Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: rohit91 on August 03, 2011, 02:48:31 am
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This is a really strange problem that's been bothering me for a while. I've been searching around and a few people on this board have the same problem. Basically, if I have my RAM in slots 1 and 3, it's okay and will boot but if I have the RAM in slots 2 and 4 it won't. I tried running the RAM in slots 2 1 and 2 for dual channel but it won't boot then either. What happens is, the computer will boot for a second, all the fans will spin etc. but then just restart and then loop this process.
I just recently built this PC, about 2 weeks ago:
i5 2500k
GA-Z68X UD4 BH3
G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Memory
ATI 5770 1gb (upgraded to 6850, more below)
Corsair HX 620W PSU
X-fi xtrememusic sound card
windows 7
The computer is OC'd at the moment to 4.1 and the RAM is running at default everything.
So basically, when I first built the computer, the RAM was running in dual channel (with the f5 bios too). Then one day, I decided to upgrade to the 6850 and then do a heatsink reseat, took out the CPU to clean it and everything, installed the new video card. I then booted but I started getting that restart loop. Fast forward to the next day and I figured out it was a problem with the RAM. I moved the RAM over the slots 1 and 3 so it's in single channel and it works now. I tried the RAM in slots 2 and 4 and it won't boot, 1 and 2 it won't boot.
I've tried updating my BIOS to f8, still won't work. I tried resetting the CMOS by holding a screwdriver to the jumper pins for a few seconds but it still wouldn't work. I've finished MEMtest with 0 errors as well.
Any ideas?
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Hi
Basically it is because you are using the wrong slots. Try putting the modules in a Dual Channel configuration instead of where you have them now.
Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
There is more information regarding this on page 16 of your manual.
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No I know that, I've seen that. If I try to run it in dual channel configuration, the computer doesn't POST and keeps restarting. I know which slots the RAM should be in. It just won't work if I do put it on those slots.
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Have you tried running one of the other older BIOSes ?
Does it run with one module in the first slot ?
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I've tried with the F5 and F8 bios only, I can try F7 today. The RAM will work if in slot 1 and 3 but not 2 and 4.
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Have you tried running one of the other older BIOSes ?
Does it run with one module in the first slot ?
I just tried f7 bios, no luck. I tried XMP, no luck. One module in slot 2 won't POST. One module in slot 4 it won't POST but in 1 and 3 it will.
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In that case it would seem as if there is a problem with memory Channel A. Channel B appears to work properly. This is quite possibly the CPU as the memory controller is built into that now. I would RMA it. ;)
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In that case it would seem as if there is a problem with memory Channel A. Channel B appears to work properly. This is quite possibly the CPU as the memory controller is built into that now. I would RMA it. ;)
I took it to get an RMA but the NCIX tech said that a pin was bent on the motherboard and that I can't return it now. Is there nothing I can do? Can it get fixed?
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Did you purchase it all built up then ? If so if the pin was bent then it is their responsibility and should replace/repair the motherboard.
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Did you purchase it all built up then ? If so if the pin was bent then it is their responsibility and should replace/repair the motherboard.
No I built the PC myself
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I don't understand then why you took it all to the shop for an RMA for the CPU! Anyway whether the CPU socket on the motherboard had a bent pin or not it shouldn't affect you RMAing the CPU. Did you actually see the bent pin ?
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I don't understand then why you took it all to the shop for an RMA for the CPU! Anyway whether the CPU socket on the motherboard had a bent pin or not it shouldn't affect you RMAing the CPU. Did you actually see the bent pin ?
Oh I think you misunderstood, I didn't specify! I meant I took my motherboard to RMA and there was a bent pin on the motherboard socket. I couldn't tell that there was a bent pin...it's really hard for me to tell but I believed the tech.
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We are used to determining any damage done to the pins on the CPU sockets so if you want to post a couple of really clear macro photos, we should be able to confirm this for you.
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I have the same problem with the same CPU, RAM, and similar motherboard (GA-Z68XP-UD3). I bought everything from Direct Canada, a sister company of NCIX (pretty much the same company, just different storefronts). Perhaps they received some bad stock from Gigabyte, who knows.
EDIT: I decided to check the CPU socket. It turns out it was 1 (read: ONE) pin that was off by mere microns, JUST barely noticeable to the naked eye. For some reason, it was shinier than the other pins - I probably wouldn't have been able to notice it if it wasn't. I was able to gently nudge it back into place. I knew how delicate these pins were the minute I lifted the plastic cover for the first time, so I know for a fact that I installed the CPU *very* gingerly. Thus, I'm reasonably certain that the socket arrived like that. It also appears to me that a majority of people with this exact problem have Gigabyte motherboards; perhaps Gigabyte needs to enforce better quality control on their CPU sockets. Of course, it's certainly possible that the bent pin was of my own doing, but considering that it was ONE bent pin, somehow shinier than the other pins, and that the socket was exposed for all of maybe thirty seconds before I gently put the CPU on top of it, I find this unlikely.
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Well I'm pretty scared to bend it back TBH. I don't want to make matters worse.
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Well, some tips if you ever decide to do it: use a flashlight, a sewing needle or a really thin and sharp pair of tweezers, and lots of patience. You just nudge it multiple times, not bend it back all at once. A magnifying glass on one of those third hand things probably would help a lot, although I didn't need one.
Maybe try to RMA it to Gigabyte - I'm still convinced that Gigabyte received a bad batch of 1155 sockets with a defect small enough to slip through inspection unnoticed, or something like that. Of course, it's just wild speculation on my part, but I really can't imagine myself bending one pin out of one thousand one hundred and fifty four others. It's just one pin for you too, right?
Anyways, this whole fiasco has served as a good lesson to not depend on the manufacturer's quality control and check the socket thoroughly before installing, maybe even film the entire process of unboxing and checking the motherboard just in case anybody tries to say it was my fault. It would've saved many hours of frustration had I done that in the first place.
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I just wanted to say that i have the *exact* same problem. Same cpu and motherboard. Slightly different ram(i got the snipers instead). I am thinking of bringing it to the nearby ncix to see if they will exchange or fix it somehow. I am so glad i am not alone, I thought i screwed something up!
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Hmm, interesting... I got mine from Direct Canada, a sister company of NCIX. So, at least three people, same country, similar source, same brand and chipset of motherboard, and same problem. Make sure to keep us updated, Jakk.
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I saw at least 2 others on this board with the same problem other than you guys.
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So just out of curiosity, are you two running your comps in single channel with no alternative cause they refused to exchange your board?
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Hi
I would suggest that you contact your nearest Gigabyte service centre(which is in the States actually) and see what they are prepared to do about it. Different places have different policies but it is worth checking.
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So just out of curiosity, are you two running your comps in single channel with no alternative cause they refused to exchange your board?
No, as I mentioned earlier, I fixed the problem and am running with dual channel RAM. I might have tried to RMA it instead if I weren't so desperate to have the damn thing up and running as soon as possible. Did you take yours to NCIX? What did they say?
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How did you fix the problem cause that might be a better solution for me at the moment.
NCIX is giving me some serious problems and making me jump through hoops to get an exchange and even then it's a lose lose situation. Infact, I'm currently posting this from NCIX while waiting for the more senior technician to get back from his lunch break.
Now here's my situation:
They suggested that the reason why the computer wasn't booting up initially was cause it already *is* in dual channel. I blame the lack of the standardized colour-coded channels on this board. I showed them through CPU-Z that it was, infact, running in single channel.
The they suggested that it might be a ram problem, saying that it's not compatible and if it isn't on their certified list then it's not their problem. I confirmed that the board is listed as compatible with the g.skill sniper ram on the g.skill site.
Finally they agreed that there is *something* wrong with the COMPUTER though they never admitted it was the board, but i insisted on an exchange. However, to do an exchange, i would have to take out the board myself cause they cannot be liable.
"Does that mean i have to go home, get a screw driver, take it out, and bring it back?"
"yes"
so i went to a nearby home depot and got a scre driver and half way through taking the board out, they tell me that they don't have the board in stock and i would have to wait a few days to get it from another store. I asked if they would gaurantee the new board to be working first. Again they can't bnnecause they cannot open the new board and can't touch my computer due to liablity.
The only way i can get them to check the board is to pay them to " repair" my computer for 50 bucks which gives them the ability to try out the new board. And even then, they can't gaurantee that if the new board doesn't work that i would be entitled to anything.
Options: Run in single channel and feel ripped off, wait for my new board and hope it works, or pay 50 bucks for them to "check" it. loselose situation. Any ideas?
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Personally I would go for the exchange board and then fit it myself. Hopefully it will be ok and everything will work. If not you still have a new board that is unlikely to be faulty, especially in the same way, so you have a good start point for future faultfinding. Obviously it is your call. ;)
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If anyone is still interested, heres an update:
on saturday they told me that they don't have the board in stock and will have to ship it from another ncix store which shud get there on monday and will give me a call. Monday just passed and no call so i'll head into store in person tomorrow and hopefully *finally* this all gets sorted out and i can finally use my new comp that i bought 2 weeks ago!
I also am choosing to take ur advice Dark Mantis, good call!
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Well let's hope so. Good luck with your getting the replacement board tomorrow and let us know how things go. If you require any more help you know where we are. ;)
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So it's been a week and i finally got my new board because though i insisted they call me when they got the new board, they "accidentally" shipped it, which takes 4 days(+ weekends). The new board seems to run fine in dual channel but now there's no output from my videocard!
Seeing as how it outputted before, i think the socket on the "new" motherboard isn't working. Or my video card stopped outputting since last week.
I am loathe to RMA another board and in that time screw myself over because the time for the mail-in rebate will be over. Regardless, I have to bring my board in tomorrow.
Should i bring in my whole computer in and see if they can fix it so i skip the exchange process? Might be the same end result. Tried a different monitor and still no output. No other video card to test out. Atleast it no longer restarts the moment i turn it on in dual channel.
ps. I hate NCIX.
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Well it seems to be a case of two steps forward and one step back again. Firstly can you confirm that it was actually a brand new board ?
I think the first thing to try is clear the CMOS in case there are any old settings/data in there.
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.
Has that helped ? If not Make sure that all the BIOS settings are correct and that you haven't forgotten to connect any of the power cables.
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I will try clearing CMOS and hope that it will start outputting a signal, if not then I can't see what I'm doing in BIOS.
The only thing that is somewhat comforting is that the computer 100% works with dual channel(or atleast doesn't automatically shut down) cause I can hear the windows boot up noise and log in noise.
edit: how would i check if it's a new board?
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Usually you can tell if it is a new board by the seals etc on the packaging when you get it. Was the box sealed ? Not all boxes come with an anti-tamper seal but if it did you can be fairly certain it was new.
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The shipping box was sealed but the actual motherboard(box) was not sealed. The motherboard itself was in it's customary bag that is also unsealed. Not sure if that's the norm or not, I would not have even noticed if you hadn't mentioned it.
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I think it depends on which production line it comes off as some are sealed and some are not. Obviously if it is not sealed it doesn't prove anything one way or the other.
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No luck with the CMOS, it's back to NCIX tomorrow. I can't wait to be done with that place. All i want is or my computer to work!
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I can understand your feelings towards them and don't expect anyone else would be different. Let us know how you get on though.
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My computer finally works! I brought back the crappy board they sent me and they gave me another one which also didn't work. They had one more in stock and i made them test it for me. Everything is now working finally! It's only been 3 weeks! Thanks Dark Mantis for going through all of this with me!
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Hooray!!! That is great news and I think you deserve it after all that! Well at least it worked out in the end even if it was a bit of a battle and long and drawn out. ;)
Enjoy using your new toy now for a while.
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I have the same problem with the same CPU, RAM, and similar motherboard (GA-Z68XP-UD3). I bought everything from Direct Canada, a sister company of NCIX (pretty much the same company, just different storefronts). Perhaps they received some bad stock from Gigabyte, who knows.
EDIT: I decided to check the CPU socket. It turns out it was 1 (read: ONE) pin that was off by mere microns, JUST barely noticeable to the naked eye. For some reason, it was shinier than the other pins - I probably wouldn't have been able to notice it if it wasn't. I was able to gently nudge it back into place. I knew how delicate these pins were the minute I lifted the plastic cover for the first time, so I know for a fact that I installed the CPU *very* gingerly. Thus, I'm reasonably certain that the socket arrived like that. It also appears to me that a majority of people with this exact problem have Gigabyte motherboards; perhaps Gigabyte needs to enforce better quality control on their CPU sockets. Of course, it's certainly possible that the bent pin was of my own doing, but considering that it was ONE bent pin, somehow shinier than the other pins, and that the socket was exposed for all of maybe thirty seconds before I gently put the CPU on top of it, I find this unlikely.
I have the GA-Z68XP-UD3 also. Bought it just before Christmas. I had the same problem. I checked out my socket after reading the post here and found a bent pin on mine too. I got some reading glasses on and used an exact-o knife to straighten mine out. Works great now. THANKS FOR THE FORUM POST!
Seems suspect that the same single pin would be bent on so many sockets. Maybe we all just bent it the same way, but what are the chances that ONLY that one pin that impacts the same thing would be bent by end users and none of the others. Seems like a QA problem to me too.
Anyway, happy I didn't have to RMA it. I did cross-ship RMA more memory before I found it was a slot problem. I guess I will just keep the extra 8 gig and use it. :sigh: ;D
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Hi and welcome.
Glad to hear that you managed to find the thread useful and it's a bummer that you have to find somewhere to put that extra memory but we all have our crosses to bare. ;)