GA-X58A-UD3R rev1..0 DIMM DDR3_1 Disable or Defective?

[deadpunk]

I have a GA-X58A-UD3R rev1.0 and having problem with my DDR3_1 DIMM.

When I insert a 2GB Kingston Stick in DDR3_1 and power up, It doesn't boot up.

When I add a second stick in DDR3_3, In BIOS it shows 2GB during POST, but in M.I.T is show that there is a 2GB stick in DDR3_1 and 2GB in DDR3_3..
But 2GB enable in DIMM DDR3_3 and only 2GB available.
In windows 7 64bit, it shows 2GB usable( 4GB installed ).

When I insert these 2 stick in DDR3_3 and DDR3_5, It shows a full 4GB usable.

I am on BIOS F6 btw.

Thankin you in anticipation for any help.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Well there could be several reasons for the problem as shown.

Was there any reason why you purchased  Dual Channel RAM for a Triple Channel board ?

Did you purchase the memory modules as a matched pair ?

Does it matter which module is in which slot for the problem to show ?

Will it boot and run with either module in first slot ?

[deadpunk]

Well, I have this board since 7months but was short on money, so i got only 1 module but to upgrade to triple channel later.

I did check the model to get the same module,Both are Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G.

Only slot seem to have problem is DDDR3_1.

Like I said in my first post, when i plug 1 module in DDR3_1 , PC doesn't boot. ( tested with the 2 module,same result )

When I plug 2 modules, 1 in DDR3_1 and 1 in DDR3_3, In BIOS , M.I.T section, It shows 2GB in these two slot but only DDR3_3 which is enable and thus only 2GB available and on windows 64bit, it show 2GB usable( 4GB installed)

[Dark Mantis]

Firstly memory modules need to be matched (not just same model number) to run stably in Dual or Triple Channel mode. Sure you can add more individual sticks but they may not play happily together.

It would seem to be either the motherboard or the CPU that is causing the problem. I think the first thing to check is for any bent pins in the CPU socket. These are not easy to see at all and probably the best thing is to take a few nice clear macro photos and pst them, here for us to see. Please follow these instructions exactly.

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.

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.

[deadpunk]

Ok, Ill try that! I have taken some pic of different combination of these two modules in different slot.In CPU-Z, Its showing Dual channel when I insert in DDR3_3 and DDR3_5. I assume that its working great and have got an increased score to 7.4 in dual channel in windows experience index.

Tomorrow I'll try to get a third stick and thermal paste.First I will try the triple channel and then remove the cpu and follow your instructions.

Please take a look at it and let me know.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Single channel is slot DDR3_1

Dual Channel is DDR3_1 and DDR3_3

Triple channel is DDR3_1, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 (all white slots)

Even though it is not used as specified I would imagine that fitting the RAM in DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 would result in it running in Dual Channel Mode.

[deadpunk]

Hi

Single channel is slot DDR3_1

Dual Channel is DDR3_1 and DDR3_3

Triple channel is DDR3_1, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 (all white slots)

Even though it is not used as specified I would imagine that fitting the RAM in DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 would result in it running in Dual Channel Mode.

Single Channel in slot DDR3_1 = PC doesn't boot
Single Channel in slot DDR3_3= PC boot.

On user manual , Its said that i can use one of these two slot for single channel.

I will call my local shop to get this replace with the rev2.0 or get a newer board which is way better if they don't have this in stock
Hopefully I have 2 years of warranty on gigabyte product.

Thank You very much.

[Dark Mantis]

You are very welcome and please do come back and let us know how you get on. I would be interested in the state of your CPU socket pins too.

[deadpunk]

Hi again, I just bought my third stick and found that the 2GB is allocated to my graphic card.
Here is the printscreen:

[Dark Mantis]

Yes it does appear the 1800MB is indeed earmarked for use by the graphics adapter. That would explain the only 4 GB usable but not why the DDR3_1 slot doesn't work.  If a single module is inserted into slot 1 the system should boot.

[deadpunk]

Just check the cpu socket, and found no bend pins, I dont have a camera! I will take a macro view when i got one this week!

Seem like I am not the only one with this board to get this problem, some got dimm 5 and 6 not enable/defective and other just like mine.

I forgot to tell that i got "Recovering Lost DRAm" just after "Verifying DMI pool" and pc need a fourth reboot to get into windows.( Same problem like the others)

BTW: no XMP in my bios!

Can you give me the link for the latest bios for this rev1.0 board?  On the website I can foud F8A beta bios. Does it have another one which is more recent? Is it recommended to install beta bios?

[Dark Mantis]

I have just checked and even TweakTown who normally are ahead of us with the betas especially have only got F8a version. There is nothing wrong with using beta versions as i have done it for months on end.

I will still be interested in seeing the photos as I have lost count of the number of times I have heard "there's no bent pins" only to find several.

[deadpunk]

Hi, I have taken 5 pics at different angle. I got the camera a bit late and it was already night.

Please take a look at it! If your want a better pic, I'll make one better tomorrow morning.

Here the link: http://www.mediafire.com/?a0pst9bkni7462q

If you want another pic a certain area, I'll upload it , i have made some more before putting all stuff back.
Thanking you in anticipation!

[Dark Mantis]

I think they are all ok but there is one I am unsure about. Can you take some clearer photos preferably without flash flare. Thanks

[deadpunk]

I think they are all ok but there is one I am unsure about. Can you take some clearer photos preferably without flash flare. Thanks

Just tell me where and i will upload one at this particular place... its night and i cant get a better pic for the moment and without the flash , the pic are dark. Sorry for making your eyes bleed