DS4 memory issue - Possible solution

RobG · 3 Aug 2006 at 13:58

Hi,

I have been messing with my rig, and I have noticed what MAY be causing the problem.

I managed to get my system to boot with just 1 stick of GSkill 6400HZ in Dimm slot 0. I did a fresh windows install and loaded the Easy Tune 5 application. When I looked at the RAM voltage, it stated 1.9v. The GSkill is specced to run at 2.0-2.1v so I thought this quite strange.

Anyway, I thought I would be a clever boy and try overclocking to 300Mhz FSB and add 0.2v to the RAM. Bummer, the PC wouldn't beoot, it just cycled like before.

I cleared the CMOS and started again at stock volts/FSB and booted to windows fine. This time I left the RAM voltage alone and tried upping the FSB. I booted clean into windows at 350Mhz FSB (RAM @ 700Mhz) WITHOUT changing the RAM volts in the BIOS. How supprised was I when I found Easy Tune 5 reporting RAM voltage as 2.1v.

I have now been raising the FSB in 10Mhz increments and have made my target of 3Ghz (3.08Ghz) with a FSB of 440Mhz (RAM @ 880Mhz) with Easy Tune still reporting the RAM at 2.1v.

So to conclude, I think that the problem MAY lie with the Gigabyte undervolting the RAM when running at stock FSB. It seems to correct itself when the FSB is upped.

******* All of this was achieved using the latest and greatest F3b bios*******

I hope this helps someone, somewhere sort out their system.

I am off to stick in my second DIMM and see if the PC falls over.

Cheers

Rob

RobG · 3 Aug 2006 at 14:01

OK, added second stick of RAM and it failed to boot. More testing now.

Edit
Second stick will work on its own in Dimm2 (third), not working together yet though.

Edit 2
OK have now got both sticks working. This is one strange machine. It cycled around 4 or 5 times before it booted, but I am now sitting happy in windows.

I have little faith that it will last, but I will give it a go.

Cheers

Rob

Minstadave · 3 Aug 2006 at 14:21

Over at XS they've found the same thing, the DS4 undervolts meaning you can't boot at stock settings.

RobG · 3 Aug 2006 at 21:20

Small update.

I have been running the system all day with both stick of RAM. Weh in windows it is rock solid and quick. However, it will still hang when I reboot. It seems to get 'stuck' in the pre POST stage and try to start again. I have found that if I leave it for around 1 minute (maybe 10 reboots) it will eventually 'catch' and boot into windows.

It is not an ideal situation, but at least I can use the PC.

Rob

Stelly · 3 Aug 2006 at 21:43

I had the same problem, changed slots and it works fine

Stelly

LordShadow · 4 Aug 2006 at 00:15

Hey guys, Ive got the DS4 and some Gskill NR RAM that wont boot. I am currently running the system on 512MB generic. If this could be the issue do you think it may be worth my while attempting to overvolt the RAM and seeing if my Gskill will post?

EDIT : RobG you genius! I have now got 1 stick of my Gskill posting by overvolting it by .3v and setting the RAM timings myself.

EDIT 2 : Okay it still seems very unstable and will hardly get into windows. I shall see what I can do with it in the morning.