GA-X58-UDR3 Motherboard won't enable all memory

[editor]

Hey guys, this is my first post here and I REALLY am desperate to get some solid answers.

I built a desktop for video editing purposes and I am having issues with my Mobo enabling all 12 Gb of my memory. The Mobo only enables 4 slots (8 Gb). If I try to put any more RAM in the Mobo, the system will go through a 3-4 cycle Boot, before getting to Windows. But, I will still have only 8 Gb of memory enabled.

I have tried messing with settings in the BIOS; updated the BIOS to FE and still have had no luck whatsoever.
Right now it's not a major deal, but I strongly believe that I will need all 12 Gb of RAM when I install Adobe CS5 this week

I will list some of the hardware:
Ga-X58-UDR3 Rev 2.0
Intel i7 950
Corsair XMS 1600 Mhz DDR3 RAM (12Gb)
Running Windows 7 64 Bit
1TB SATA HDD
GTX 460 GPU
Corsair H50 cooler

If I have left out anything, please let me know.

If you guys could help me, I would be so glad and appreciative.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

Right firstly just insert modules in the DDR3_1, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 slots and see what happens.

[editor]

Okay I will try that.
I have noticed that the DDR LED lights are green on 4 slots (1,2,3,4) and the remaining two LEDs for slots 5,6 are red. This is the way the LED lights are lit up all the time, whether I have just 4 sitck or all 6 sticks.
If I put in all 6 sticks, the system goes through 3-4 boot cycles before getting to Windows. With only 4 sticks, the boot is perfectly Normal.

[Dark Mantis]

How have you set up your memory at the moment? is it still on Auto?

The thing is that Auto won't work when you fill all the slots because of the extra loading that you are putting on the memory controller.

You will have to enter all the settings and voltages manually instead. If you need any help post all the settings and voltage here for the memory.

[editor]

Dark Mantis,

I tried what you suggested. I put my DDr3 sticks in slots 1-3-5 and the MB recognizes all slots; but it doesn't activate slot 5; just 1 and 3. The system went through 2 boot cycles before hitting Windows-with the 1-3-5 setup.

My current memory setup:
4 sticks in slots 1-4. I have avoided slots 5-6 because they have never worked before.

I have most of my stuff set to auto. I have tried tweaking voltage before and that did not seem to fix the issue.

I willneed some help on this.

All I know is that the voltage rating on the sticks are 1.6V and the Mhz is 1600.

Here is the Corsair specs on my memory kit.
http://www.corsair.com/memory-3/xms-classic/ddr3-xms3/hx3x12g1333c9.html

[Dark Mantis]

Well if it isn't seeing slot 5 it sounds like you might have bent pins on the CPU socket.

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.

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.

[editor]

I have already taken a look at the CPU pins and NONE appear to be bent, or even slightly out of alignment.

If you need a macro shot, I can do that.

But since I have already checked on the pins, what else do you suggest?

[Dark Mantis]

Not that I distrust your judgement but you would be surprised how many people miss these bent pins as they are so small and insignificant. So a couple of well lit (not flash) macro shots would be a good idea.
Also take one of the lands on the underside of the CPU please.

[editor]

Alright. I will have those for you tomorrow.

Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

OK while we wait on those you could try the memory settings than.

We shall have to try manipulating the memory settings.

According to Corsair these are your memoy details: 12GB XMS Memory kit for triple channel systems, 1333MHz, 9-9-9-24, 1.5V

Set the memory voltage to 1.55v to compensate.

For 12GB of memory, depending on the timings, memory speeds, and your CPU itself - you may need 1.2-1.45+ QPI/Vtt.   So you need to tinker with this a little bit as this is usually the  key to missing memory if you are sure you don't have any bent pins.

Make sure that the Uncore is set to twice the memory multiplier(or twice plus 1 or 2).

[editor]

Alright.
I found something else out:
Here is what Amazon says about this set;
Product Features
Corsair?s enthusiast 12GB kit solution running at 1600MHz on the Intel Core i7 processor platforms.
Guaranteed to work in all DDR3 Triple Kit Intel Core i7 Solutions.
Each 6 X 2GB kit is tested at 1600MHz then Packaged together immediately following system test
Tested together at 1600MHz, Vdimm = 1.65V, at latency settings of 9-9-9-24 on X58-based motherboards.
Lifetime Warranty!
Technical Details
Model: HX3X12G1600C9
Item Package Quantity: 1
Hardware Platform: PC
RAM Memory Technology: DRAM, DDR3 SDRAM
Form Factor: DIMM 240-pin
Memory Storage Capacity: 12288.0 MB
Memory Speed: 1600 MHz
Memory Specification Compliance: PC3-12800
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty


Voltage is a bit different on these?

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-HX3X12G1600C9-PC3-12800-1600Mhz-240-pin/dp/tech-data/B001VNLDN8/ref=de_a_smtd

[Dark Mantis]

The difference in voltage is because the 1600 Mhz is achieved by XMP which is basically overclocking the memory. I would advise trying to get all six modules to run stably first and the we can try and get some extra speed afterwardss.

[editor]

Sounds good. I will play with the settings tonight; get you some macro's and hopefull resolves this mess.

[editor]

Here is a pic of the CPU pins.

[editor]

Here is the bottom of the CPU