sionos Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Intel Q6600, Asus combo Intel P35 P5KC, XFX 7800gt 256, 2GB Corsair DDR2 DHX PC2-6400C4DHX TwinX (1GB each), DiamondMax 300GB 7200SATA, Western Digital Caviar 160Gb 7200SATA, Samsung SpinPoint 1TB, Samsung SM710N 17" FSP 500W psu, LG 16X Dual L Dual F DVD Aspire X-Cruiser ATX Case XP Pro Sp2 Well the above is the system components, here is what has happened. Bought the components on the wednesday, built the system on the thursday, switched on..no beeps, went ahead with trying to load Xp sp2. No luck, would hang all the time. We thought that it was because of the size of the 1TB drive. Bought a 160Gb sata drive for the OS. Tried loading again no way, crash and lock up even in the BIOS. Friend came around, removed all that was not needed to load OS, removed one of the sticks of RAM, that worked and we installed the OS. This success was short lived, it soon began locking up, nothing in the Event log in admin tools. Read forums suggesting the memory was unstable at 2.10v, increased to 2.15 as was suggested on those forums. System stable for 12-14 hours then as soon as i tried running AVG or Avast system lock up as per usual. Graphics card is to my knowledge fine, have been using for 3 years, PSU is brand new 500w, CPU is seated correctly with factory supplied heatsink and heat paste preapplied to heat sink. Brand new motherboard, all HDDs seem fine, and all newly formated, case well ventilated and running at 28c, CPU 35c. I am not sure what BIOS version it is the system will not stay stable long enough to see. Any ideas as to what settings the memory should ideally have to run with the hardware that i have? I am not that technical, so any advice would be greatly appreciated if in near laymans terms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekT Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Download Memtest86+ V2.01 from--->Here Download CPU-z from Here .Shut the system downRemove the power cordRemove the CMOS BatterySet the CMOS_CLR Jumper to OnPress the power button for 10 secondsLet sit for 10 minutesSet the CMOS_CLR Jumper to OffInsert the CMOS BatteryInsert the Power CordRestart the systemEnter the BIOSLoad Default SettingsSave Default Settings and ExitRestart the SystemEnter your BIOS, Load Setup Defaults, Save Setup Defaults and enter these values and move to the Testing Phase.JumperFree Configuration Settings Ai Overclocking = Manual CPU Ratio = Manual Ratio CMOS Setting = 9 FSB Frequency = 266 PCI-E Frequency = 100 DRAM Frequency = DDR2-800 DRAM Timing Control = Manual CAS = 4 RAS# to CAS# = 4 RAS to Precharge = 4 RAS Active Time = 12 TWR= Auto TRFC = 55 TWTR = Auto TRRD = Auto TRTP = Auto DRAM Static Read Control = Auto DRAM Dynamic Write Control = Auto Transaction Booster = Disabled CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled CPU Voltage = Auto CPU Voltage Reference = Auto CPU Voltage Damper = Disabled DRAM Voltage = 2.1V FSB Termination Voltage = Auto North Bridge Voltage = 1.40v For Testing: Set to the values given. Insert a single stick in the first slot (Closest to the CPU) and test with a boot to the Memtest CD. Allow for two full passes. If passed, then remove that stick and insert it in the second slot, retest. Remove and insert into the third slot and finally the fourth slot. You have now tested one stick and four slots in single channel mode. Remove the stick and put it aside. Insert the second stick in the first slot. Retest. Now insert one tested and passed stick in Slot 1 and one tested and passed stick in slot 3. Retest. If some sticks pass in single testing and other sticks fail in single testing, then you have errored modules. If you fail in dual channel mode, then you have an error of the motherboards memory controller as Dual Channel is a function of the mainboard (MCH/Northbridge) and not a function of the DRAM. If the DRAM is of the same version and model, then it passes Dual Channel requirements. Please post screenshots of CPU-z's CPU, Memory and SPD tabs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sionos Posted October 23, 2008 Author Share Posted October 23, 2008 Hi Derek, Here is an update so far. Firstly I will show you what configuration settings we did. Ai Overclocking = Manual - YES CPU Ratio = Manual - Couldn't put to manual - but put in number directly Ratio CMOS Setting = 9 - YES FSB Frequency = 266 - YES PCI-E Frequency = 100 - YES DRAM Frequency = DDR2-800 - YES DRAM Timing Control = Manual - YES CAS = 4 - YES RAS# to CAS# = 4 - YES RAS to Precharge = 4 - YES RAS Active Time = 12 - YES TWR= Auto - Not present in BIOS TRFC = 55 - Not present in BIOS TWTR = Auto - Not present in BIOS TRRD = Auto - Not present in BIOS TRTP = Auto - Not present in BIOS DRAM Static Read Control = Auto - YES DRAM Dynamic Write Control = Auto - YES Transaction Booster = Disabled - YES CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled - YES PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled - YES CPU Voltage = Auto - YES CPU Voltage Reference = Auto - YES CPU Voltage Damper = Disabled - Not present in BIOS DRAM Voltage = 2.1V - YES FSB Termination Voltage = Auto - YES North Bridge Voltage = 1.40v - YES Next came to testing with Memtest as a boot cd. First Stick in slot A1 - 2 Passes no errors Second Stick in Slot A1 - 2 Passes no errors First Stick Slot A2 - First attempt said 'Unknown CPU is detected, updating BIOS is required. Second Attempt saw only partial loading of Memtest and no testing actually took place as the screen shown only a partial page. Third attempt total fail to boot up memtest, no BIOS, blank screen. Second Stick Slot A2 - 22 Errors shown First Stick Slot B1 - Failed to load Memtest - message said 'Overclocking failed F1 to run Setup or F2 to load default. Second Stick Slot B1 - 16 Errors shown First Stick Slot B2 - Failed to load Memtest - message said 'Overclocking failed F1 to run Setup or F2 to load default. Second Stick Slot B2 - 70,000+ errors shown at 38% of pass 1 test. Finished late last night, is that enough information to point towards a diagnosis or is there anything else to be attempted first? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
007bont Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 flash the latest bios first, version 1203 or 1105. These are far more stable then the one you currently have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sionos Posted October 23, 2008 Author Share Posted October 23, 2008 It's already got the 1105 BIOS. For information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
007bont Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 CPU Voltage Damper = Disabled - Not present in BIOS wierd that line came in from bios 1105 :roll: anyway, what you could try is disabling dynamic write and read use a different cpu ratio: Ratio CMOS Setting = 8 FSB Frequency = 300 When you disable transaction booster, you can fill in a number right underneath it, set that to 3 if it still wont work in slots B1 or B2 i would return the mobo, since both modules run fine at A1 and A2. -best of luck- p.s you did disable usb legacy, before running memtest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sionos Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 Hi Derek I have RMA'd the mobo as you suggested, i agree as do others that it is very unlikely that the RAM would run fine in A1 and then cause such catastrophic issues in A2, B1 & B2. I have therefore asked for a brand new mobo to attempt a rebuild. I am therefore expecting a new 5PKC in a few days time, the problem is i have been on the Asus forums site and no one seems to have anything good to say about this mobo, particularly its flaky issues with RAM. I notice that you have the same mobo, are or were you aware of these misgivings and problems experienced by so many owners of this kit. I am now doubting whether i have simply bought into a very problematic system and would be better off demanding an alternative model instead. If and when i do get a working system, surely i should not have to go into the BIOS and make such complex changes just to get a stable system. I have a reasonable amount of knoweldge to draw on, but what about someone who knows nother and simply buys this RAM from a PC store. They surely cannot be expected to do this, why cant they simply plug and play. Anyway rant over, here's to a succesful new build, and thanks for your continued support. Lastly i have both a USB mouse and keyboard, surely if i disabled the USB legacy i would not be able to use my system in the BIOS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekT Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Hi Derek I have RMA'd the mobo as you suggested, i agree as do others that it is very unlikely that the RAM would run fine in A1 and then cause such catastrophic issues in A2, B1 & B2. I have therefore asked for a brand new mobo to attempt a rebuild. I am therefore expecting a new 5PKC in a few days time, the problem is i have been on the Asus forums site and no one seems to have anything good to say about this mobo, particularly its flaky issues with RAM. I notice that you have the same mobo, are or were you aware of these misgivings and problems experienced by so many owners of this kit. I am now doubting whether i have simply bought into a very problematic system and would be better off demanding an alternative model instead. I have the P5K-Premium board and a Maximus Formula board. If and when i do get a working system, surely i should not have to go into the BIOS and make such complex changes just to get a stable system. I have a reasonable amount of knoweldge to draw on, but what about someone who knows nother and simply buys this RAM from a PC store. They surely cannot be expected to do this, why cant they simply plug and play. If you want plug and play, then you need to purchase vanilla DRAM and not the more higher end DRAM that demands settings. Also, you only want to populate your motherboard with two DRAM modules. Also, if you want true plug and play, buy an OEM machine such as an HP, etc. etc. Lastly i have both a USB mouse and keyboard, surely if i disabled the USB legacy i would not be able to use my system in the BIOS? You would do well to have a non-usb keyboard around just in case since you would not be able to use the usb keyboard in BIOS when legacy usb is disabled. Welcome to the world of Plug and Pray. Rant all you want, it will not change anything. I only rant about things that I can change, otherwise I admit that I do not like it and move to simple acceptance. It's far easier in the world of trouble shooting, but to each their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sionos Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 I have the P5K-Premium board and a Maximus Formula board. My mistake, i was refering to 007Bont, my apologies. If you want plug and play, then you need to purchase vanilla DRAM and not the more higher end DRAM that demands settings. Also, you only want to populate your motherboard with two DRAM modules. Also, if you want true plug and play, buy an OEM machine such as an HP, etc. etc. Thank you for that, we learn something everyday, I'll bear that in mind. As i have said, i have learnt a lot through this experience in particular about my BIOS settings, though it has been a rather frustrating and expensive process. You would do well to have a non-usb keyboard around just in case since you would not be able to use the usb keyboard in BIOS when legacy usb is disabled. I will have to dig my old one out of the loft, however I'm pretty sure my mobo does not support both outside of USB. Welcome to the world of Plug and Pray. Rant all you want, it will not change anything. I only rant about things that I can change, otherwise I admit that I do not like it and move to simple acceptance. It's far easier in the world of trouble shooting, but to each their own. Plug and Pray indeed :laughing: I have not heard that phrase for quite a while, but as apt today as it ever was. As for my ranting, please understand that I use my computer for work, without it I am finding some task impossible, it is inveitably a very frustrating situation. I took the above comments as a humerous observation, though they did at first seem rather patronising and dismisive. Again, thanks for for continued feedback and support. I hope that i will have no further problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted October 28, 2008 Corsair Employees Share Posted October 28, 2008 I am sure he meant nothing by the comments except to highlight some of the known issues and limitations. At any rate please let us know if you have any more questions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
007bont Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 I have the P5K-Premium board and a Maximus Formula board. My mistake, i was refering to 007Bont, my apologies. lol :D: Derek's board is still in the same family ;): You would do well to have a non-usb keyboard around just in case since you would not be able to use the usb keyboard in BIOS when legacy usb is disabled. when you have disabled usb legacy, you can still enter the bios or use the F8 ffunction to boot from cd. so no need to go up that dusty attic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekT Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 when you have disabled usb legacy, you can still enter the bios or use the F8 ffunction to boot from cd. so no need to go up that dusty attic! But you would not be able to make use of the Memtest settings or Esc to shut the program down, so I keep a ps2 keyboard around just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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