Gigabyte 880gm-usb3 rev 3.1 (am3+) Memory channel problem

[razer_76]

Specs
phenom II x4 955 c3
gigabyte 880gm-usb3
corsair cmx4gx3m2a1600c9 2x2 gb 1600 (running at 1333 default)
seasonic s12 II 430w bronze
windows 7 ultimate x64
BIOS version -FC

guys heres my problem

whenever i run the ram in dual channel mode there are random and frequent BSOD (even prime95 causes a bsod)
whereas everything was fine a few days back.

have tested the ram using memtest 86+ 4.20 (ram shows no errors after 13 passes) tried each stick individually in slot 1.
Another thing i noticed was ram runs at only 200/400 mhz as shown by memtest, only in slots 2 and 4
whereas in 1 and 3 it runs at 667/1333

when i run two modules in slots 1 and 2 or slots 3 and 4 and run memtest it shows as 667/1333 even cpuz confirms this but i have the bsod problem.
the speed issue only happens when i have one module in either slot 2 or slot 4
memtest shows it as 200/400 but cpuz shows it as 667.

currently running ram in single channel mode in slots 1 and 3 spd 1333 without any problems.

BIOS is set to default (auto) including ram voltage and timings.

[Dark Mantis]

You should be running with the memory modules in slots DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 for Dual Channel use.

From the manual: If two memory modules are to be installed, it is recommended that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.

I would suggest checking the settings for the memory in the BIOS as auto sometimes just doesn't cut it.

[razer_76]

have tried in slots 1 and 3

with following settings and have started getting bsod

spd 1600 timing - 9-9-9-24-41  2T voltage 1.65

should i reflash the bios and try again      

[Dark Mantis]

Well you shouldn't be running the memory at anything over 1333mhz as it could damage the memory controller part of the CPU.

Try clearing the CMOS exactly as per instructions and as long as you have the latest BIOS update leave it at that for now.

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.

[absic]

Hi,

another thing to consider is the PSU.

Gigabyte actually recommend a PSU of at least 500Watts for this motherboard and strange things can happen if there is not enough power.

[razer_76]

Well you shouldn't be running the memory at anything over 1333mhz as it could damage the memory controller part of the CPU.

Try clearing the CMOS exactly as per instructions and as long as you have the latest BIOS update leave it at that for now.

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.

did exactly as you said and everything is fine ( but why does memtest 86+ report slower speeds 200/400 in slots 2 and 4)

[Dark Mantis]

It is probably just an inconsistancy between the versions. Usually it is because someone is using an older version for a  new platform but of course it can happen in reverse too.