Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: KJILM123 on May 06, 2011, 06:25:23 pm
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This board when it starts up it stops at the startup screen of Gigabyte and it has several pixels displaced on the screen on the left of the Gigabyte word. It means it has taken pixels away from one place and put it somewhere else. Left in this case on the screen. They are always there sometimes it is a few, some times 4 or 5. When it does not display the displaced pixels, it starts up to POST and in Windows. After rebooting same problem. I am using water cooling on processor. I have installed many fans for cooling through the case, front, side, top, and back, in push-pull configuration.
I have changed everything from video card, to memory and CD rom, HDD's, but only when it is cool it starts up but after reboot it get's stuck again. Is it the main board that is overheating ? (Northbridge, sometimes quite hot but not always.) Or is the Power supply the problem ? I changed also the power cables to the video card because it has several one's to try. I have reset the BIOS and removed the battery but no difference. Please advice what I can do or perhaps tell me what problem it might be. I have not found any problem similar on Gigabyte forum. This is also a first for me, since I have built many computers and have not seen this phenomonon happening.
Extra information:
Powersupply Corsair 750 Watt Not modular. Tried different cables on Video Card, same problem.
CoolIT ALC Watercooling Temperature 26-30 degrees. Seated properly, I have checked.
Intel 775 Q9450 12 MB cache processsor Normal voltages and all standard.
Crucial 1066 mhz 4 GB, 4 sticks all slots taken.
HDD's Samsung 1 TB, Seagate 1 TB
CD/DVD+-R/RW LG and Samsung
Case Xigmatek Midgard
Sapphire ATI HD 5750 Vapor X 1 Gb GDDR5, Tried different Video card, same problem.
Several Fans in Case Pull Push configuration, Front, Back Top and Side
Microsoft Business Keyboard and Mouse, PS2, Tried different Keyboard, USB, same problem.
No further attachments in any USB
LAN 1 GB x 1 connected
Sound, 1 Speaker set connected
All Software installed, Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit on both HDD's, is not the cause of hanging, since I tried to boot from HDD, still same problem.
Tried 3 different cases. 2 Full Towers and one Midi Case.
Tried Higher voltages, CPU, Memory, and others, no difference.
Not sure how Northbridge heat is, and Southbridge. Northbridge sometimes feels hot. Not all the time, dealt with 140 mm fan right on top of it from side of the Case.
Temperatures look ok. Not sure about the MOSFETS, SFC's or Capacitors, look all alright, no bulging or cracks.
Processor connectors not bend in any way or form.
Tried everything. No understanding why this is.
Please can anyone get back to me as soon as possible.
Thanks,
KJ
P.S. No beeping codes, just normal 1 beep.
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Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.
First thing is how old is your power supply ?
I don't think you mentioned what BIOS version you are running but the latest is F5B.
You could try clearing the CMOS in case it is corrupted at all.
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 at least fifteen minutes 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 Opimised 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.
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Power supply is 2 years old.
If you see the subject line you will see I have put there BIOS F4.
F5B is beta BIOS, was not advised to use yet. Asked also if they would make it to Release Bios, was said they have no control over it since this is done in Taiwan by Gigabyte.
Done all that before. Can do it again.
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Well if you are sure that it won't help then I guess that there is no point in doing it again as long as you did it properly the first time.
I would still suggest that upgrading the BIOS might well help. You can always return to your current BIOS if you find it doesn't work for you. When you flash the file though make sure that you disable the Keep DMI Data on the home page.
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Going to do that now, but I even juggled with the RAM a bit in the slots. Still a no no. So far.
I am going to update to the F5B BIOS. Thanks.
KJ
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I also can't help noticing that the RAM modules of Crucial are of different voltages. 2 with 2 Volts and 2 with 2.2 volts. However they are the same in looks colour and 5-5-5-15 1066 Mhz. And they have worked like this for years in this board. Since I have built this board in a new Case, as I said, I had this with the other cases, that is why I went to the Xigmatek Midguard. And.... I am writing this Email on the machine itselves with 2 GB in it now. I notice that if I stick the 2 volts ones in Slot I and III it seems to work. This is a bit of head scratching now. Because as soon as I plant the others one's in Slot II and IV I have trouble.
Any suggestion further ? Oh I still have not Flashed the BIOS, brb, ;-)
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Ok Flashed the BIOS now to FB5, First noticed a little faster booting at the beginning. Going to replace the 2 other RAM sticks. Brb.
KJ
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Right well that makes a lot of difference then. Next thing is to see which if any of your modules are faulty. This takes some time to do properly but is worth doing.
The next thing I would want to check is the memory. Please follow these instructions exactly.
I would suggest that you download and run the latest version of Memtest86+ to check your RAM first.
Memtest86+ http://www.memtest.org/
Insert one stick of memory in slot 1 and run Memtest on it for at least 10 complete loops/cycles and if there are no errors then swap it over with the next one and continue untill you have checked all modules.
If you have any errors the module is faulty.
If you have any faulty modules you will have to return the whole kit as they are matched.
Post back when you have done that with the results.
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Ok Here is what I have done in the meantime. I took the other 2 and put them alone in the slots and guess what, Black Screen only. No booting at all.
Put all 4 in them then booting with shifted pixels and hang on the Gigabyte Logo Screen. But sometimes just booting clearly through that and Windows login and working until next reboot.
This is really strange because they always worked before ????? At least 2.5 years. How about that ? More head scratching here.
I did a test online with Crucials Scanner. Guess what came out of that ????
DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-5300
Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-8500<~~~~ (this is what I have in there), DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (ECC)
Maximum Memory: 8GB
Currently Installed Memory: 2GB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 2
1GB
DDR PC2-6400 first bank and look here ~~~> Second bank no description @ all.
Then what do we see next......
1GB
EMPTY EMPTY <~~~~ Which is correct.
The PC2 6400 I don't understand because it is clearly PC2 8500 RAM or 1066 Mhz which is 5-5-5-15 settings. Duh ! and I have had this processor before running with a 3,2 Ghz or with 400 speed aka 1600 Mhz FSB. Ofcourse I had the Memory divider back to 1066 Mhz in this case. Which was working fine.... as I said for long long time.
So much confusion here right ?
Ok, I am going to do this next week and send them off back to Crucial because it is clear to me that those 2 are sort of the culprit for now and I am fairly convinced something is wrong with them. So far I know they have life time warranty.
Just bare with me for next week, let me get them shipped back to Crucial and get (specific) new modules WITH 2.0 volts !!!! and not 2.2 volts and see what happens next.
Grrrr, as if.... I have nothing else to do...... >:(
Update follows by next week for now, please bear with me.
KJ
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Some info regarding this system.
Hardware monitor ITE IT87
Voltage 0 1.28 Volts (CPU VCORE)
Voltage 1 1.92 Volts (DDR)
Voltage 2 3.28 Volts (+3.3V)
Voltage 3 5.03 Volts (+5V)
Voltage 7 12.35 Volts (+12V)
Voltage 8 3.18 Volts (VBAT)
Temperature 0 34°C (System)
Temperature 1 23°C (CPU)
Fan 0 6250 RPM (FANIN0)
Processor 1 ID = 0
Number of cores 4 (max 4)
Number of threads 4 (max 4)
Name Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
Codename Yorkfield
Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9450 @ 2.66GHz
Package (platform ID) Socket 775 LGA (0x4)
CPUID 6.7.7
Extended CPUID 6.17
Core Stepping C1
Technology 45 nm
Core Speed 3200 MHz
Multiplier x FSB 6.0 x 400.0 MHz
Rated Bus speed 1600.1 MHz
Stock frequency 2666 MHz
Instructions sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, EM64T, VT-x
L1 Data cache 4 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache 4 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache 2 x 6144 KBytes, 24-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control yes
FID range 6.0x - 8.0x
Max VID 1.213 V set to 1.30 V
TDP Limit 95 Watts
Now no problem with running 2 GB 2 Stick RAM and rebooting. This is like singing the song "Crazy Horses" from the Osmonds. lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXO7-aAzUO4
KJ
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Running Aida Extreme 64 bit Stress 100% test. No problem.
Hardware monitor ITE IT87
Voltage 0 1.26 Volts (CPU VCORE)
Voltage 1 1.92 Volts] (DDR)
Voltage 2 3.26 Volts (+3.3V)
Voltage 3 5.00 Volts (+5V)
Voltage 7 12.35 Volts (+12V)
Voltage 8 3.18 Volts ] (VBAT)
Temperature 0 34°C (System)
Temperature 1 34°C (CPU)
Fan 0 6081 RPM (FANIN0)
Processor 1 ID = 0
Number of cores 4 (max 4)
Number of threads 4 (max 4)
Name Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
Codename Yorkfield
Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9450 @ 2.66GHz
Package (platform ID) Socket 775 LGA (0x4)
CPUID 6.7.7
Extended CPUID 6.17
Core Stepping C1
Technology 45 nm
Core Speed 3200.3 MHz
Multiplier x FSB 8.0 x 400.0 MHz
Rated Bus speed 1600.1 MHz
Stock frequency 2666 MHz
Instructions sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, EM64T, VT-x
L1 Data cache 4 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache 4 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache 2 x 6144 KBytes, 24-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control yes
FID range 6.0x - 8.0x
Max VID 1.213 V set to 1.30 v
TDP Limit 95 Watts
KJ
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It certainly seems to be the other modules that are causing the problem. Did you try running them singly and using Memtest86+ on them ?
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Can't run the other RAM sticks because they only give a black screen and no video. Which is very odd because they always used to work with the other one's. I will get in contact with Crucial on Monday or Tuesday and see if they can tell me why these RAM sticks are the cause of giving no video. There is still only one beep though. Which means they pass.
KJ
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When you try them are you inserting them one at a time in the first slot ?
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If you put 1 Stick in you get a series beeps and it still does not do anything. No boot, no access to CD/DVD ROM. That counts for both. The computer still works now with the other 2 sticks and this Email is written on it. So it is definitely those two RAM sticks. The only thing that is weird here is that they used to work with the other two. I could access all 4 GB and load over 100 programs into it as I did once a test. Ofcourse this was spreading over into the swapfile of Windows. It's for me a mystery so far. And I notice that nobody else is reacting on it. I guess they don't know the solution either.
KJ
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From what you have said it sounds like the sticks are both dead now. Why that has happened is not clear at the moment but I think you need to RMA them both.
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That my friend I am going to do Monday or Tuesday. :D So I hope they won't have any fuss about it, because they came with limited lifetime warranty. So I am going to try and discuss that with them and how it is possible why these all of sudden don't work. While they still work when you put all 4 in there, besides rebooting a few times which causes the pixel shift thing problem.
But this time I am going to ask the exact match with the other sticks specification serial and part numbers.
So I will soon give a update, please bear with me,
KJ
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The old 2.2V rated Crucial sets are known for dying easily, so I would remove those and send them in for RMA as that sounds like the set that's probably faulty. You shouldn't mix them anyway since the new ones need 2.0V and can't run at 2.2V safely.
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Hi LSD,
Yeah got that figured out now, am in the process RMAing them. I will talk to Crucial on Monday. I will update when all is sorted.
KJ
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For everyone to read regarding the problem with the Crucial Ballistix Memory,
I just spoke to the Crucial Chat room online and put my issue forward which was.
What I have:
Ballistix 2 x 1 GB 240-Pin Unbuffered DIMM 128X64 DDR2 PC2-8500 EPP, 5-5-5-15, 1066 Mhz 2.2 Volts
Part No BL2KIT12864AA1065.8FE5 Serial No. CL1118Z.ZN 97433
What I should have had:
Ballistix 2 x 1 GB 240-Pin Unbuffered DIMM 128X64 DDR2 PC2-8500 EPP, 5-5-5-15, 1066 Mhz 2.0 Volts
Part No BL2KIT12864AA106A Serial No. CL1118Z.ZN 97433
Apparently it is so that they have now suggested that I am waiting for their Email of instructions how to RMA the RAM sticks that do not work. They have not really admitted that something was wrong with the other set, but DO agree about that the sets of RAM should be Identical in order to work properly in a Mobo. Which I agree wholeheartedly.
I think at the time I did not pay attention to the difference and when I just put them in they used to work together. Perhaps overtime something has changed now and it just "came to the conclusion" hang on, You and I (the different RAM sticks) we actually are incompatible. Hmmm interesting. It seems to be that things sometimes are quite finicky when it comes to let things work together. I also find that it should not be possible in the first place to have such a mix and match situation. However I know many people have in their computers Mix and Match and it seems to work. Still I would suggest and believe, keep it all the same for Pete's sake. Less problems likely then the normal "dying" of the RAM sticks. Much easier to distinguish, I guess. However I do agree that you should test your RAM sticks before sending them off to the Manufacturer if you can. Because many times nothing seems to be wrong with them except that people do not seat them properly or just do not know what is compatible with the Mobo's. I have also noticed that spending lots of money on the Mobo, CPU, PSU, etc etc. And then skimp on Memory costs (I know memory can be expensive)and get cheap memory instead of saving up properly for a good bundle that works nicely together. I am not saying you should go out of your budget what you have decided, but if you want to go for the Big Guns, please take out a substantial sum and buy all that is nicely working together what the manufacturer is recommending. These guys are not sitting there just for the sake of selling things to ya, but they just have tested it FOR YOU before hand so you can be safe if you go with their choices recommended. ;)
Hurray, I think we are gettin' there, gettin' there.
KJ
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Well that sounds about right and is what we were suggesting. Hopefully it will all be resolved soon then. ;)
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@ DM,
Well the Email is in and I followed all the instructions on it for RMA and the number given by them. So I have written a nice letter with what is in the package, included it into the big envelope with the box of the Ballistix RAM (It's good to keep some boxes on the shelf or shed, in case things happening like this so you can send them back in the original package. It shows also you are following the instructions of the Manufacturer up to a Tee because they appreciate that you are not a silly Slarty Bartfast with your precious bought stuff :P and being careless. And try to pack it in nicely as they sold it to ya. ) I am sure that this will also speed up the exchange of the goods that are taken in and send back to you. Just make sure print their address and RMA number is clearly on the front of the envelope and box and your return address of yourself on the back and send it off as registered with the post, so you have proof that you send it to them. ;D
Oh by the way DM, does your ATI 6970 get also very hot when you play a heavy game like Crysis 2 with settings out to the MAX ? Mine goes all the way up 93-97 degrees, but cools down quickly after you stop the game. Not that I have problems at the moment. Playing for a while heavy games. I checked it in the ATI Catalyst Center. Running it while I play the games. But CPUID HW monitor tells this as well. Ambient Temp around 24 degrees or lower. Or do you have yours watercooled ? I do not at the moment. But I always run the fan around 85 % speed afterwards when I stop playing games for a 5-10 minutes until it cools back to 40 degrees or so.
KJ
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No I have my whole system watercooled and quite heavilly. Besides I don't have time to play Crysis...yet. ;)
I have a whole load of games that I intend to get to grips with eventually!
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@ DM,
Crysis, Crysis 2 is gorgeous on the 6970, please for your own sake get hold on it quick and immerse yourself in gorgeous graphics and game play. :D Your system is screaming out for it.
KJ
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Oh I have a copy. I get them all as they are released. It is just finding the time to play them is the problem. :-\
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Ok here is the deal !!!!
After RMAed my 2 x 1 GB sticks of Crucial RAM for the right ones as the others were. Stuffed them in the Mobo. Guess what ???? Itta works !!!!! Hurrah ! No more funny booting problems, no more pixels shifted on the screen. Sticks came in this morning and I am writing this Email now after 15 hours of consisted working of particular computer Mobo. Computer is as it was before.
So here is the summary of the problem.
1. During boot, pixels were funny shifted over the screen, result no boot.
2. Removed one by one Hardware and ended up with the two Crucial Ram sticks which were under suspicion.
3. RMAed to Crucial via Website. Took the RAM sticks packaged them in and send them back to Crucial.
4. Waited a few days.
5. Contacted Crucial via Chat Program online on their website. Gave them my order number #1234567890, was told return RAM sticks were under way to my home 1st class.
6. Post man dropped them in the mail box this morning 19/05/2011.
7. Installed them carefully and started PC and it was working again.
8. Happy Smile ;D Gigglebytes !
Hopefully this gives some insight in how to get your Puter running again when strange phenomenon is happening.
Cheers !!!!
KJ
P.S. Thanks DM, LSD and others for being patient.
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You are very welcome and I am very happy to hear that our diagnosis of the problem was correct and everything is working again now. ;)
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Y'all diagnoses ? :o You mean mine...... !!!! Mine, Mineeee, alll mine !!! ;-)
:D :D :D