE mode in the BIOS.
ok will do that then
This is very frustrating that the drives cannot be used as SATA3 then, what is the point of having the SATA3 ports?
So setting up my system once the new drives arrive, use no RAID, just use as individual drives and set all to AHCI;
1 SATA3 1TB drive for the system and applications on a Intel ICH10R SATA port 0 (about 480GB's in use)
1 SATA3 2TB drive for user data and current photos/videos on a Intel ICH10R SATA port 1 (about 905GB's in use)
1 SATA3 2TB drive for older data files on a Intel ICH10R SATA port 2 (about 780GBs in use)
The DVD/CD drive to the GSATA2 port 8
Is that correct and the best for performance?
Thanks
GW
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Here we go again! ;D
This has to be one of the most answered questions on this forum. The Marvell 9128 SATA3 chip just didn't live up to it's advertised spec and as such won't work as SATA3. It will however work quite happily as a controller for SATA2 drives so it is usable. As long as you don't overload the controller it works fine. This was a Marvell problem not a Gigabyte one and all manufacturers that utilised the 9128 chip for SATA3 had the same problem.
Your intended setup should be fine for the best performance available.
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Sorry did not mean to be annoying, just want to be able to have the system run at optimal performance.
Again thanks for all your help in this thread it has helped greatly and is appreciated, many thanks
GW
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No I didn't mean to imply that you were annoying! Just that this question is a perrenial one that comes up over and over again. ;)
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HI, I wonder if you can help me further with regard to the HDD settings.
While I have set the HDD to AHCI the HDD still seem to be sluggish, so I had a look at what they were being reported as in Speccy and I note they are all showing to be 16MB Cache, when in fact each should be 64MB Cache.
(http://gmwebfiles.com/data/g/forumposts/2011/speccy-hdd-capture.png)
Is there a reason it is doing that and is there a way for me to make a setting chnage to have them set correctly and be able to use the full 64MB Cache as I suspect that is a reason for the sluggish access etc.
Cheers again for your help
GW
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HI
There is no way to change the setting as far as I am aware but it is more likely just a reporting error. Have you tried a different program to see if it is reported differently ?