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CPU, motherboard, or memory problem?

Tsumi

Tsumi

[H]F Junkie
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Mar 18, 2010
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First i7 build, and I'm having serious issues.
Specs:
i7 920 D0 stock
MSI Big Bang Xpower
OCZ3P1600LV6GK 3x2gb OCZ Platinum 1600 mhz memory
EVGA GTX 580
Seasonic M12D 750 watt

So I am having issues getting the board to post with all 3 RAM modules, and I'm rarely able to boot into Windows. Typically, it won't post unless there's only one module. I've tried having two modules of Patriot memory that was used in the system in my signature. Still showed the same problems as the OCZ memory. Occasionally, I got artifacts while running memtest (using memtest boot from USB, not in Windows), and most of the time I'm unable to get memtest running (freezes as soon as it starts). I don't have a spare motherboard or CPU to test, and I know the Patriot memory is good. Half the time the system doesn't even post, giving a LED readout of D4 or D5. Any idea what the problem may be?

Edit: Anyone in Huntington Beach/Riverside area willing to lend parts to help me troubleshoot? Just need an i7 CPU and/or x58 motherboard.
 
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The problem still remains that it won't post at least half the time... even after clearing CMOS.
 
The default speed as automatically set for the OCZ ram is 1066 7-7-7-18-59-8-4-4-4.
The default speed as automatically set for the Patriot ram is 1066 7-7-7-20.

Update: setting timings to 1066 mhz 7-7-7-24-88-12-5-5-5 caused no post. Even increasing timings caused no post. 1066 mhz 9-9-9-27-88-12-5-5-5 at 1.65v RAM 1.35v QPI = no post. It seems like the only setting it would post on is the default setting, but is unable to boot into Windows. And getting to post required that only one stick be present. 2-3 sticks = no post. Increasing voltage to DRAM at 1.65 and QPI to 1.35 had no effect. Same thing happens regardless of whether Patriot or OCZ RAM is used. Motherboard or CPU? I've also tried bios versions 14, 15, and 16.
 
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the problem is your mixing ram. never a good idea, try to get identical kits
 
I am not mixing RAM. That was never my intention, I am only using one kit at a time. Right now, it's refusing to post with anymore than 1 stick put in, and most of the time it will only post with the OCZ kit. It won't post with the Patriot kit, which is known good RAM, as it was used in my previous system.
 
i've had bad memory controllers on some cpus where they'll boot one or two sticks but never three or four (sometimes only one).

just something to consider.
 
kcmastrpc said:
i've had bad memory controllers on some cpus where they'll boot one or two sticks but never three or four (sometimes only one).

just something to consider.
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks for the tip. What if the system will post with the sticks in any channel (A, B, or C), as long as there is only one stick inserted? And keep in mind it will only post with one type of RAM, not another.
 
it didn't matter where i put the sticks. i never tried different types of memory though, i just rma'd both the cpu and board and when i put the new cpu in the old board it worked.
 
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Anyone have any other thoughts? Considering just RMAing the motherboard at this point.
 
I'd RMA both. With the memory controller sitting on the CPU it's really hard to determine where the problem exists.
 
I would NOT rma the CPU unless your guaranteed to get a D0 batch CPU in return. RMA the board and just start with that.

I had some similar issues with my 920 and it ended up being the ram, so I would just chill, rma the board, and go from there.
 
if you've used 2 different memory kits and problem still persist, then it's time to move on and RMA the mobo first. Like the other guy said, I wouldn't RMA the cpu unless you get D0 batch guarantee. Good luck!
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I'll definitely keep that in mind. I wonder if Intel still even has C0 chips laying around for RMA...
 
Hello,

Have you tried to flash your bios to the newest version? From the number of MSI boards I have dealt with they allways gave me trouble until updated the bios.

Since you swapped the ram for a known good set I really doubt the ram is the issue. The CPU could be bad but I think it is unlikely since you can occationally boot into windows. I have had a bad cpus before and they do not even POST to my experience.
 
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Tried bios from 14 to 16 (latest). Everything had same exact result.
 
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