Problem with 12 GBs of TR3X6G1600C8D in Gigabyte EX58-UD4P with i7 920 Configuration

[Steve_Williams]

I'm having some problems with a new build with this RAM and hope someone can give me some advice. (Sorry this turned out so long - I wanted to include any relevant info that might help.)

 

I put (6) 2 GB sticks of this Dominator RAM in the board for a total of 12 GB. The DRAM timing showed up as 1066 MHz and DRAM voltage as 1.5v. by default. In the BIOS, under MB Intelligent Tweaker, I changed X.M.P. to "Profile1", which changed the memory frequency to 1600 and the DRAM voltage to 1.65v.

 

Farther down the page in MB Intelligent Tweaker, another DRAM line shows DRAM voltage as 1.5v, even though it shows 1.65v farther up the page. Going into "Advanced Voltage Control", it shows DRAM voltage as 1.5v.

 

Going back out to the main "MB Intelligent Tweaker" page and going into "Advanced DRAM Features", it shows the DRAM as 1600 MHz and 1.65v, however.

 

So, in two places it reflects 1600 MHz and 1.65v and in two places it reflects 1.5v. Is this right?

 

And then, when I save and exit out of BIOS, it gives me a warning to the effect that overclocking the DRAM, DRAM voltage, Timing, etc. (or some such), will shorten the life of the components.

 

I've not overclocked the CPU or anything else and these are the only settings I've changed, with the exception of:

 

- Disabled EIST on the processor

- Set SATA to RAID configuration

 

I tried one set of this RAM and had stability problems - it would not keep the DRAM at 1600 and 1.65v. The Windows would bluescreen and the BIOS would reset to 1066 and 1.5v on the RAM. I exchanged the RAM for two new sets (of 6 GB each) and it seems stable, now.

 

By the way, I've tried running the following diagnostics:

- Memtest86+ 2.11, but it won't boot (but it won't boot on another system that has 8 GB of Corsair DDR2 RAM and that system has been rock solid for a year)

- Latest version of Orthos. After running for almost an hour, it causes a bluescreen and the system reboots. (It's possible this could be caused by some incompatibility with Win7 64-bit and the system has crashed several times because of the previous RAM install, so something may be corrupted.)

- Latest version of Prime95. After running for almost an hour, Prime95 crashes, but doesn't take down Windows.

 

I've been monitoring temps with CoreTemp 64 and at idle, all CPU cores are in the ~37C range. Under 100% load on all cores running Prime95, temps are ~60-61C, so I don't think any of this is from CPU overheating.

 

It may help to know some of the other components:

 

- Video card is an EVGA nVidia 9800GT (have two of them, but only one installed currently while I'm troubleshooting this.

 

- PSU is a Corsair HX1000w.

 

- Windows 7 64-bit, with default install drivers (nothing updated, yet).

 

- The Gigabyte EX58-UD4P has the latest BIOS released version - F8.

 

Does the Core i7 920 2.66 support 1600MHz DRAM speeds by default? Could this be causing the crashes?

 

Thanks for any help.

[Wired]

Those voltages are different settings and therefore different voltages. Only the memory voltage is in the XMP.

 

Why two 6 GB packs and not one 12 GB pack?

 

Please move your system specs to your profile as per the registration process / rules.

[Steve_Williams]

Those voltages are different settings and therefore different voltages. Only the memory voltage is in the XMP.

 

Why two 6 GB packs and not one 12 GB pack?

 

Please move your system specs to your profile as per the registration process / rules.

 

The store that I bought them from only had 6 GB packs and no 12 GB packs. Is that a problem? Should I return them and get a 12 GB pack?

 

I have several systems - which system specs would you like in the profile? This one?

[RAM GUY]

With mixing two sets I would suggest limiting the memory frequency to DDR1333.

[Steve_Williams]

With mixing two sets I would suggest limiting the memory frequency to DDR1333.

 

Okay, I did this and the system is much more stable. I had no idea that the 1600 MHz rating required buying all of the RAM as a set. Fry's doesn't sell it as a 12 GB set, nor does NewEgg (at least at the time of purchase about a month ago).

 

So, I'm out of luck on running this at the 1600 MHz speed, as labeled?

[RAM GUY]

I am sorry but you would have to use TR3X12G1600C9 to run them at DDR1600 with all the slots filled.

[Steve_Williams]

I am sorry but you would have to use TR3X12G1600C9 to run them at DDR1600 with all the slots filled.

 

That's interesting. Are you sure that's the right part number? It's not available at Frys, NewEgg, Amazon, PC Connection, Tiger Direct - nor, on corsair.com.

 

That part number does not pull up anywhere. It's not on the list of DDR3 RAM for Intel i7 processors, nor could I find it anywhere.

 

There is an HX3X12G1600C9 part number on your web site, but the links that it points to at the aforementioned dealers show a different picture than what I have. None of them show the large heat-sink model that I have.

 

I suppose it's a moot point, since I can't return it to Fry's at this stage (it's been a month). The 1600 MHz speed was the sole reason I paid more for this RAM. Is the large heat-sink model being retired/discontinued (12 GB)? Could that be why it's not available and not listed on your web site?

[Wired]

You're correct. HX3X12G1600C9 does not have the same heat sink as the TR3X6G1600C8D. I have yet to see a 12 GB pack with those heat sinks.

 

CMD12GX3M6A1600C8 was recently announced, unknown ETA. May want to watch this thread for more info: http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80989

 

CMD12GX3M6A1600C8 = 12 GB pack with DHX+ heat sinks, 6 sticks (2 GB each), 1600 MHz, CAS 8 timings. Press release also says it will come with the fan kit.