Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: Vitee on April 09, 2012, 02:19:06 pm
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Hi. First timer here.
I have recently purchased a Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 motherboard running an Intel Core i7 2600 3.40GHz, with Windows 7, 64bit. It came with 8GB of RAM (2 x 4GB Kingston 1333 modules). I have just ordered a Corsair 32GB (4 x 8GB) 1600MHz DDR3 CL10 Vengeance kit, to replace the 8GB Kingston modules. My question is regarding compatibility and installation.
1. Is this kit compatible with my motherboard? I did quite a bit of research and it seems to be. I certainly hope so!
2. Are there any tricks or tweaks I should be aware of?
Thank you for any help or suggestions.
Cheers,
Vitée
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Has no-one ever done this? Is it totally straightforward?
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The manual says it supports 32 gigs, so why would there be a problem?
I've only got 12 myself so I couldn't tell ya. 12 works fine though (3 4gig (2 dual channel)
It's a pretty new board too though, so I doubt many people have them yet.
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Ok. Thanks Voodoo.
I guess I'm concerned because I've seen the Corsair RAM described as quad channel AND dual channel -- and I don't know if the mother board supports both.
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Hi and welcome.
The memory that you have purchased is a good call. It is very stable and compatrible with most boards ok. The only thing you might find is that you might have to increase the memory voltage a touch like from 1.5v to 1.55v or so. It's possible that if you do have to do that you will also have to increase the QPI/Vtt vopltage a touch too. The thing that must be remembered is that a maximum differential of 0.5v exists between them. So if DRAM voltage is 1.65v say then QPI/Vtt must be no less than 1.15v.
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Thanks for the info Dark Mantis.
I don't have the kit yet -- it's en route. How would I know if I need to tweak the voltage? What would be the tell-tails signs?
Thanks.
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If it doesn't work properly or you get BSODs. Often it will just be unstable or not even boot properly. Install them and then post back with how you get on. If necessary we can sort them out.
Hopefully they will just work out of the box.
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Hi Dark Mantis.
I have just installed the 32GB of RAM ... and guess what... no boot.
BIOS sees the memory as 32768 MB
I initially set the XMP to Enabled (Profile1) - Memory Frequency= 1600 . No boot. Set it back to Disabled - same result.
System Memory Profile (SPD): Auto
I'm not sure how to increase the Memory voltage. Please help.
Thanks for your assistance.
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Well the first thing to do is clear the CMOS so there is no memory of the old RAM.
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 a couple of hours 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.
That might be enough to prompt the system to work if not then you will need to go into the BIOS and find the memory settings. In that section you will be able to enter the timings and voltage manually. I think the default voltage for that RAM is 1.5v. If I am correct set it to 1.55v and try again. If still no luck increase it to 1.6v. Make sure that your QPI/Vtt setting is at at least 1.15v although it will probably need to be higher anyway.
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Thanks for getting back to me. I will follow your suggestions tomorrow. Too late to tackle it now.
The motherboard battery is proving to be a bit of a hassle to remove right now.
I will report back tomorrow.
Cheers.
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I usually find that a small flathead screwdriver is the best tool for releasing the battery. Once the clip is depressed it will normally just pop out.
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Hi,
I done as you suggested - removed the power chord, the MB battery and left it out overnight. I've also set Optimised BIOS Defaults. As I have SATA HDDs, I have set IDE controllers to None.
Now when attempting to boot Windows, it cannot detect any HDD and fails to boot at all. It gives me a DISK BOOT FAILURE message.
I have tried to get help via the Corsair forum, but their forum software seems to be totally out to lunch!
Anyways, I try a couple more times to set up the BIOS - But I need all the help I can get.
Thanks.
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Remove the memory except the stick in slot DDR3_1 which is the white slot furthest away from the CPU. Now try and boot. What happens now ?
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Tried that... same message: DISK BOOT FAILURE.
Added: Tried based on your suggestion.
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Should I re-install the original 8GB RAM (2 x 4GB) and load the BIOS fail safe defaults?
Thanks.
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DISK BOOT FAILURE. Probably you have the mode set wrongly in the BIOS AHCI/IDE or you haven't set the HDD priority correctly. You need to tell the system which drive is first and which one to boot from.
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Ok. I have partial success. I have done the following (I have 2 x 1TB drives - 1 x Seagate Barracuda, 1 x WD 1 TB The Seagate is the boot disc) :
- re-installed the 32GB
- Standard CMOS > IDE Channel 0 Master : set to [AUTO]. Access mode set to [Auto]
- Channel 0 Slave : set to [ATAPI iHAS124 C]
Advanced BIOS >
HDD Boot Priority: 1 Ch0: ST31000524AS
Quick Boot: [Enabled]
Is that enough info for you?
BTW: If I can private message to you, I can give you my Skype address - or vice-verso. I'm not an 'Over-clocker' (obviously) - all I want to do is install this 32GB of RAM! Thanks.
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The System did partially boot and Windows offered to start up in 'Recovery mode' but that didn't succeed. Now I have no idea what to do. I either need to go through the BIOS setup process step-by-step or take it to someone and pay them to do it -- or tell me the RAM or the motherboard is broken.
Very depressing.
Thank you for your help up to this point.
Cheers,
Vitée
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Ok... Update time. I've had a data recovery guy work on the machine and he has managed to get it running ok with the 32GB or RAM. The only issue is that it takes a very long time to boot up completely... like about 5 minutes. He has done extensive memory speed/health testing and has found no issues with the RAM. With 24GB RAM installed, it boots up as it should, i.e. almost instantly. Any ideas what the problem is and how to fix it?
BTW: The motherboard is Revision 2.
DISK BOOT FAILURE. Probably you have the mode set wrongly in the BIOS AHCI/IDE or you haven't set the HDD priority correctly. You need to tell the system which drive is first and which one to boot from.
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On re-examination, the system takes 10 minutes to boot!
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
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Hi
Sorry for the delay in replying but have been very busy.
So the system is now booting but taking 10 minutes if all the memory is installed, correct ? If you remover 8GB (one stick) then it boots fine, yes ? Does it make any difference which module you remove ?
Have you got Optimised BIOS Defaults loaded ?
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I initially did load the Optimized BIOS Defaults. But I got so frustrated with it that I got a data recovery guy to mess with it. I had bad sectors on the boot HD which he fixed and I had him add another HDD. I now have 3 x 1TB drives. I'm pretty sure he 'mixed and matched' until he got them (i.e., the RAM modules) to work. He didn't change the frequency from the default (1333Mhz - I checked) and tried to keep everything as bog standard as possible.
Like I said, it boots fine with 24GB - when I remove the module in slot number 4, as directed by Derek, the data recovery guy. Put that module back and it takes 10 Minutes(!) to boot. I suppose I could number the modules and try swapping them around - if you think that would help.
Thanks.
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I am afraid that you are getting mixed up between your hard drives and the memory modules.
You do need to find out whether it is the memory module or the slot itself that is at fault, so yes you need to number the sticks and play around to find out.
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Yeah... I'm not mixed up, but I'm afraid I have provided more info than necessary. My apologies.
I am swapping sticks and it looks like slot number 4 is the problem. I'm guessing that slot wasn't used in the original 8GB (2 x 4GB) arrangement.
What can I do short of replacing the motherboard? It's still under warranty. Would the warranty still be valid after all the exchanging of memory?
Thanks.
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It could well be that one or more of the pins on the motherboard's CPU socket copuld be bent which would give you the indication that the memory slot was faulty. To check this you would have to remove the CPU. If you want to check this follow these pointers:
Take all the usual anti-static precautions.
Very carefully remove the heatsink and fan. Probably a slight twisting motion is best to release the two as the thermal paste can act like a glue.
Once off remove the CPU taking extreme care both physically and electrically(static) and place somewhere safe.
Make sure that the lighting is very good and even.
Now scrutinise the socket for any pins that are out of alignment, even slightly.
If in any doubt whatsoever take a couple of macro (close up) photos of the socket and post them on here for us to check. Try not to use the flash, just good ambient lighting.
Also look at the bottom of the CPU at the lands (little copper circles) and make sure that there is a mark in each somewhere near the centre.
If there are any missing marks or any of the pins are obviously bent then that is your problem.
Before refitting the CPU clean off all residue of the old thermal paste and the same on the heatsink and then apply a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) to the centre of the CPU once it is inserted in the socket.
The warranty on the motherboard is valid for three years from the date of manufacture and it doesn't matter how many cards and modules you have fitted. As long as you haven't changed any of the motherboard components you should be fine.
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Thanks for your suggestions, Dark Mantis.
This is very illuminating. I'm not prepared to do this myself as my eyesight isn't up to it, so I'll contact my supplier and get him to check it out.
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This what I was advised to do:
"To fix this problem please goto BIOS setting >Advanced BIOS features >
Select and change Init Display First to [Enable If no Ext PEG]."
In the Award BIOS, it is actually Onboard VGA : [Enable If no Ext PEG]
That's it! Fixed. Quick book. No problems.
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This what I was advised to do:
"To fix this problem please goto BIOS setting >Advanced BIOS features >
Select and change Init Display First to [Enable If no Ext PEG]."
In the Award BIOS, it is actually Onboard VGA : [Enable If no Ext PEG]
That's it! Fixed. Quick book. No problems.
That was...totally fix my problem too....
i have z68xp-ud3 same issue with 32GB RAM...
now the problem fixed by setting internal graphics to [Enable If no Ext PEG]
thanks all ^^
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This what I was advised to do:
"To fix this problem please goto BIOS setting >Advanced BIOS features >
Select and change Init Display First to [Enable If no Ext PEG]."
In the Award BIOS, it is actually Onboard VGA : [Enable If no Ext PEG]
That's it! Fixed. Quick book. No problems.
Yeap , was looking for the solution for a week now , and the problem was in Onboard VGA
Thanks all :)