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BIOS Settings


Topcat

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Hi,

Im trying to load the optimal settings for my system build. Ive set the folllowing in the BIOS:

 

Timings 5,5,5,15. 2 Clock

Mem Voltage 2.2

FSB Memory Clock Mode: unlinked

FSB QDR Mhz: 1333

 

Now when I set the "Mem DDR Mhz" to "1066", windows falls over with BSOD as soon as it starts to load. Ive also tried it at "1020" which does the same (even the BIOS hangs and you have to do factory reset to get the system working again). Ive set it to "1000" and windows tries to load but hangs (no BSOD), but finally got it working at "950" and the bios screen reports its running at "933".

 

This is also the second motherboard Ive had as my last one went faulty on me which was an Asus Striker (not extreme) and the same thing happened then when trying to set the ram to DDR 1066mhz.

 

So have I got faulty ram then? I've had the shop run memtest all night on it before and it didnt come back with any errors. Or am I setting the wrong settings?

 

Thanks in advance :)

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Update,

Ive just pulled out all 4 sticks to check the model numbers after reading a few posts on the forums. The model number is:

 

CM2X1024-8500C5D

 

However 2 sticks are version 1.2 and the other 2 are version 2.2.

 

So as a little test I pulled out 2 sticks and left the other version 2.2 ones in and it appears (according to pcpitstop.com) that my system is slightly quicker with 2gig.

 

Could this be because the version 1.2 is slowing it down or do I just need to tweak a few settings? If its slowing it down, can I get them exchanged for version 2.2, all the sticks are only about 6 months old.

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  • Corsair Employees
With 4 modules the system will be a bit slower than with 2 modules, but also with 4 modules installed DR800 would be suggested and I would set the memory Voltage manually to 2.1 Volts and set the NB/MCH Voltage to +.05 Volts as well.
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OK but they should still work though. Im buying 1066 ram on a 1066 board, is it too much to ask to have it run at what is supposed to? Or am I being unreasonable? If so why have 4 slots on a board?

 

Now ive just got to the bottom of another problem ive been having. I went to change to those settings you suggested and the system wouldnt give me a display when I saved and rebooted. This has happened many times before and is consistantly happening. Ive just had the motherboard chanaged because of this and the video card tested in another machine which was fine.

 

So ive got the version 2.2 ram plugged into the coloured slots and the system powers up fine, but if I plug the other 2x2gig sticks into the other slots I get no display. If I mess around for 30 mins or so I sometimes can manage to get it to come on with the 4gig installed but its a lot of messing around and lady luck. If I do, I cant shut it down either.

 

As I say this has been going on a while and ive only just sussed out whats causing it. So have I got faulty ram or should I change some settings in the BIOS before plugging the other ram in?

 

Thanks

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Yes, I have a Gigabyte mobo that has trouble running 4x1GB sticks of the Dominator 1066MHz stuff at 1066MHz.

 

I agree that if it is an issue, the motherboard manual, or the Corsair spec. sheet should clearly note the fact.

 

Some boards do work though.

 

I can run mine 2x1GB at 1066MHz. The timings are spec. 5-5-5-15.

 

What are your timings, maybe relax them more?

 

Or try tightening at a lower clock.

 

I chalk it up to a learning experience, but I still think it sucks.

 

breaker

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I currently have 5-5-5-15 2-clock which is the recommended.

 

This is my second motherboard, first was an ASUS striker which was also supposed to support it. I now have a second high end board which supports it, so please tell me what settings to change it too with just 2x1gig and i'll try getting it working with just 2gig first.

 

But also what should I do with this other 2gig that stops my system booting up when I put it in.

 

Thanks

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So, there are some similar threads about this floating around these boards.

 

The different revisions of that memory use different ICs.

 

From the Enthusiast Forum DDR2 IC inquiry:

 

CM2X1024-8500C5D

........................XMS850Xv1.X...MICRON.........64Mx8...Rev.D

........................XMS850Xv2.x...Qimonda........64Mx8...70Nm

 

So, really you are running 2 types of ICs with your memory controller, that has to add some type of factor to your situation.

 

There is no easy answer to your question, except I've read MICRON OCs better, but Qimonda MAY be able to run at a lower voltage on some mobos.

 

So as far as the "other" pair, ebay?

 

In other words, experiment, but also, it is best to buy exact matches of your memory. Same theory as the old dual-CPU mobos - you always wanted to buy them from the same stepping, and if possible, the same lot.

 

However, do some tests, follow Ramguy's advice.

 

You may be surprised how fast your RAM speed is using 800MHz at 4-4-4-12 with 4 sticks - if it will run.

 

I personally like 4 gigs becuase I process large video files, but gamers may like 2 gigs at a faster clock.

 

Disclaimer: my $0.02

 

breaker

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FYI: I also have a 2 pairs of each of the above versions and am unable to get the pair to work together in my EVGA 680i mobo at their 1066 rating.

 

Interestingly, they initially worked for a week or so at the higher 2.2V, but eventually a BSOD occurred and from that moment on the Memory Test (Vista 32-bit) failed on all combinations of voltage and location.

 

In my case, I tried the pairs on their own in banks 0/2 and both are fine.

 

However, I received immediate test failures using either pair in banks 1/3.

 

Hence have a feeling my motherboard needs an RMA, as I do expect both matching bank pairs to work with matching RAM.

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  • Corsair Employees
If you install more than two modules DDR800 or DDR667 would be suggested but if the modules will not run in slots 2-4 one set at a time but will run in slots 1-3 with out problems that would suggest a problem with the MB and or maybe BIOS.
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This is the second board ive run that wont do it, both BIOS have been updated to the latest version. First an Asus Striker now this one. Both are high end board that are more than able too.

 

Do that not suggest a problem with the ram?

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