x48-ds4 and mushkin ram

[Leetemp]

I posted this question over on tomshardware.com forums and the responce I got was to come here and get answers. The post was as follows:

I recently built a system with the Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 and Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory. The system runs perfect. My dilema is this... I bought another 4GB of the same memory and installed it. With the two new sticks in the open slots, the system will do a power on, not post and shut down loop. If I just put one of the two sticks in (with the original 2 in their same slots) the MB will post but stop short (and freeze up) of booting to windows. Nothing is overclocked and I have the MB settings all to auto.

HEEELLLPPPPPP!!!!

System specs:

Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4
Muskin 4GB DDR2 800 (trying to go 8GB)
Intel Q6600
Sapphire 4870 x2
OCZ EliteXStream OCZ1000EXS 1000W
SoundBlaster X-Fi
Windows Vista 64

I have read the stickies at the top of the forums, but leaves me more confused as what to do. I see to increase my MCH voltage and since I have 2x2 sticks of ram, I need to play with my refresh to act delay or tRFC settings. I really want to make use of this full 8Gb of ram but alas I am a bit worried I will do something to really screw this new build up. Can someone shed some light my way please?

Thanks in advance,
-Steve

[wtfchuck]

Lsdmeasap is the man. He will help you. More than likely you will have to tweak your voltages a bit.

[GIGABYTE - Janus Yeh]

What's your BIOS?

[Lsdmeasap]

Sorry for the late reply today, I have had a few things going on that has kept me unable to get online.

Which Model Mushkins do you have? Just wondering so I could better advise timings and voltages.

So no help at Tomshardware then eh? Nice to see them link you here, just wondered if they even tried to help you at all first?

Yes, you do need to change a few things for 4GB or 8GB.

I would suggest you start with these settings for stock with 8GB >>>

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [9]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [266]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [3.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 5
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 5
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______5
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 15

^^ If you ram is 444-12 use that, or whatever the timings are use them ^^^

Use all highest below (They are loose/Not best performance) and then later lower one at a time and test as you go with memtest86+ (Newest 2.01) >>>
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3-6
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 9-12
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 8-14
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 65-80
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3-8
Static tRead Value_______________7-12
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto] << Always leave on Atuo

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.300V] = 2.1V (Check your ram sticker and set accordingly, If it is 1.9-2.0 you are likely warrantied to 2.1 anyway and you may need it with 8GB. But not always, so you can start with 2.0V and see how it goes. Same with below MCH you may not need as high as I noted, but you will need likely at least +0.2 or more.

PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V] << For stability
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V] << For stability
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.2V - +0.35V] << Needed for stable 4GB+
CPU Voltage Control_______ [Auto]

You can leave the below items enabled if you like, disabled the ones disabled below if you plan to overclock

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

[Leetemp]

Thanks for the responces so far gentlemen!

Originally Posted by GIGABYTE - Janus Yeh

What's your BIOS?

I am using the F2 BIOS.

Originally Posted by Lsdmeasap

Which Model Mushkins do you have?

Sorry to post the link but here is what all my memory is:
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Right now I have the timings set at 5-4-4-12, but that is all the further I have gone. I have the 4GB in ATM, but like I said earlier, anymore than that and the system will refuse to boot. The sticker on the memory says 5-4-4-12 1.8-2.1V.

As for tomshardware... noone offered any help per-say... except to come here to get help. I am glad they pointed me here.

Thanks in advance,
-Steve

[bilbat]

LSD - I think I probably pointed him here - not having my system up & running yet, and actually seeing the BIOS, I didn't feel confident enough to give blow-by-blow advice - but knew if he'd find his way here, somebody (YOU>;) would help him....

[GIGABYTE - Janus Yeh]

Try newer BIOS?

GIGABYTE - Support - Motherboard - BIOS - GA-X48-DS4 (rev. 1.3)

[skyscraper]

the F2 is the newest non beta
the x48-ds4 seem to be a bit forgotten
the f3a bios is safe im using it at the moment

[Lsdmeasap]

@ bilbat
Thanks for pointing him here, I just wondered if anyone had tried to help him there. Seems like Every link I visit there not many ever really try to help in the forum

Thanks for the link. It is fine to post a link. I thought those were the ones but wanted to be sure.


@ Leetemp

The above settings should work for you then, did you try them for all 8 sticks?

You could also use the 333 strap and set this multiplier for 850Mhz and likely be fine >>>
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [3.20B]

You may need to use 555-12/15 though, but I would think not

[wtfchuck]

Originally Posted by skyscraper

the F2 is the newest non beta
the x48-ds4 seem to be a bit forgotten
the f3a bios is safe im using it at the moment

f3a here as well. no issues