GA-Z68X-UD4-B3 F6 Won't run Mushkin 2133 RAM at that speed? What now?

[CaptainBDSC]

Hey guys, I just built a new rig.

I got this MB because, according to Newegg, it can run memory at 2133 without OC-ing. I got the system all setup and Windows 7 64bit installed and running fine. I then, stupid of me to check later, decided to check and tweak the BIOS. I see that my Mushkin 2133 PC17000 RAM is only running at 1333. That was the auto setting. So I changed the setting to 2133. I restarted and the computer wouldn't even get passed POST. So i reverted to 1333 and the computer and windows booted normally. I checked my BIOS and found it to be version 6. So i downloaded version 8 and flashed my board. The computer will now boot with the memory set to 2133 but windows will start to load then it crashes. The Windows repair utility cant solve the problem, neither can system restore. the microsoft memory test passes. SO, i reverted back to BIOS version 6 and set the RAM back to 1333 and I get the same crashing. Did I corrupt my hard drive? Should I reformat and install Windows anew with the BIOS being F6 and my frequencies set where I want them?

I have:
8GB (2x4GB) Mushkin Redline 2133 PC17000 RAM
120GB Mushkin SSD
1TB WD mech drive
EVGA Nvidia 580 video card in the 16x slot

[Aussie Allan]

  Welcome CaptainBDSC

   You still might have to go back from this step if it proves to be still not stable but..........go into BIOS and load optimized defaults..........this is the first thing you do after Flashing to a new Bios version..........save and reboot..........go back in to BIOS and set all your parameters for you system as before but this time  look for XMP ( enable/Disable ) and enable it .... this will load the memory's per-configured timings profile and give you access to the 2133 you're after.........once happy with your setup........save and reboot back to windows.........report back if you still have issues and we'll take it from there!

  Aussie Allan

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome.

First just to put the record straight no matter what Newegg tells you running any memory at more than 1333 mhz is overclocking! 1333 is the fastest speed rated by JEDEC the governing body that covers these things and so if you want to run your memory at anything more than that you will be overclocking it.

That is why your board reverted to 1333. If you want to run it at 2133 you mightr get away with it as Allan says with the XMP but if not you will need to manually enter all the timings and voltageinto the BIOS and maybe even tweak some of the settings.

[CaptainBDSC]

Hi and welcome.

First just to put the record straight no matter what Newegg tells you running any memory at more than 1333 mhz is overclocking! 1333 is the fastest speed rated by JEDEC the governing body that covers these things and so if you want to run your memory at anything more than that you will be overclocking it.

That is why your board reverted to 1333. If you want to run it at 2133 you mightr get away with it as Allan says with the XMP but if not you will need to manually enter all the timings and voltageinto the BIOS and maybe even tweak some of the settings.

So, I basically wasted my money buying 2133 RAM... Unless I want to OC. I guess I'll have underclock or buy aftermarket cooling...

[Aussie Allan]

  "So, I basically wasted my money buying 2133 RAM... Unless I want to OC. I guess I'll have underclock or buy aftermarket cooling... "

  Not exactly!.... as DM stated.....JEDEC only "Officially recognizes up to 1333 ... this is the Big Brother Body that establishes industrial and protocol standards in the IT industry.........this way every one (Manufactures) plays ball and a USB2 mouse of any make will fit and work in any USB2 supported port......otherwise every manufacture would given half the opportunity (NO JEDEC) would only support there own brand, or recommended brand  of equipment  ..... So as DM said......anyone running memory over 1333 ( even if it's made and sold as 1600) is technically clocking the memory as far as JEDEC is concerned!

  your 2133 Ram will quite happily run at 1333.......1600......1800 and so on in your mother board via manually setting the timings or using XMP profiles.

  In BIOS there is a cool field that says " memory Multiplier " get your manual and read up on this area......it's key to doing what you want.... in effect you can have your memory running at all the above speeds through the memory multiplier while leaving your CPU running at it's stock speed.........Make sense!..... it's a lot to absorb in one hit, just sit down with the manual ....turn to that section and read it twice.....things will start to fall into place on the second read with a ......"AhhhhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

  Post back if you have further queries or need clarification

 Aussie Allan

[CaptainBDSC]

Oh, okay, cool. THANKS

I will do my homework and see what I can do.

But based on my previous procedures it looks like I still need to install windows again... Since going back to what I started with didn't fix my Windows booting problem...

[Aussie Allan]

  One thing at a time Batman!................ make sure you have ACHI configured in BIOS prior to Windows install...... is a great start

 Couple of other points....windows memory tester is like tits on a bull..........only use Memtest and one stick at a time.......no one will trust anything else ... if you suspect a memory problem.......in fact......PC savvy people will test with memtest all new dimms even before loading up the PC with windows........I put the failure rate of new memory at 2%+.....it does happen......better to find out at the beginning......one more thing to rule out if you have problems

  Aussie Allan

 

[Dark Mantis]

Yes I agree Allan apart from the part about failures in new memory. I would put it higher than 2% but that is debateable.!

[Aussie Allan]

  Yes it's a toughie the 2% ... but to be fair .... memory manufactures state .2% ... are we being harsh.... ... out of the last 68 gig Ive purchased in the last18 months .... not one failure...... never buy the bottom tier has paid dividends.

  Aussie Allan

[Dark Mantis]

I am just going on the modules I see that fail here on the forum and I would say that is a good 2%. Probably 5 or more but then that is why people come on a forum.

[CaptainBDSC]

  One thing at a time Batman!................ make sure you have ACHI configured in BIOS prior to Windows install...... is a great start

 Couple of other points....windows memory tester is like tits on a bull..........only use Memtest and one stick at a time.......no one will trust anything else ... if you suspect a memory problem.......in fact......PC savvy people will test with memtest all new dimms even before loading up the PC with windows........I put the failure rate of new memory at 2%+.....it does happen......better to find out at the beginning......one more thing to rule out if you have problems

  Aussie Allan

 

THNKYOU that was the problem!!!!!! I enabled AHCI and windows boots now and i have my RAM running at 2133!!!!!!

[Aussie Allan]

               Your more then Welcome CaptainBDSC

     Spread the word....where here to please!........ glad you had a win easily ...... send beer or a Karma Now go and enjoy your computer!

  Any other problems..... just drop us all  a line or two.......

 
 Aussie Allan