Gigabyte X48T-DQ6 with TW3X4G1800C8DF issues

[the edge]

I'm not trying to over clock, but am having issues with this board from the basis it is not allowing me to run the memory at the CPU's rated FSB.

 

I'm running this board with an Intel QX9770

4 Corsair TW3X4G1800C8DF Dominators for a total of 8GB

Windows Vista 64

 

Vista runs stable with no lock-ups, this is an issue strictly with the BIOS.

 

I have reset the CMOS, re-flashed the BIOS with F5 and deleted the DMI, loaded the optimized default settings. The BIOS recognizes all 8GB at 1800 with 8,8,8,24 timings.

 

It's the BIOS which refuses to save my settings and shuts the computer down, some times as much as two reboots after I change the settings, but almost always reloads stock settings. Some times I can get the Board to run stable at 8x and 1600 but if the computer is shut down it relaods stock settings AND THIS OCCURS WITH BOTH 2 AND FOUR MODULES INSTALLED!!!!

 

The QX9770 is rated at 1600 FSB and all I'm trying to do for now is get the BIOS set to the CPU rated speed. Below are the following settings I have tried to load.

 

All Auto thermal and stepping options are Disabled.

 

 

M.I.T. Intelligent Tweaker (MIT)

Robust Graphics Booster [Auto]

CPU Clock Ratio [8]

Fine CPU Clock Ratio [0.0]

CPU Frequency 3.2 (8 x 400Mzh)

CPU Host Clock Control [Enabled]

CPU Host Frequency [400]

PCI Express Frequency [Auto]

C.I.A.2 [Disabled]

Performance Enhance [standard]

Extreme Memory Profiles [Enabled]

System Memory Multiplier [4.00D] recommended setting for 400FSB

Memory Frequency [1600]

Dram Timing [Manual]

Standard Timing Control

CAS [8]

Dram RAS to CAS# [8]

DRAM RAS Precharge [8]

Precharge Delay [24]

 

Advanced timing control:

ACT to ACT [7]

Rank Write to Read [7]

Write to Precharge [14]

Refresh to ACT [100]

Read to Precharge [7]

Static tRead [9]

Static tRead Phase [0]

Comand Rate [2]

 

Clock Driving and Skew Control: All set to Auto

 

System Voltage Control: All set to Auto except

 

DDR3 OverVoltage Control [+.05]

Normal CPU Vcore [1.3000] in auto BIOS was setting it to [1.51000] and running the core too hot!!!!!

 

 

 

The default setting the Board almost always loads are:

 

M.I.T. Intelligent Tweaker (MIT)

Robust Graphics Booster [Auto]

CPU Clock Ratio [7]

Fine CPU Clock Ratio [0.5]

CPU Frequency 3.37 (7.5 x 450Mzh)

CPU Host Clock Control [Disabled]

CPU Host Frequency [450] Dimmed out

PCI Express Frequency [Auto]

C.I.A.2 [Disabled]

Performance Enhance [standard]

Extreme Memory Profiles [Disabled]

System Memory Multiplier [Auto] recommended setting for 400FSB

Memory Frequency [1333] Dimmied out

Dram Timing [Auto]

Standard Timing Control

CAS [9]

Dram RAS to CAS# [9]

DRAM RAS Precharge [9]

Precharge Delay [24]

 

I have already begun a search for a better quality board with the QX9770 combo and the Dominator 1800 memory, I am open to any suggestions for a replacement board, for a 3.6 or so overclock @ 1800Mzh :[pouts:

[DerekT]

Download Memtest86+ V2.01 from--->

Here

Download CPU-z from

Here

.

Download Real Temp from-->

Here

Shut the system down

Remove the power cord

Remove the CMOS Battery

Set the CMOS_CLR Jumper to On

Press the power button for 10 seconds

Let sit for 10 minutes

Set the CMOS_CLR Jumper to Off

Insert the CMOS Battery

Insert the Power Cord

Restart the system

Enter the BIOS

Load Default Settings

Save Default Settings and Exit

Restart the System.

Enter your BIOS. On the main BIOS screen press Ctrl + F1. You will see the screen flicker. Next select the MB Intelligent Tweaker option. On that screen you will see many additional settings that were not there before. Very likely you know all this already, however it is useful for other's reading this thread.

 

Set to these values:

MIB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
CPU Clock Ratio = 7
CPU Host Clock Control = 450Mhz
PCI Express Frequency = 100Mhz
C.I.A.2 = Disabled
System Memory Multiplier = 4
DRAM Timing Selectable = Manual
CAS Latency Time = 8
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay = 8
RAS# Precharge = 8
Precharge Delay (tRAS) = 24
ACT to ACT delay = Auto
Bank Write To READ Delay = Auto
Refresh to ACT Delay = 0
Read to Precharge Delay = Auto
Memory Performance Enhance = Normal
Dimm OverVoltage Control = +.5V
PCI-e OverVoltage Control = Normal
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control = +.2
CPU Voltage Control = Find your Core Voltage settings that will bring about stability at 450Mhz FSB. 
Robust Graphics Booster = Auto

 

You need a 450Mhz FSB to run with 450 X 4 = 1800Mhz on the DRAM. Run Memtest for two full passes, then (If Stable), enter Windows and post screenshots of CPU-z's CPU, Memory and SPD tabs. Please post a screenshot of Realtemp as well.

 

What cooler are you using?

[stryd_one]

One thing I should mention right off the top - it's not gonna work with 4 sticks. According to the manual, the motherboard will only support one memory stick per channel at 1600+ speeds. It's down the bottom of page 17... Sorry dude :(

 

Derek's tips are good, go with those, but I'd d it with just 4GB installed at first and then see how you go after you have it stable like that...

 

Edit: In fact, I'd be doing it to the CPU's spec, and under-clock the RAM a bit, first.... If you try to get the RAM at rated speed, you're going to be running an overclocked FSB from the CPU's perspective. I'd do it with 400MHz FSB, x8 multiplier for the CPU and x2 for the RAM first, get it stable, then move up...

[the edge]

Download Memtest86+ V2.01 from--->

Here

Download CPU-z from

Here

.

Download Real Temp from-->

Here

Shut the system down

Remove the power cord

Remove the CMOS Battery

Set the CMOS_CLR Jumper to On

Press the power button for 10 seconds

Let sit for 10 minutes

Set the CMOS_CLR Jumper to Off

Insert the CMOS Battery

Insert the Power Cord

Restart the system

Enter the BIOS

Load Default Settings

Save Default Settings and Exit

Restart the System.

Enter your BIOS. On the main BIOS screen press Ctrl + F1. You will see the screen flicker. Next select the MB Intelligent Tweaker option. On that screen you will see many additional settings that were not there before. Very likely you know all this already, however it is useful for other's reading this thread.

 

Set to these values:

MIB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
CPU Clock Ratio = 7
CPU Host Clock Control = 450Mhz
PCI Express Frequency = 100Mhz
C.I.A.2 = Disabled
System Memory Multiplier = 4
DRAM Timing Selectable = Manual
CAS Latency Time = 8
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay = 8
RAS# Precharge = 8
Precharge Delay (tRAS) = 24
ACT to ACT delay = Auto
Bank Write To READ Delay = Auto
Refresh to ACT Delay = 0
Read to Precharge Delay = Auto
Memory Performance Enhance = Normal
Dimm OverVoltage Control = +.5V
PCI-e OverVoltage Control = Normal
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control = +.2
CPU Voltage Control = Find your Core Voltage settings that will bring about stability at 450Mhz FSB. 
Robust Graphics Booster = Auto

 

You need a 450Mhz FSB to run with 450 X 4 = 1800Mhz on the DRAM. Run Memtest for two full passes, then (If Stable), enter Windows and post screenshots of CPU-z's CPU, Memory and SPD tabs. Please post a screenshot of Realtemp as well.

 

What cooler are you using?

 

I'm using a Zalman 9700 in a CoolerMaster Cosmos S case with 9 fans

I already have all those mini programs you list, and using RealTemp 2.70 alerted me to check into why the system is running hot (65C). In Auto the Board was running the Vcore at 1.51 and showing a normal setting of 1.297, so I set it to 1.300 and now temp running at a cool 46C.

 

I will try resetting the CMOS jumper and using the voltages you recommend and see what happens. Memtest is the only one I have not run so far.

 

I understand that I need to set the FSB to 450 to get 1800, but for now I just wanted to set the memory at 1600FSB and I have taken it to 425FSB for 1700. Do I need to run this memory at the max always at 1800?? is it 1333/1800 and nothing in between?

 

I do apreciate the help

 

Thanks

[the edge]

One thing I should mention right off the top - it's not gonna work with 4 sticks. According to the manual, the motherboard will only support one memory stick per channel at 1600+ speeds. It's down the bottom of page 17... Sorry dude :(

 

Derek's tips are good, go with those, but I'd d it with just 4GB installed at first and then see how you go after you have it stable like that...

 

Edit: In fact, I'd be doing it to the CPU's spec, and under-clock the RAM a bit, first.... If you try to get the RAM at rated speed, you're going to be running an overclocked FSB from the CPU's perspective. I'd do it with 400MHz FSB, x8 multiplier for the CPU and x2 for the RAM first, get it stable, then move up...

 

This is what I have been trying to do FSB of 400 with clcok set @8.x400

 

Sometimes the Board does let me run at 8x400-1600 and I have used Easy Tune to get it up to FSB 425 (and CPU-Z verifys that it is running at 425)with no problems, but as soon as I shut off the computer about 95% of the time it realoads at 7.5 @450 1333. The Board should at least hold the stock 8x400 at 1600. About 25% it does hold the 8x400 but always reverts the RAM to 1333!! It should run at rated 1600.

 

I have tried with just 2 sticks, when I 1st put the machine together 4GB was all I could get, still gave me the same problem. This is a Gigabyte bug that needs to be corrected!!

[stryd_one]

This is a Gigabyte bug that needs to be corrected!!

 

Well it's not a bug really - the board does what it's meant to... It saves you from killing your gear by dropping the settings to a safer set automatically when you make a mistake.

 

You should keep in mind that the board pre-dates the equipment you're putting in it, so it won't recognise the CPU and RAM so well. Also, the RAM is programmed to tell the mobo it runs slower than it really does, in order to ensure that it will still boot in older systems too - pushing it up to it's max spec is up to you, so the real issue is that the corsair website lacks a full set of settings for the RAM.

 

But yeh, a firmware update would be nice too.... The CPU overvoltage is not good! Are you running F5 (final)? I noticed a setting in your post which isn't on my mobo - Extreme Memory Profile...

[the edge]

But yeh, a firmware update would be nice too.... The CPU overvoltage is not good! Are you running F5 (final)? I noticed a setting in your post which isn't on my mobo - Extreme Memory Profile...

 

 

As for F5 Final yes I updated yesterday before I started this thread.

 

The "Extreme Memory Profile" has always been there since day one. Do you have a QX9770 also?? and are you using the same Dominator (1800) modules?

 

One thing is for sure this memory is popular. I bought the 1st set of modules from NewEgg the same day the email alert came and it went out of stock the next day, ditto for the second set!!

 

I also posted my concerns on Tweak Town Forums where Gigabyte has a quasi official site. I recieved some voltage settings to try.

 

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [800-900mV]

CPU Clock Skew Control [50-150ps] {start with 150 and work down}

GMCH Clock Skew Control [50-250ps} {start with 250 and work down}

MCH Voltage [+.01 -.03] +.03 may be needed for 8GB

Set Ram Voltage to default 1.8V

CAS [9] 9,8,8,24 {maynot need this once MCH and DDR3 Voltage set.

 

I'll post my successes if any.

[stryd_one]

The "Extreme Memory Profile" has always been there since day one. Do you have a QX9770 also?? and are you using the same Dominator (1800) modules?

 

Nah, I guess maybe it's something specific to the higher FSB, I'm only running 1333. It's not in the manual either.... more mystery...

 

BTW, you can click the box under my name to see my PC specs. Weren't you wondering how I knew all about your PC?:laughing:

[the edge]

It appears that upping the voltages has solved most of the problems and I have isolated the failure to store BIOS settings to Xtreme Memory Profiles and System Memory Multiplier settings. :biggrin:

 

At the the following settings the system runs stable

 

M.I.T. Intelligent Tweaker (MIT)

 

Robust Graphics Booster [Auto]

CPU Clock Ratio [8]

Fine CPU Clock Ratio [0.0]

CPU Frequency 3.2 (8 x 400Mzh)

CPU Host Clock Control [Enabled]

CPU Host Frequency [400]

PCI Express Frequency [Auto]

C.I.A.2 [Disabled]

Performance Enhance [standard]

Extreme Memory Profiles [Enabled]

System Memory Multiplier [Auto]

Memory Frequency [1600] {Dimmed Out}

Dram Timing [Manual]

Standard Timing Control

CAS [8]

Dram RAS to CAS# [8]

DRAM RAS Precharge [8]

Precharge Delay [24]

 

Advanced Timing Control

 

ACT to ACT [7]

Rank Write to Read [7]

Write to Precharge [14]

Refresh to ACT [100]

Read to Precharge [7]

Static tRead [9]

Static tRead Phase [0]

Comand Rate [2]

 

Clock Driving and Skew Control

 

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [900mV]

CPU Clock Skew Control [150ps] {unstable with <}

GMCH Clock Skew Control [200ps] {unstable with <}

 

System Voltage Control

 

DDR3 OverVoltage Control [+0.30V]

PCI-E OverVoltage Control [Auto]

(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.200]

CPU Voltage Control [1.30000V] {in Auto BIOS sets to 1.5 which runs chip too Hot!!}

 

The system now shuts down and starts normally. Unfortunately any attempt to Over Clock the system becomes unstable and locks up after a few minutes. Any attempt to Overclock above 420FSB causes to system to lock up immediately! :(:

 

With the Memory setting set to anything other than these...

 

Xtreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) [Profile1] and

System Memory Multiplier (SPD) [Auto] and

Memory Frequency 1800 1600 {Dimmed Out}

DRAM Timings [Manual]

 

the System continues to powerdown, restart and load default settings with CPU of 7.5 x 450 causing windows to freeze on boot-up. :(:

[DerekT]

I never use the XMP profiles as I find that they are set to boundaries which do not accept overclocking except within those boundaries and often it is a crap shoot to find the boundaries.

 

Gigabyte boards have always been rather problematic for me with the restart issues that you speak of and I moved to another board manufacturer for that reason. I had a Gigabyte 965P-DS3 and when I overclocked highly, the system would never restart correctly. When I moved to the other manufacturer, this issue (With the same other hardware) did not repeat.

 

I would never use the included software for overclocking. Too many issues and restart is also one of them. If you have more than one system, and are able to work 1:1 on chat whilst setting values in BIOS, I can help you.

 

PM me with your IM.