Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: soarwitheagles on July 07, 2010, 06:10:05 pm
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Hi everyone!
I recently purchased the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 motherboard with the Intel i5-750 CPU. I carefully put everything together including new RAM and much to my dismay, I keep getting BSOD's no matter what I try to do. The message that Windows gives me is this: "memory management."
Can someone here help me resolve this issue please?
I have tried everything including fail-safe mode,etc.
I have updated the BIOS to f9. I have tried optimized defaults as well as fail-safe defaults. I have not manually altered the voltage or any other BIOS setttings simply because I do not know how.
I have read in many other posts that the G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D work excellent with this motherboard.
Can someone here help me understand if I must alter some BIOS settings to make this work or is there something else that I am missing here?
Here are my new build components:
Intel i5-750
Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3
WD Caviar Black 500 GB 7200 RPM
Maxtor 1TB
G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D
Enermax Infiniti Ein720AWT 720W Modular PSU
Cool Master Sniper Black Edition
PNY 9800 GTX+ 512MB
Corsair Cooling Hydro Series CWCH50
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
I would greatly appreciate any and all help.
Thank you,
Soar
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Well I am sure we can sort this out. Let's check out the obvious things first.
1) Is this your first build?
2) Are you sure that you put in the right number/placement of motherboard posts?
3) Have you made sure that you have all the power connections in place?
4) Are all the memory modules seated firmly?
5) Did you remember to use paste on the CPU before installing the heatsink and fan?
6) Are the fans all running?
7) Does it beep at all on POST?
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Well I am sure we can sort this out. Let's check out the obvious things first.
1) Is this your first build?
2) Are you sure that you put in the right number/placement of motherboard posts?
3) Have you made sure that you have all the power connections in place?
4) Are all the memory modules seated firmly?
5) Did you remember to use paste on the CPU before installing the heatsink and fan?
6) Are the fans all running?
7) Does it beep at all on POST?
DM, Wow, thanks for the swift reply! Ok, I am happy to answer your questions. Here we go:
1) Is this your first build? No, I have built dozens in the past.
2) Are you sure that you put in the right number/placement of motherboard posts? Yes!
3) Have you made sure that you have all the power connections in place? Yes!
4) Are all the memory modules seated firmly? Yes!
5) Did you remember to use paste on the CPU before installing the heatsink and fan? Yes! AS5.
6) Are the fans all running? Yes!
7) Does it beep at all on POST? Not sure. I have a hearing disability. One moment, I will place me ear near the case and try to post again...
Ok, I put my ear on the case and restarted...no beep that I could hear!
What next?
Soar
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So no POST beeps. Either no beeper or something wrong there than. Have you got a beeper installed?
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So no POST beeps. Either no beeper or something wrong there than. Have you got a beeper installed?
No Beeper installed. I do not think this MB came with a beeper!
Soar
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In that case you wouldn't hear much even if your hearing was perfect ;D Can you get hold of one even just to test? And make sure that you have installed the EATX 12v power connector near the PSU.
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In that case you wouldn't hear much even if your hearing was perfect ;D Can you get hold of one even just to test? And make sure that you have installed the EATX 12v power connector near the PSU.
DM,
I will look through my spare parts bag and I think I have several of the tiny speakers in there. I have connected the ATX 12v. Power connector upon assembly. Is that what you are referring to [pg. 22-23 of manual]?
Oh, I forgot to mention, the computer does boot up and work fine at times, but there are often many BSOD's upon start ups.
And last, how many beeps and I listening for?
Soar
UPDATE: Ok, I installed the beeper speaker. Immediately after I push the power button, the speaker gives two short beeps. Then after a 10 second period, the speaker emits one short beep. No other beeps other than the BEEPS when I talk to this computer...hehehehehe.
Ok, according to the manual pg. 117, two short beeps tells us a CMOS setting error. One short beep tells us everything is ok...which beep do we listen to?
Soar
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Right I take it you know how to reset the CMOS and then Load BIOS defaults? Do that just to make sure that you are running a standard setup.
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Right I take it you know how to reset the CMOS and then Load BIOS defaults? Do that just to make sure that you are running a standard setup.
Ok, I removed the battery for one minute, and just to be sure I also shorted the two prongs for CMOS CLR. Next, I loaded optimized default settings in the BIOS.
Upon restart, I hear two beeps immediately after pushing power button...then, 10 seconds later I hear one beep when I see activity on the screen. Which beep is telling us the truth?
What next champ?
Soar
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It's these two beeps that's throwing me. Basically means a CMOS error. What BIOS version are you using? Also what rev is your mobo?
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It's these two beeps that's throwing me. Basically means a CMOS error. What BIOS version are you using?
DM, I am using f9.
Why are we hearing two beeps upon pushing power button and then one beep later? Is that normal?
Soar
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No not at all. That's why I was wondering about the BIOS. I take it your board is rev2?
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No not at all. That's why I was wondering about the BIOS. I take it your board is rev2?
DM,
My motherboard is Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 rev.1
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Well you are running the latest BIOS version for your board. Ok let's remove the ram. Do you have access to Memtest86? If not download it from memtest.com
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Well you are running the latest BIOS version for your board. Ok let's remove the ram. Do you have access to Memtest86? If not download it from memtest.com
Yes, I ran Memtest86+. It showed many errors on the RAM in the first pass. At another forum, the people told me it is not always the RAM but can be the RAM settings within the BIOS as well.
The RAM is brand new. I can RMA it immediately if it is the problem.
This is the RAM I am using: G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D
Soar
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Try running memtest on it one stick at a time. I would be very surprised if it showed a false positive. Let it run for at least half a dozen times on each module. I will be offline for a while now anyway while I do some maintenance. I will check back later for your results.
ATB
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Try running memtest on it one stick at a time. I would be very surprised if it showed a false positive. Let it run for at least half a dozen times on each module. I will be offline for a while now anyway while I do some maintenance. I will check back later for your results.
ATB
Ok, I am running it now. I wanted to say thank you for helping me through this. I know we haven't located the problem yet, but I have full confidence in you.
BTW, you are a lot nicer than the people on the other forum.
Thanks again and I will share the results as soon as all MeMtests+86 are done for each of the sticks.
Oh, one more question...
I placed the one stick of RAM in slot 1 and it is testing right now. I will test the other stick in slot 1 after Memtest86+ runs the six times you requested. Should I try any of the sticks in slot 3 [maybe that is not even an option]? Will one stick run in slot 3? I thought it might be another way to see if the slot itself is bad.
Please let me know.
Thank you,
Soar
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Well thanks for your praise it is well received but unnecessary, I just enjoy sharing my knowledge as others have helped me in the past.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to check the other slot afterwards, but we are running these tests to prove the ram modules.
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Well thanks for your praise it is well received but unnecessary, I just enjoy sharing my knowledge as others have helped me in the past.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to check the other slot afterwards, but we are running these tests to prove the ram modules.
Thanks DM. Ok, I had to go out of the house so I could only check the first stick. It passed 14 times with no errors. I just slipped the other stick in, and I'll let it run tonight, then post the results in the morning.
Have a good one!
Soar
PS Do you work for Gigabyte?
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No I don't work for Gigabyte, just do this for fun(sad really) as I am unemployed.
Glad to hear that the first stick passed ok.
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No I don't work for Gigabyte, just do this for fun(sad really) as I am unemployed.
Glad to hear that the first stick passed ok.
DM,
Well, maybe Gigabyte can hire you! I think you would be a wonderful asset for them.
Maybe they have a tech support arm here in the USA?
Where do you live?
Maybe you could start your own company!
I think that would be awesome! What are your thoughts on that?
In regards to the computer, wow, what an eye opener! I was already to RMA the RAM back to NewEGG. I had even received the RMA number already!
Well, both sticks are showing up as 100% ok. I still have not tried the slot 3. Should I?
And what would you suggest I do next in this adventure?
BTW, I too tried Easy Tune 6 and ever since then I have had trouble with this system. I uninstalled it, but I am beginning to wonder it that is the problem.
Soar
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Hi
Well I hope Gigabyte are listening intently ;) but somehow I doubt it. I live in the UK, although the thought of living in the States would be great. Actually I have friends now who are on an extended tour of the US of A. They have bought a motorhome and I keep track of their travels via an online blog. I'm a bit too old now to start thinking about setting up my own buisiness. Although I could hire you as my PR manager ;D
Anyway, good news that the memory is in working order. I would suggest checking the other slot while you are at it just to be safe. The bad news is that the RAM you have isn't certified for use with this motherboard. The closest one on the QVL is F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ. Now being close isn't neccessarily good enough. So my suggestion would be to RMA the modules and have them changed for the above ones. I am not 100% sure that this is the problem but with unknown memory it is impossible to tell. If you are happy to do this then we can continue once you have the new blocks.
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Hi
Well I hope Gigabyte are listening intently ;) but somehow I doubt it. I live in the UK, although the thought of living in the States would be great. Actually I have friends now who are on an extended tour of the US of A. They have bought a motorhome and I keep track of their travels via an online blog. I'm a bit too old now to start thinking about setting up my own buisiness. Although I could hire you as my PR manager ;D
Anyway, good news that the memory is in working order. I would suggest checking the other slot while you are at it just to be safe. The bad news is that the RAM you have isn't certified for use with this motherboard. The closest one on the QVL is F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ. Now being close isn't neccessarily good enough. So my suggestion would be to RMA the modules and have them changed for the above ones. I am not 100% sure that this is the problem but with unknown memory it is impossible to tell. If you are happy to do this then we can continue once you have the new blocks.
DM, Either way, I hope you can find a job you are happy at!
I called Gigabyte and also emailed their tech support before purchasing this RAM and they assured me this RAM is on their QVL list for this MOBO. I found it there when I looked at the site they gave me. Some of it was in the 8GB [4x2gb'ers] category if I remember correctly.
I was reading Zach's post about the trouble with Easy Tune 6. I made the same mistake. Is it possible this could be the bug?
Soar
PS It is after midnight, and I need to take some rest for now. Thanks again for all your time and patience with me. I hope to chat with you some more tomorrow.
Have a wonderful day there!
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I have used Easy Tune 6 a number of times. Sometimes it has worked great for me. On other computers it turned into a total nightmare. The system was perfectly stable before I installed Easy Tune 6, but after the install, the system became highly unstable and gave my lots of BSOD's. And there was no way I could fix it no matter what I tried. It was totally frustrating for me.
On my latest build, the system was working perfect, then after installing Easy Tune 6, I began to receive BSOD's repeatedly. I too removed it, but now we are trying to isolate the problem once again. I too may have to reformat and clean reinstall Windows 7 Ultimate. I hope we can resolve it without having to resort to that!
If you had disclosed this information earlier it would have helped. Now my recommendation would be to make backups of any valuable information and then do a format and re-install of your OS. I am quite willing to help you through it as you sound like you find it a bit daunting.
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I have used Easy Tune 6 a number of times. Sometimes it has worked great for me. On other computers it turned into a total nightmare. The system was perfectly stable before I installed Easy Tune 6, but after the install, the system became highly unstable and gave my lots of BSOD's. And there was no way I could fix it no matter what I tried. It was totally frustrating for me.
On my latest build, the system was working perfect, then after installing Easy Tune 6, I began to receive BSOD's repeatedly. I too removed it, but now we are trying to isolate the problem once again. I too may have to reformat and clean reinstall Windows 7 Ultimate. I hope we can resolve it without having to resort to that!
If you had disclosed this information earlier it would have helped. Now my recommendation would be to make backups of any valuable information and then do a format and re-install of your OS. I am quite willing to help you through it as you sound like you find it a bit daunting.
Wow! I am sorry DM. I didn't think it was a problem because when I first ran MemTest86+ I was thinking it was the RAM. Next, I thought it might have been the settings in the BIOS. To be honest with you, I was becoming more and more confused.
Ok, so you suggest I reformat, then do a clean reinstall? And how about the MB drivers....should I reinstall all of that too?
Soar
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No problem. I understand how the thought processes work and you can get led down the wrong path.
When you reinstall Windows it will format the drive and wipe everything off it. So after the installation we can install any drivers that are needed. Anyway if you want to get some sleep we can carry on later.
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(...) Well I hope Gigabyte are listening intently ;) but somehow I doubt it. (...)
We do :), please don't doubt.
Thanks for your support given to this forum users.
Hi soarwitheagles
Is XMP enabled in BIOS?
Please check following posts about Ripjaws RAM:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,948.msg4821.html#msg4821
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1683.msg7674.html#msg7674
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1125.msg5304.html#msg5304
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(...) Well I hope Gigabyte are listening intently ;) but somehow I doubt it. (...)
We do :), please don't doubt.
Thanks for your support given to this forum users.
Hi soarwitheagles
Is XMP enabled in BIOS?
Please check following posts about Ripjaws RAM:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,948.msg4821.html#msg4821
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1683.msg7674.html#msg7674
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1125.msg5304.html#msg5304
Runn,
Thanks for your concern. I read those posts and they seem to indicate that the Gskil is not so great of a RAM to use with the Gigabyte board.
Wow, perhaps I too will need to sell my G.skil on ebay and buy some other RAM.
For now, I would like to try anything possible to see if we can get this system stable with this G.Skil RAM. If it does not work, I will sell it.
I read at New Egg, many poster/reviews saying the RAM I purchased is working fine with this MB.
I will reformat and try again.
Thanks,
Soar
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No problem. I understand how the thought processes work and you can get led down the wrong path.
When you reinstall Windows it will format the drive and wipe everything off it. So after the installation we can install any drivers that are needed. Anyway if you want to get some sleep we can carry on later.
DM,
Thanks again for your help and good advice. Ok, I am just now finishing up testing each stick individually in slot 3. Afterwards, I will reformat and reinstall again.
Will let you know how it comes out.
At the other forum I've been visiting, the moderator recommended these settings after I reformat. What do you make of this? [I have no overclocking experience at all to speak of]:
CPU Clock Ratio -20
BCLK Frequency - 160
Extreme Memory Profile - Disabled
System Memory Multiplier - 10 it maybe called 2:10 or even 1333
Intel Turbo Boost Tech. - Disabled
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) - Disabled
C3/C6/C7 State Support - Disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor - Disabled
CPU EIST Function - Disabled
Bi-Directional PROCHOT - Disabled
Memory specific settings
Extreme Memory Profile - Disabled
Performance Enhance - Standard
CAS Latency - 7
tRCD - 8
tRP - 7
tRAS - 24
Command Rate - 2
Next we'll be changing the Voltage Settings. These will be Preliminary Settings as we still may need to adjust them a little depending upon your Temperatures and any errors you may encounter.
CPU VCore - 1.2875v (I'm not sure what options you have available, pick the closest to this and let me know)
QPI/VTT - 1.3v (same as above, I'm unsure of your available options)
DRAM Voltage - 1.65v
Try these settings and let me know what happens. Start HW Monitor and leave it running whenever your using this PC, at least for a few days. And I want to see a HW Monitor Screenshot after the PC has been running for 30 minutes to an hour.
DM, Does this guy know what he is talking about?
Soar
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Hi again soar
Well personally I would steer you away from playing around with overclocking your system as you are having enough trouble just getting it to run stably as standard but obviously it is your choice. Overclocking is fine if you understand all the principles involved and even then it is very hit and miss (and generally more miss). It is not a science more of an art as no two systems or even chips react the same. I would say this fellow is technically sound but he may get you into something that is a bit too involved that is beyond your scope. It doesn't hurt to listen to anyone but then pick out the bits that suit you is my advice.
So are you ready to format your drive and re-install windows? If so which version of the operating system do you want to use?
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Hi again soar
Well personally I would steer you away from playing around with overclocking your system as you are having enough trouble just getting it to run stably as standard but obviously it is your choice. Overclocking is fine if you understand all the principles involved and even then it is very hit and miss (and generally more miss). It is not a science more of an art as no two systems or even chips react the same. I would say this fellow is technically sound but he may get you into something that is a bit too involved that is beyond your scope. It doesn't hurt to listen to anyone but then pick out the bits that suit you is my advice.
So are you ready to format your drive and re-install windows? If so which version of the operating system do you want to use?
Thanks DM. I have never overclocked, and I would like to stay away from it too. At the other forum I told the guy I would try his suggested voltages. Now I am having second thoughts. He did notice some really low voltages in some areas on the HD monitor. He noticed my system giving only 1-2 volts in areas that are suppose to be 12 volts. That sounds really strange. He asked me to double check in BIOS and with another program.
Ok, I'm a little nervous because for the first time, Microsoft did not let me reinstall my OS this last format. Then, for some reason, afterI tried again, they did permit it. So, since I have no choice, I will try again. In the past, they have permitted me to reinstall Windows as many times as I liked [one copy on one computer at a time], and they never gave me a problem.
I receive free copies of Microsoft Windows each time a new version comes out. Bill Gates is my uncle [just joking].
Actually, Microsoft, out of the great goodness of their heart, repeatedly invite me to their launch events for their OS's, Office suites, etc. During the event they give me a free copy of the software. I usually take my wife with me, so that covers for both our computers.
Presently, I have Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. I have been told not to use Windows to reformat the HD. Gparted seems to be the tool of choice in this matter, so if it is ok with you, I would like to use Gparted to clean off this present copy of Windows, reformat, and repartition the HD.
Is that ok with you? Please let me know champ!
Soar
BTW The Memtest86+ showed the RAM is fine in slot 3 too. So does this prove beyond any doubt that the RAM is indeed good?
BTW #2-I am using an ISO build #7600.16385.090713-1255 as the installation disc. The reason I use this disc is because the disc MS gave me is only for 32-bit and I would like to use 64-bit. MS has no problem with me using they install key they gave me for 64 bit. Is this ok with you?
PSS Here is my plan: Set up 3 partitions on the 500gb WD Black HD. 100gb for OS. 100gb for program files. 300gb for storage. Then set up the 1tb for storage 2.
I usually set up all as primary using ntfs. Not sure if some should be set up as Extended. Please let me know if this ok. I am willing to try something new.
Thanks!
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Thanks DM. I have never overclocked, and I would like to stay away from it too.
Thats the thing you are!
BCLK Frequency - 160
^ this should be 133 when you load Load Optimized Defaults
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Thanks DM. I have never overclocked, and I would like to stay away from it too.
Thats the thing you are!
BCLK Frequency - 160
^ this should be 133 when you load Load Optimized Defaults
Yes, I checked the BIOS and you are 100% correct. The BCLk is running at 133 MHz.
Thank you,
Soar
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Hi Soar,
Sorry for the delay but I needed some sleep too, that's the trouble with the time difference between us.
I receive free copies of Microsoft Windows each time a new version comes out. Bill Gates is my uncle [just joking].
Real shame, things were looking up there for a moment 8)
Your choice of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit is great, that would be my choice of OS too. I am not familiar with Gparted although I have heard of it but as long as you are happy using it that should be fine. I would have just allowed Windows to do the formatting but I must admit it does get a little more complicated when you want to partition the drive as well. Although if your drive is already partitioned as you want it there is no need to do it again. Please let me know?
It would definitely seem that your memory is fine, so that's great news.
The ISO disk that you have is the final RTM disk so that is fine as long as you have the appropriate code for it.
The first thing we are going to do is "clear the decks". We will flush the CMOS and load BIOS defaults. If you dont know how to do this I have listed it here. Any problems any time just let me know.:
To clear the CMOS you need to unplug the computer. Remove the CMOS battery(CR2032 silver disk) and then change the jumper over on the block usually marked CLR_CMOS or CRTC etc. Leave it like this for a couple of minutes at least (officially it is ten seconds but I don't find that is long enough). Put the jumper back in it's default position and then replace the motherboard battery. The CMOS is now wiped. Now you can boot up into the bIOS and load the setup defaults, save and exit.
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Hi Soar,
Sorry for the delay but I needed some sleep too, that's the trouble with the time difference between us.
I receive free copies of Microsoft Windows each time a new version comes out. Bill Gates is my uncle [just joking].
Real shame, things were looking up there for a moment 8)
Your choice of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit is great, that would be my choice of OS too. I am not familiar with Gparted although I have heard of it but as long as you are happy using it that should be fine. I would have just allowed Windows to do the formatting but I must admit it does get a little morer complicated when you want to partition the drive as well. Although if your drive is already partitioned as you want it there is no need to do it again. Please let me know?
It would definitely seem that your memory is fine, so that's great news.
The ISO disk that you have is the final RTM disk so that is fine as long as you have the appropriate code for it.
The first thing we are going to do is "clear the decks". We will flush the CMOS and load BIOS defaults. If you dont know how to do this I have listed it here. Any problems any time just let me know.:
To clear the CMOS you need to unplug the computer. Remove the CMOS battery(CR2032 silver disk) and then change the jumper over on the block usually marked CLR_CMOS or CRTC etc. Leave it like this for a couple of minutes at least (officially it is ten seconds but I don't find that is long enough). Put the jumper back in it's default position and then replace the motherboard battery. The CMOS is now wiped. Now you can boot up into the bIOS and load the setup defaults, save and exit.
Thanks DM.
Ok, I cleared CMOS and loaded BIOS defaults as you requested. I also downloaded and installed all Windows updates with the exception of the GPU. I installed the most up to date GPU drivers directly from Nvidia's website.
Ok, what's next? And is there something I could have done differently?
Soar
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OK Soar
Was just grabbing some breakfast :D By the way what part of the States are you in? Just wondered about the time lag.
Ok, I cleared CMOS and loaded BIOS defaults as you requested. I also downloaded and installed all Windows updates with the exception of the GPU. I installed the most up to date GPU drivers directly from Nvidia's website.
No problem but we are going to wipe the drive next. Is your drive already partitioned how you want it? or do we have to do that first?
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I have just been reading up on Gparted and it is incompatible with Windows7 64bit.
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Beeps, BSOD with 2 sticks while no problem with 1 stick definitely show incompatibility issue.
(...) I called Gigabyte and also emailed their tech support before purchasing this RAM and they assured me this RAM is on their QVL list for this MOBO. I found it there when I looked at the site they gave me. Some of it was in the 8GB [4x2gb'ers] category if I remember correctly. (...)
Sorry, but Dark Martis is right, your RAM it's not on our QVL, check here:
http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/FileList/MemorySupport/mb_memory_ga-p55a-ud3.pdf
Runn,
Thanks for your concern. I read those posts and they seem to indicate that the Gskil is not so great of a RAM to use with the Gigabyte board.
Wow, perhaps I too will need to sell my G.skil on ebay and buy some other RAM.
For now, I would like to try anything possible to see if we can get this system stable with this G.Skil RAM. If it does not work, I will sell it.
I read at New Egg, many poster/reviews saying the RAM I purchased is working fine with this MB. (...)
It's not that G.Skill is problematic in general but probably it needs more tune up than the standard memory. Especially that this particular model has not been tested by us.
Please notice that you can find also positive opinions about Gigabyte and GSkill working together, like these:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1910.0.html
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1609.0.html
http://hwbot.org/community/submission/1006371_absot_aquamark_geforce_8800_gts_320_mb_266601_marks
It all matters which exact modules and settings are used.
As you probably have this model: F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM (2Gx2) of G.Skill Ripjaws, then as G.Skill wrote it's compatible with our MB: http://gskill.com/products.php?index=243
so please check in BIOS if:
CAS Latency is set: 7-8-7-24-2N
Voltage is set to 1.6V
You may also contact GSkill at http://www.gskill.us/forum/
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OK Soar
Was just grabbing some breakfast :D By the way what part of the States are you in? Just wondered about the time lag.
Ok, I cleared CMOS and loaded BIOS defaults as you requested. I also downloaded and installed all Windows updates with the exception of the GPU. I installed the most up to date GPU drivers directly from Nvidia's website.
No problem but we are going to wipe the drive next. Is your drive already partitioned how you want it? or do we have to do that first?
DM,
Good morning to you! What's for breakfast? ::)
I like dried cranberries on raw oats, with very cold soy milk...no, I am not a horse! It is very healthy..it actually reduces cholesterol in the blood if you can believe that! I have it every morning without fail.
DM, I grew up in Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley is about one hour drive south of San Francisco, CA. The exact city is Cupertino, CA. This is the Apple Headquarters city. I've lived there for most of my life. My mom, dad, and most of siblings still reside there. Presently I live near Sacramento, CA. This is the capitol of California.
I've served in over 30 countries all over the world. I really enjoy living in California. It is my favorite place. I work as a teacher. Often, I am the only white person in my class. I love learning from and being with people of various cultures. Things have changed very much in California, white people are now the minority...isn't that strange? When I went to high school in Cupertino many years ago, it was 99.9% white. So California is a wonderful place to live if you like lots of diversity, mixed cultures, and cutting edge electronics.
Here is a little trivia that you may find amusing: my sixth grade class that I attended was the very first computer class in the entire world that had a computer lab with a station set up for every student. It was in Palo Alto, CA back in the sixties. The lab was tied into Stanford University, where the monstrous main computers where housed.
Building computers is my hobby, but I am thinking of one day completing my A+ certification and starting a computer repair business on the side. I find computers fascinating, even though I know so little about them!
Well, enough about me. How about you? What do you like for breakfast, where in UK do you live, and do you have any hobbies?
And now, back to computers....
First, please let me apologize for not waiting for you. I grew impatient. Here's my story on this new build: I have patiently waited 3 months carefully gathering all these components. I often wait for super deals where I can buy cutting edge items at deeply discounted prices. Many times I will ebay or craigslist the items. Then, for the most part, these systems are free, or near a no cost solution to build. I like that. So I have finally obtained every thing I needed after a 3 month wait and I grew impatient. Please forgive me for not waiting...
Ok, I already wiped the drives completely clean after clearing the CMOS and setting the BIOS to default settings. I used Gparted for wiping and repartitioning, and often I then use a software that cleans everything to military grade specs.
Next, I repartioned my WD Caviar Black 500 GB 7200 RPM to have 3 partitions: 100gb for OS. 100gb for programs. 270gb for the storage. I also partitioned and slapped in a Maxtor 1tb. I realize 100gb for OS and 100gb for programs are a bit large. I would like to avoid the nervousness that occurs from the partition getting too close to maxing out from too much data.
Then I reinstalled Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit and it installed flawlessly [this time I unplugged my wireless keyboard and mouse and used a wired keyboard and a wired mouse].
Microsoft validated the install and gave me their thumbs up.
Finally, I downloaded and installed all of Microsoft's updates for Windows. The only update I did not install was their recommended driver for the GPU. For the GPU, I first uninstalled the driver with Driver Sweeper in safe mode. Next, I installed the newest drivers from Nvidia.
Everything appears to work fine at this given moment. No crashes, no freeze ups, and BSOD's. BUT, I have not ran even one test yet. The RAM appears to be set automatically to 1333MHz with timings of 9-9-9-24.
Please let me know what you would have done differently and why.
Ok, where do we go from here?
Soar
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Well Soar my friend, I don't blame you for not waiting and you seem to have done a grand job of the installation. It is all looking rosy at the moment(quickly touches wooden desk). I really don't think I would have done anything differently to you(except probably drank tea rather than coffee) whilst doing it. Let me know how it goes in the long run, I would be interested. As a matter of interest is your ram the F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM variety?
Ah, you live in sunny California. That's why I was out on my timing I thought that you were on the East coast and so were a few hours ahead of what you really were. My uncle used to live in the outskirts of San Francisco and we used to converse over the compute. He was always send me these jokes etc, but I think he must have died because I haven't been able contact him for over a year(you would have thought that someone in the family would have let me know). He was a great old man.
I'm afraid you are a little late for breakfast! It's two o'clock in the afternoon here now, but very dull and cool. Just the usaul British weather. I must admit I envy your lifestyle where you are, it must be wonderfull. You even have a cool Governor.
Anyway keep in touch. My personal email is available under my avatar.
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Beeps, BSOD with 2 sticks while no problem with 1 stick definitely show incompatibility issue.
(...) I called Gigabyte and also emailed their tech support before purchasing this RAM and they assured me this RAM is on their QVL list for this MOBO. I found it there when I looked at the site they gave me. Some of it was in the 8GB [4x2gb'ers] category if I remember correctly. (...)
Sorry, but Dark Martis is right, your RAM it's not on our QVL, check here:
http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/FileList/MemorySupport/mb_memory_ga-p55a-ud3.pdf
Runn,
Thanks for your concern. I read those posts and they seem to indicate that the Gskil is not so great of a RAM to use with the Gigabyte board.
Wow, perhaps I too will need to sell my G.skil on ebay and buy some other RAM.
For now, I would like to try anything possible to see if we can get this system stable with this G.Skil RAM. If it does not work, I will sell it.
I read at New Egg, many poster/reviews saying the RAM I purchased is working fine with this MB. (...)
It's not that G.Skill is problematic in general but probably it needs more tune up than the standard memory. Especially that this particular model has not been tested by us.
Please notice that you can find also positive opinions about Gigabyte and GSkill working together, like these:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1910.0.html
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,1609.0.html
http://hwbot.org/community/submission/1006371_absot_aquamark_geforce_8800_gts_320_mb_266601_marks
It all matters which exact modules and settings are used.
As you probably have this model: F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM (2Gx2) of G.Skill Ripjaws, then as G.Skill wrote it's compatible with our MB: http://gskill.com/products.php?index=243
so please check in BIOS if:
CAS Latency is set: 7-8-7-24-2N
Voltage is set to 1.6V
You may also contact GSkill at http://www.gskill.us/forum/
Runn,
Thank you for helping me. Please let me respond.
Wow! I never knew how to read the 2 beep, then 1 beep MB signal. Are you certain this signals a compatibility issue?
The RAM I purchased definitely is on the compatibility list at G.skil.
You can find their list here: http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=243
Yes, I totally agree that using the correct settings is absolutely crucial to obtain the most efficient speed and stability.
Here's the problem: I know nearly nothing at all about adjusting RAM settings. There appears to be so many variables [all types of voltage adjustments, timings, etc.] that I feel totally lost in this area. I was hoping to get the full 1600 MHz out of these RAM [that is why I purchased them].
I am not willing to sacrifice stability for speed [I very rarely do any gaming at all].
Yet, I have read many reviews here where people say they are easily obtaining 1600MHz with this specific RAM [G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D], and this specific MOBO [Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3].
My goal in coming here was to discover the exact settings that would help me achieve the goal of 1600 MHz. But once I joined this forum and began to read everyone's posts, I realized I could learn a lot more than merely these specific RAM settings.
Now I am not sure what to do! Is it possible to make some simple adjustments in this all important area of voltages and settings and achieve 1600Mhz with stability? Or, should I just be content with the 1333 MHz?
One of the posts I read iis recommending these specific adjustments:
CAS Latency - 7
tRCD - 8
tRP - 7
tRAS - 24
Command Rate - 2
CPU VCore - 1.2875v
QPI/VTT - 1.3v
DRAM Voltage - 1.65v
I have some questions:
Do you think it will work?
Do you know of any other sites where people with these same RAM and MOBO are posting the exact adjustments that are working stable?
Have you any other suggestions for adjusting the RAM voltages and timings?
If this throws my system into the realm of instability, can I merely clear the CMOS and set BIOS to default settings and everything is back to normal?
Ok, I hope I haven't offended you guys or upset you.
Just trying to discover the various options I have now.
Thanks,
Soar
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Well Soar my friend, I don't blame you for not waiting and you seem to have done a grand job of the installation. It is all looking rosy at the moment(quickly touches wooden desk). I really don't think I would have done anything differently to you(except probably drank tea rather than coffee) whilst doing it. Let me know how it goes in the long run, I would be interested. As a matter of interest is your ram the F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM variety?
Ah, you live in sunny California. That's why I was out on my timing I thought that you were on the East coast and so were a few hours ahead of what you really were. My uncle used to live in the outskirts of San Francisco and we used to converse over the compute. He was always send me these jokes etc, but I think he must have died because I haven't been able contact him for over a year(you would have thought that someone in the family would have let me know). He was a great old man.
I'm afraid you are a little late for breakfast! It's two o'clock in the afternoon here now, but very dull and cool. Just the usaul British weather. I must admit I envy your lifestyle where you are, it must be wonderfull. You even have a cool Governor.
Anyway keep in touch. My personal email is available under my avatar.
DM, first let me say I am deeply saddened about your uncle. I hope you can discover what happened to him. I hope and pray he is healthy and that everything turns out ok for him and you too.
You know, you sure are easy to get along with! You must have many, many friends DM. You have a very good way with words. Ok, please permit me to answer your Q's.
No, I like tea just like you! Green tea.
Yes, I like the Terminator very, very much. He has done a great job considering the enormous task he was entrusted with.
Yes, the RAM I purchased is G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D.
Thank you again for your kindness and friendship.
I appreciate you.
Soar
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Soar, no problem this end. ;) As far as getting the best from your memory just let it run for a while to make sure you have no stability issues and then once you are happy with it go into the BIOS and you will find a section headed MIT. In there you will find a section for the ram and one of them offers you the chance to use XMP turn it on(enable it) then press F10 the save and exit and if it runs happliy you will have your full speed.
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Soar, no problem this end. ;) As far as getting the best from your memory just let it run for a while to make sure you have no stability issues and then once you are happy with it go into the BIOS and you will find a section headed MIT. Inthere you will find a section for the ram and one of them offers you the chance to use XMP turn it on(enable it) then press F10 the save and exit and if it runs happliy you will have your full speed.
Ok DM.
Thanks, I will do exactly as you say. I'll wait a few days, then if everything is still stable, I will give it a shot.
You have a wonderful evening there friend!
Soar
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Your post still seems to be unlocked Soar. Try posting again my friend.
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Your post still seems to be unlocked Soar. Try posting again my friend.
Thanks again DM.
I am not sure why I could not post on this thread again. The modify button was not showing up even though I was logged in.
Well, not to worry, it works now!
Ok, well, back to this computer challenge...
Windows Explorer continues to shut down, and I also received another BSOD even though I did not adjust any settings.
Still having the two short beeps at start up, then after a 10 second pause, the one short beep [manual states that two short beeps indicates CMOS setting error].
BTW, when I use just one stick of the G.skil RAM, I still get the two short beeps, then the one short beep later on.
I did want to correct myself. Both you and Runn3r stated that the RAM I purchased is not on Gigabytes compatibility list. I stated that is was. You are absolutely correct! I got it mixed up. It was not Gigabyte that I contacted, but rather G.skil. Runn3r is saying it is a compatibility issue because the two short beeps and then the short beep 10 seconds later indicate a compatibility issue. So my apologies on this matter.
Have you any more suggestions? I had three options come to mind:
Return the MOBO, or try different RAM, or try altering the timings/voltages on the RAM in the BIOS.
What would you suggest?
Soar
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Welcome back soar
Right justb to deal with the posting problem, all it was is that the "Modify" button only stays available for a few hours. To be honest I am not sure exactly how long it stays but it does go after a while.
About the memory I think that is your problem. Just to clear it up I asked if you had this memory (12800CL7D-4GBRM) and you replied that you had (12800CL7D) but it wasn't exactly the same. So do your memory modules end with -4GBRM if not they are probably not compatible.
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Welcome back soar
Right justb to deal with the posting problem, all it was is that the "Modify" button only stays available for a few hours. To be honest I am not sure exactly how long it stays but it does go after a while.
About the memory I think that is your problem. Just to clear it up I asked if you had this memory (12800CL7D-4GBRM) and you replied that you had (12800CL7D) but it wasn't exactly the same. So do your memory modules end with -4GBRM if not they are probably not compatible.
Thanks again DM and sorry about my incomplete answer. Yes, they do end with GBRM.
The entire letter/number is listed as: G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM.
Soar
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Well in that case and the fact that they passed the Memtest86 tests ok I would have to concede that they should be fine. runn3R said that they are compatible so I guess I will have to re-think my strategy(damn)! I was fairly certtain it would have been down to the ram.
It's all rather confusing. These two beeps- meaning CMOS error and then followed by one short beep meaning Boot successful. I have never had them both happen at the same time before. I think that we have covered everything that could be asked of us without success and now it is time to get an exchange from you retailer or an RMA number from Gigabyte. You can point them to this thread if there is any problem with the exchange.
Let me know how you get on.
All the best soar and happy hunting.
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Well in that case and the fact that they passed the Memtest86 tests ok I would have to concede that they should be fine. runn3R said that they are compatible so I guess I will have to re-think my strategy(damn)! I was fairly certtain it would have been down to the ram.
It's all rather confusing. These two beeps- meaning CMOS error and then followed by one short beep meaning Boot successful. I have never had them both happen at the same time before. I think that we have covered everything that could be asked of us without success and now it is time to get an exchange from you retailer or an RMA number from Gigabyte. You can point them to this thread if there is any problem with the exchange.
Let me know how you get on.
All the best soar and happy hunting.
Ok. I emailed Gigabyte and explained the situation. I also asked for a MOBO replacement. Now we will see what they say. Who knows, maybe they will know exactly why we are getting the two beeps, and perhaps they will have a solution.
Either way, thanks again for all the time and effort you have given me.
Have a nice day there!
Soar
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It's been a pleasure soar and please keep in touch to let us know the outcome.
ATB
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It's been a pleasure soar and please keep in touch to let us know the outcome.
ATB
DM,
I just spoke with the Gig Rep and he told me that the two beeps indicate the MOBO went south...so I'm RMA'ing it and will post as soon as I receive the new MOBO!
Have a nice day there and give our regards to the queen!
Soar
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Thanks for the update, soar and I will pass on your regards when I see her today for tea. ;D
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Hi.
Ok, I had the BSOD problem with the GA-P55A-UD3 (rev. 1.0) a while back and we were trying to determine exactly if it was the MOBO, the RAM, or something else...
Well, Gigabyte asked me to return the MOBO. I did, and after waiting 2+ weeks, they finally sent it back [I misread their email, thinking it was a 2-3 DAY turn around, when in reality it was a 2-3 weak turnaround [I misspelled the word "week" on purpose BTW].
They provided no documentation whatsoever. I do not know if they worked on it, replaced some parts on it, or anything else! I do know it is the same exact MOBO because I secretly put red dots with a permenant marker on many different components of the MOBO [I know, that was a very sneaky thing to do].
I plugged everything back in started this baby up and some strange screen came up 3 times that asked me what boot it was...[I cannot remember exactly what it said]. I think I eventually pushed F1 and then that screen no longer appeared.
Well, I just finished 10 hours of prime95, memtest86+, and the torture test, and no more BSOD's. The system seems stable now.
Ok, my million dollar question: How do I know if it was the MOBO [other than the obvious process of elimination]?
Some other questions:
Should I wait another week before I begin to install all my special programs such as MS Office 2010?
Is this normal that a company would send a RMA item back to me without stating clearly what was done?
Last, any suggestions as to where I go from here [my main goal now is just to have a stable system please].
Thanks,
Soar
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Hi again soar
Nice to hear from you again but I wish that it was a happier story. It does seem that (hopefully) they have reworked your board and fixed the problem however personally I would have expected some sort of explanation(even if it was brief and not technical) either by email or in the box with the motherboard. I would send a complaining email to them asking what was done etc. The timescale is a bit long I would have to agree but in their defence maybe they were very busy ???
There is no reason apart from your time to not install your programs now. Use the computer as you would expect to be able. It is the best way to give it a good testing. There are programs designed to stress test but I think in your case it would just be more agro and would advise just to use it normally.
Keep in touch and let us know how it goes.
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Hi again soar
Nice to hear from you again but I wish that it was a happier story. It does seem that (hopefully) they have reworked your board and fixed the problem however personally I would have expected some sort of explanation(even if it was brief and not technical) either by email or in the box with the motherboard. I would send a complaining email to them asking what was done etc. The timescale is a bit long I would have to agree but in their defence maybe they were very busy ???
There is no reason apart from your time to not install your programs now. Use the computer as you would expect to be able. It is the best way to give it a good testing. There are programs designed to stress test but I think in your case it would just be more agro and would advise just to use it normally.
Keep in touch and let us know how it goes.
DM,
Thanks again for your good advice and it is good to hear from you again. Ok, I will install all programs and use it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes from here.
I'll also give them an email and see if they can explain anything more to me.
Have a good one!
Soar
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And you soar, just let us know how it goes.
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And you soar, just let us know how it goes.
DM, I sent their CS an email with my RMA number requesting that they give me a clear explanation as to why they sent it back. I feel a competent CS service would definitely give a clear communication as to what was found and what was done before returning the item.
Even if nothing was found, they could have at least said so.
Soar
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Yes, I was discussing it with a collegue yesterday and we couldn't believe that they just sent it back with no covering documentation at all. To be honest it is absolutely disgusting for any company to treat it's customers like that.
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DM, Problem finally solved after weeks of spinning the wheels! I should have listened to your initial advice to stick with RAM on the Gigabyte compatibility list!
Ok, I did call Gigabyte. After a somewhat thorough scolding, they apologized for not including any written or electronic documentation stating the nature of their discovery/discoveries regarding the RMSA's MOBO. Next, they did inform me they found nothing whatsoever wrong with the board [this is after they told me the two beeps followed by one beep during post was a for sure sign of a MOBO gone bad...]
Next scene in this Gigabyte drama:
I was at Fry's a few nights ago and was pleasantly surprised to meet a tech who gave me answers I have been seeking for months...he was absolutely amazing. So I am thankful about that because many Fry's techs are total newbies.
This guy understood Gigabyte MOBO's like no one I ever met [I know this sounds strange, but it seemed as if he knew much more about Gigabyte boards than the Gigabyte techs themselves].
I have been seeking an answer as to why my Gigabyte MOBO gives two beeps at post, then 10 seconds later, a single beep. Gigabyte told me to send my unit back because it was defective [I sent it back and they sent it right back to me saying it was working fine]. No one at a different forum I read could give me a clear answer except to say it was communicating that the MOBO was faulty...This guy at Fry's the other night amazed me with the simplicity of the answer:
He told me the first two beeps are because my MOBO has the option of TWO BIOS's [thus it is reading and saying both BIOS are working and available]. The single beep we hear 10 seconds later simply tell us that the MOBO has loaded the first stored BIOS and it is working fine.
So simply, so accurate, so correct, and so right...well at least it so seems...has anyone else here heard of this description of the 2/1 beep?
Hope this helps someone out here.
For anyone else following my weeks upon weeks of desperation and posts on the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 v.1 with the G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D problems...well it appears to have been a simple compatibility issue. I simply installed two new A-DATA AX3U1600GB2G9-AG 2GB RAM sticks that are Gigabyte certified to be compatible with this MOBO.
All BSOD's, stop messages, system freezes, etc. stopped immediately and everything works just fine now. I have tortured my system with Memtest86+, Prime95, etc. and nothing bothers it at all now...
For some reason [I suspect plain and simple compatibility issues] the G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL7D I used would work ok sometimes, and not at all at other times. Often, I would receive nonstop BSOD's and unable to boot conditions...Perhaps if someone was was really good at OC'in and altering timings and voltages, you could get it to work. I simply gave up!
Here is another lesson I learned during this ordeal:
If you are not a super qualified and experienced OC'er and do not have weeks and weeks of time to tinker, experiment, and hit and kick your computer many, many times causing lots of dents and scratches, just use the RAM Gigabyte states is compatible with your specific motherboard!
IT TOOK ME WEEKS AND WEEKS OF FRUSTRATION, HEARTACHE, DISAPPOINTMENT, AND POSTING IN VARIOUS FORUMS TO FINALLY COME TO THIS CONCLUSION!
My brand new Sniper Black Edition computer case now looks like a cross between a very old and used dart board and an automobile after a real terrible wreck...[just jokin', but I sure did feel like kicking it and throwing lots of darts and computer repair tools at it]!
Have a great day everyone and special thanks to you DM for your good help, patience, and knowledge!
Soar
PS Can someone help me safely bring the A-DATA AX3U1600GB2G9-AG from 1333MHz to the advertised speed of 1600MHz? Is it even possible without destabilizing my rig?
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So nice to hear from you again Soar and especially this time with a happier tale than usual. ;)
Glad it is all sorted for you at last.
Firstly don't bother messing around with the RAM. If it's working ok just leave well alone. I am sure we could squeeze that little extra out of it but you would notice any difference in day to day running so it's not worth the bother.
The beeps is an unusual reasoning that I haven't heard before and I must admit I am skeptical. Most board now run two BIOSes and I have never heard one emit that beep code. Also it is not in the motherboard manuals. I still think it is an error somewhere but if your board is running happilly why worry about it.
I think that your following statement sums up a lot of peoples thinking only usually too late.
If you are not a super qualified and experienced OC'er and do not have weeks and weeks of time to tinker, experiment, and hit and kick your computer many, many times causing lots of dents and scratches, just use the RAM Gigabyte states is compatible with your specific motherboard!
Anyway thanks for taking the time to let us know the outcome which is really useful for the future.
All the best soar
DM
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So nice to hear from you again Soar and especially this time with a happier tale than usual. ;)
Glad it is all sorted for you at last.
Firstly don't bother messing around with the RAM. If it's working ok just leave well alone. I am sure we could squeeze that little extra out of it but you would notice any difference in day to day running so it's not worth the bother.
The beeps is an unusual reasoning that I haven't heard before and I must admit I am skeptical. Most board now run two BIOSes and I have never heard one emit that beep code. Also it is not in the motherboard manuals. I still think it is an error somewhere but if your board is running happilly why worry about it.
I think that your following statement sums up a lot of peoples thinking only usually too late.
If you are not a super qualified and experienced OC'er and do not have weeks and weeks of time to tinker, experiment, and hit and kick your computer many, many times causing lots of dents and scratches, just use the RAM Gigabyte states is compatible with your specific motherboard!
Anyway thanks for taking the time to let us know the outcome which is really useful for the future.
All the best soar
DM
Thanks again DM for your good advice.
You have a great day and keep up the good work!
Soar