TWIN2X4096-8500C5D w/ GA-EP45-DS3R

[purp09]

I'm not sure if this is a compatibility issue or bad RAM. This is a new build and I have TWIN2X4096-8500C5D with a Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R motherboard and an Intel E8600 CPU. The computer will not even post when either or both sticks are inserted. I inserted some old 533Mhz ram from my old machine and got it to post although it freezes up alot probably due to the slow RAM. Using the old memory I've tried loading the latest Bios (version 9, I haven't tried the version 10 beta yet). I've also tried changing the DRAM voltage setting to 2.1V and the timing to 5-5-5-15. Any suggestions?

[RAM GUY]

Please make sure that you have the latest bios and load setup defaults and then set the memory Voltage to 2.1 Volts then set the timings manually to the tested settings for the specific module you have, and test the modules one at a time with http://www.memtest.org to be sure one is not failing. If you still get errors, please follow the link in my signature “I think I have a bad part!” and we will be happy to replace them or it! However, if you get errors with both modules that would suggest some other problem and I would test them in another system or MB to be sure.

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[OldGeezer]

I'm not sure if this is a compatibility issue or bad RAM. This is a new build and I have 4GB CM2X2048-8500C5D memory with a Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R motherboard and an Intel E8600 CPU. The computer will not even post when either or both sticks are inserted. I inserted some old 533Mhz ram from my old machine and got it to post although it freezes up alot probably due to the slow RAM. Using the old memory I've tried loading the latest Bios (version 9, I haven't tried the version 10 beta yet). I've also tried changing the DRAM voltage setting to 2.1V and the timing to 5-5-5-15. Any suggestions?

I have the same motherboard. Go to Gigabyte's web site and get BIOS version F10g. It is beta, but it completely cured my 8500 freezing problems.

 

Be sure to follow Gigabyte's flash directions. This includes setting the BIOS to "load optimum defaults". After you get a good boot, go back and make changes to the BIOS as you need.

[OldGeezer]

Whoops! I see Gigabyte just now has upgraded that BIOS to version F10. Version F10g stated that is was to fix some memory issues. Version F10 states that it is to resolve a Vista S3 problem. I hope they didn't mess it up. I'll try F10 later today, but keep a copy of F10g - just in case.

[RAM GUY]

Thanks for posting that and yes please do let us know!

[OldGeezer]

OK, as a follow up, I loaded BIOS version F10. Everything seems stable and the BIOS recognized my Corsair 8500C5 sticks, unlike in BIOS version F9. I did tell the BIOS to load optimized defaults, as recommended by Gigabyte. I then set the BIOS to my own liking. I will not pull RAMGUY's chain by telling you that I set the voltage a little below Corsair's recommendation, but it works for me. I also changed the memory performance option from "turbo" to "extreme". Everything seems to be cool. If memory-intense applications causes problems, I'll turn the voltage back up a bit.

 

For you other Gigabyte EP45 (not T or C version) motherboard owners, I noticed that Gigabyte has a similar BIOS upgrade. Give their latest BIOS a try if you are having memory problems.

[RAM GUY]

No worries on pulling my chain I mean why not everyone else doe it LOL especially my X wife LMAO!

 

But If the MB is stable at a lower voltage then I do not see any problems and thanks for letting us know.