Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: S-F on January 23, 2012, 06:54:26 pm
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I recently got a GA-H61N-USB3 H61. I stuck an i3 2100 and a 4 Gx2 PATRIOT PSD38G1600KH R kit on with an OCZ 600 watt PSU.
I can POST just fine every time. I can enter the BIOS and tinker around. The problems occur when trying to boot. I have tried to install Windows XP and 7 to OCZ SSD's (3 of them) and every time I get to the beginning of the boot process where the Windows flag begins to come together I get a BSOD. I have also tried booting from just the USB drive for installation with no SSD attached and I get the BSOD at the same place. I have tried booting with 1 stick of RAM (both sticks individually) and in both memory slots with the same results. I have even tried booting from a known good SSD with a regularly functioning OS on it and I get the BSOD in the same place. I was sure to set the BIOS to AHCI but it doesn't work in IDE either. And I have cleared the BIOS with the jumper and loaded optimized defaults. No luck there either.
Is the RAM I have incompatible or bad? That's all I can think of. It sounds strange for both sticks to be bad.
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Did you run memtest86+ to test the RAM?
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Hmmmm. No I haven't. I'll give it a shot tonight. Don't know why I didn't think about that. I must be getting out of the game. Thanks.
Still, could the RAM be incompatible? This is my first DDR 3 machine and as I understand it there are different requirements for different chipsets and different types of RAM.
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It is quite possible that the memory is incompatible or damaged. I take it that the RAM you purchased is a matched kit. It is also possible that your SSD drives are not compatible. OCZ in particular have manufactured quite a few drives that had problems with Gigabyte motherboards. If that is the case you would need to update the firmware on them. Also follow these instructions for running Memtest86+.
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.
It would be a good idea to post a complete list of your components by make/model.
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Personally, I run all sticks I intend to use in the build; if there's a failure, then test them individually. If they still fail, check your timings.
SandForce 22xx SSDs are problematic; do you have a SATA HDD you can use to test?
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Hi S-F, ;)
I find this doc about your memory...
http://www.patriotmemory.com/products/specs/PSD38G1600K.pdf
Here I check if the ram is recommended for your motherboard ... Yes ....
http://www.patriotmemory.com/configurator/morepartsp.jsp?catid=6569&mfrid=781&modelid=1124968&tab=r
Patriot Memory Installation Guide
http://www.patriotmemory.com/support/installp.jsp
(Just for help you ... if you want... I do not have infos about your experience...
Have you posibility to go to store and change your ram for another same kit... but try it on store place. In your computer... Why not?
Have you tried again a clear cmos?
Of course if you have not a positive boot result with Ram after Testing with Memtest...
I speak about after you have make a test with Memtest, if not detect a problem,
so I assume you reboot system... and if at this moment, you have not a good boot... hang...
Tried a boot with a one stick of Ram... check if is good or no....
I suggest clear cmos...
I suggest you apply the following instructions (quote from Dark Mantis) ...
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Hi
...
Try clearing the CMOS before installing the GPU. follow these instructions exactly.
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 one hour 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 Optimised 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.
About BSOD
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Have you more infos about it...
maybe take a picture by Telephon, Cellular or camera...
and give us a link here...
About Live CD with Linux system..
====================
Maybe test a Live CD or DVD with linux...
Check if you have a same problem...
About Bios
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What is your Bios Version?
Because is not good idea to install a Beta Bios like a F4B...
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3963#bios
Is just a question... I do not ask to you ... Flash a Bios... now... do not make this now... wait after other tests or change ...
But give us a infos about your bios version...
Have you make a manually changes (before or after clear cmos (if you make it...)) in the BIOS... ?
Because the Patriot Signature lines (your model) are designed to be complete plug and play with no settings needed.
But the motherboard may override this timing and choose to set something else.
The normal setting are 1600 9-9-9-24 1.50v
But when i read a GB Memory QVL:
http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-h61n-usb3.pdf
I find Model Name: H61N-USB3 DDR3 1600 (downgrade to DDR3 1333)
Otherwise you may need to relax the timings to 1333.
dram voltage 1.5v
Maybe check in the Advanced Memory Settings Section in the BIOS.
Manual page 37
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-h61n-usb3_e.pdf
What is the value for
QPI voltage, and
cpu voltage
See page 39 on manual.
Have you tried other stict of ram from another Brands?
Maybe by a friend or in shop place...?
About CPU and HeatSink
===============
When you have installed a cpu on socket, you put a thermal paste, between cpu and heatsink? I assume yes, but I prefer verify... ;)
Have you a Intel stock heatsink or other? If other, name it please.
Other thing, the pressure on the cpu by the heatsink have a importance on the system.
Because a cpu have a memory controller.
If the pressure is higher on one side of the cpu is not good.
We really need the pressure of the cooler is balanced on the cpu.
And also not too strong.
Sometimes you need release the pressure, while ensuring it is fully equal on every side.
For other members helpers:
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I have a idea, but I am not sure is good... in this Topic... (situation case)...
try increasing the dram voltage to 1.60 is good or no? Maybe this help or no?
Infos about chipset:
http://www.intel.com/content/dam/staging/image/Products/H61-block-diagram.gif
the Intel H61 Express Chipset enables 1 DIMM per channel of DDR3 1333 MHz.
Gloup_Gloup
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Installing with a single module might help, but be sure you run memtest86+ too
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Well, I'm on the 8th pass with memtest 86+ and no errors so it looks like it's got to be something else. That's with both sticks in BTW.
I can't get a picture of the BSOD because it's just a flash on the screen.
I don't think it's due to the SSD because I've also tried to boot with my known good Intel X25m and it still fails at the same point. I've also trued booting from the install media with no drive attached at all and I get the BSOD at the same place.
Any other ideas?
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I can't get a picture of the BSOD because it's just a flash on the screen.
Disable automatic reboot in the advanced boot options (hit F8 on startup) to see what the BSOD is.
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Are you loading additional drivers during the setup process? If so, don't and see if that helps.
Also, use Windows 7 because if your XP install disk is an old one (Pre-SP1) it will fail to install on a PCIE motherboard.
What graphics are you using, onboard or a card? If you are using a card, try using onboard instead and see if that helps as well.
Update to the latest BIOS as well, if you are not using it already
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I have tried both XP SP3 and 7. There are no additional drivers slipstreamed in. I am using the on board graphics. I will try to update the BIOS right now.
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I updated the BIOS to F3 and I am still having the same issue. It's like there are drives missing or something. I have had this exact same thing happen when changing from RAID to AHCI without employing the proper registry modifications. It would fail at the exact same point.
Here's a capture of the BSOD
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x270/saint-francis-photos/IMG_20120202_072054.jpg)
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When you update the BIOS, be sure you load optimized defaults, then save/apply/reboot back to BIOS, then set any changes you need such as memory voltage, SATA settings, ect.
*Edit*
Yes, that is the infamous 0x7B error dealing with switching from IDE to AHCI or RAID. You may need to try inserting drivers during setup to get around not, not sure why you are seeing that because windows 7 has AHCI and RAID drivers included, so you shouldn't ever see it with windows 7. Xp is another beast, and would need F6 via floppy for AHCI or RAID
Try inserting the F6 drivers during install, with Windows 7
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=2101&DwnldID=20625&ProductFamily=Chipsets&ProductLine=Chipset+Software&ProductProduct=Intel%C2%AE+Rapid+Storage+Technology&lang=eng
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It would be a good idea to post a complete list of your components by make/model.
MOBO GA-H61N-USB3 H61
RAM 4 Gx2 PATRIOT PSD38G1600KH R
OCZ PSU OCZ600MXSP 600W RT
CPU INTEL|CORE I3 2100 3.1G 3M R
HDD 3 x OCZ Core 2 SSD 30 GB and an Intel X25M 80 GB
I'm going to try to install Windows 7 right now with the drivers ready to be loaded.
EDIT:
I can't. It says Windows Loading Files on a black screen with a simple progress bar and the I get the normal "Starting Windows" screen. It just restarts at the same place, when the orbs start to come together to form the flag.
This sucks.
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Are you sure you are loading the correct driver? What exactly do you select when asked, and did you download the correct driver per your install disk (32/64 bit)?
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I don't make it to the screen where it asks you if you want to load drivers. It fails before that. And I did download the correct drivers (X64).
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I just took the SSD out of my desktop and tried it with no luck. I gt the exact same failure. It's not the RAM or the drive. So that leaves the CPU, the MOBO and the PSU. I haven't heard of a DOA CPU but I guess it could happen and I don't know how the PSU could be doing this. I think it's time to warranty the board. How do I go about that?
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Ahh ok, ya then it's not the SSD, that's all it rules out to me. Maybe burn your installer disk again, this time using the slowest setting.
Your last comments do not rule out the memory, try with only a single stick and a new install DVD before you decide on anything else.
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I'm installing from a USB drive. This machine doesn't have an ODD. I don't even think I have a DVD burner any more. At any rate I haven't used one in years, since I built a file server. I have formatted the USB drive multiple times and have tried to install from two separate drives. And I put the SSD from my machine in and tried to fire it up without wiping the disk. It's a long shot but I have successfully swapped a drive from a FX60 to a C2q for a day or so while I was getting on my feet with no real issues so I figured this would at least boot. Nope. It fails at the same place. I have done plenty of single stick testing. I have tried with each stick independently and in both slots respectively. If I can't install from a USB drive then something (and not the USB drive) is faulty. I install from these drives regularly.
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OK, thanks I guess I missed that! Then be sure you are not using that USB in a USB Hub, and that you are not using the blue USB 3.0 ports, use the middle ones under on top of HDMI and above eSATA, try both sets.
If you are unsure if your USB installer is setup right, test it on another machine, then you'll know for sure if it works properly or not. If it does not, do it again using Windows 7 USB DVD Download tool. I know you install from them regularly, but it's worth checking to be sure as it only takes 10 minutes or so to install from USB.
You do have Legacy USB Storage enabled in the BIOS correct? If not please enable this, it's on the Integrated Peripherals page.
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I missed the USB thing also. Methinks when Windows loads drivers, it's resetting your USB ports, breaking the install drive connection.
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I missed the USB thing also. Methinks when Windows loads drivers, it's resetting your USB ports, breaking the install drive connection.
Whaaaaaattttt?
Are you saying that this board doesn't support installation from a USB drive? If that's the case I want to return it. I've never heard of anything like that before. People do this every day.
And also don't forget that I have installed a SSD with an OS on it and the system fails at the same point. I've actually tried this twice. When I first fired up the machine I forgot to set the boot priority and it booted up the, apparently, existing windows 7 install on the disk. It froze before the desktop was fully loaded though. I never managed to get it back after that first time.
Oh, and the CPU heat sink is seated properly. I checked it.
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I'm not saying anything; I am speculating.
I'll admit, I'm having a hard time following the what-does-or-doesn't-do-what.
You installed Win7 onto an SSD from USB on this computer? Or did you get an SSD with Win7 already on it and plugged it into this computer? The former would be useful data, the latter, not so.
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I can't install. It fails as soon as the starting windows screen comes on. I also have tried just booting from several drives that already have Windows 7 installed on them.
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What graphics are you using, onboard or a card? If you are using a card, try using onboard instead and see if that helps as well.
You do have Legacy USB Storage enabled in the BIOS correct? If not please enable this, it's on the Integrated Peripherals page.
Any replies in regards to this questions and suggestions?
Show us an image of your current Integrated Peripherals BIOS page, and another image showing how you have your hard drives connected.
Also, you didn't change ANYTHING in the Standard CMOS page for hard drives right? If so, set it all back to auto/none as you do not need to change anything on that page.
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On board graphics in use. Legacy USB Storage enabled in the BIOS. I'll get pictures of the screens later. The only thing I have changed for hard drives is setting it to AHCI, as it prompts me to after clearing the CMOS. I have also tried with it set on IDE though.
BTW I have tried multiple known good SATA cables and on both SATA ports.
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I also have tried just booting from several drives that already have Windows 7 installed on them.
Were they SYSPREPped?
It's like there are drives missing or something...
Here's a capture of the BSOD
I can't see any way around the next proper step: eliminate USB boot-related issues by using a standard IDE/SATA interface from which to install.
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I agree, trying the install with DVD might help in case it is something in the USB setup making it not install for whatever reason.
Thanks for the answers to my questions! Do you have a graphics card you can try the install with? If so you should try that and see if it helps, if you don't have one borrow one or maybe buy a cheap one in town or steal from one of your other computers just so you can test installing with it.
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I'm not going to go out and buy a DVD burner and a graphics card or anything. If this board doesn't boot from a USB drive (or boot at all for that matter) I'd rather just get a different board.
I'm sorry to be uncooperative but this has eaten way too much of my time. I'm ready to just throw this thing in the trash and get a different board by a different manufacturer. I picked this up because it has a coax SPDIF output and none of the others did but honestly I think I can live without that. If there are any other suggestions that don't involve me buying gear I'm happy to hear them. Otherwise I'm going to try to RMA the board. If that won't fly then this thing is going to the landfill to be replaced with something else.
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You haven't taken the necessary steps to find the problem; eliminating or confirming USB installation issues is necessary for troubleshooting. "People do this every day" isn't valid troubleshooting.
You'll throw away an $85 motherboard but won't purchase a $20 optical drive? Roger that.
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Try using a different USB drive preferably a smallish one of under 2GB and make sure it is plugged directly into the rear USB2.0 ports. Check that Legacy USB devices is enabled in the BIOS and then use F12 to boot from it. Make sure it is FAT formatted first.
If it still doesn't work I would arrange to RMA the board via the retailer.
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Can't borrow a DVD drive from another system or friend for troubleshooting, same for cheap/small graphics card?
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Can't borrow a DVD drive from another system or friend for troubleshooting, same for cheap/small graphics card?
Even if you have to buy a couple of cheap components at a total of about 35$ they are always usefull afterwards too for faultfinding.