GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

[SomeOldGuy]

I've read through a number of these threads, and wish I'd bought another brand of memory with my mobo.

Regardless, I've been unable to get it to recognize and post with both DIMM's installed (which seems to be a recurring issue). I've upgraded the BIOS to F2.

My new build:
Intel E8500
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4
Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 (2x2gb)
Corsair PSU 750W
Visiontek ATI 4870

I've tried numerous BIOS settings based on what I've read here, but if both sticks are in it refused to post.

When both are in, it starts up, immediately powers back down, then reboots. Gets to the Gigabyte initial screen, then freezes. Remove one stick, then it reboots but the BIOS settings are pretty much set back to defaults.

If I have only one stick in, it works fine and boots normally. I've tried it with both sticks, have run Memtest on both with no failure.

Here are the latest settings I've tried:


MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9X
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.166Ghz (333x9.5)
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Disabled]
*CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100
C.I.A.2..........................................: [Disabled]
Performance Enhance......................: [Standard]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066


Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 5
tRCD ......................................... 5
tRP'........................................... 5
tRAS.......................................... 15

Advanced Timing Control
ACT to ACT Delay(tRRD)............... 4
Rank Write to Read Delay............. 9
Write to Precharge Delay.............. 12
Refresh to ACT Delay.................... 62
Read to Precharge Delay............... 6
Static tRead Value........................ 8
Static tRead Phase Adjust............. [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ....................: 2

Clock Driving & Skew Control
CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control...... [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control.................. [150ps]
G)MCH Clock Skew Control............. [250ps]
**** System Voltage NOT Optimized *****
System Voltage Control ................: [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control............: +0.3V
PCI-E OverVoltage Control.............: [Normal]
FSB OverVoltage Control................: +0.10V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control..........: +0.200
Loadline Calibration.......................: [Auto]
CPU Voltage Control.......................: [Normal]
Normal CPU Vcore.........................: 1.22500V


Any help, guidance, suggestions are very welcome!

[K91NE]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

I have similar system different CPU [email protected] with Mushkin XPS2-8500 ram and your setting look good and should post fine.LSD will responed im sure hes was a get help to me with my board and im sure its something small you are just missing.This MB overclockes great with very little voltage -vs-ASUS Rampage crazy high.Try setting these
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Also 5-5-5-15 put the rest on auto Refresh to ACT Delay 60

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Try this, using one stick of ram enter these settings. Shut down and insert the second stick. (Hey, also did you ever try the other channel Like 2+4 instead of 1+3?)

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9X
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.166Ghz (333x9.5)
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Disabled]
*CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100
C.I.A.2..........................................: [Disabled]
Performance Enhance......................: [Standard]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066


Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 5
tRCD ......................................... 5
tRP'........................................... 5
tRAS.......................................... 15

Advanced Timing Control
ACT to ACT Delay(tRRD)............... 3-4
Rank Write to Read Delay............. 4-6
Write to Precharge Delay.............. 6-8
Refresh to ACT Delay.................... 52-62 (65?)
Read to Precharge Delay............... 3-6
Static tRead Value........................ 7-12
Static tRead Phase Adjust............. [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ....................: 2

Clock Driving & Skew Control
CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control...... [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control.................. [150ps] << did you try these at Auto? Most of the time it is not needed unless you are using High FSB or a quad. Same applies to the below Skew

G)MCH Clock Skew Control............. [250ps] "" Dito Above ""

**** System Voltage NOT Optimized *****
System Voltage Control ................: [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control............: +0.3V
PCI-E OverVoltage Control.............: [Normal]
FSB OverVoltage Control................: +0.10V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control..........: +0.250
Loadline Calibration.......................: [Auto]
CPU Voltage Control.......................: [Normal]
Normal CPU Vcore.........................: 1.22500V

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Thanks for the quick responses.

(and yes, I wish I would have bought the Mushkin's!!!)

Also, I've made attempts with both 1-3 and 2-4 to no avail. One stick posts just fine, two are a non-post.

I'm playing right now with those settings you recommended.

fwiw, Refresh to ACT Delay set at 65 would not post at all, even with one stick.

I've also changed these:
CPU Clock Skew Control.................. [Normal]
(G)MCH Clock Skew Control............. [Normal]

I was trying it based on some other threads you had using different Gigabyte models, but I'm not so worried about overclocking anything at the moment.... 'tis for another day once I can get the memory working.

Tried the high end of the range and low end of the range so far with no luck. I will try changing one thing at a time and see how it goes.

Thanks again, and I'll let you know how it progresses.

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

I'm sorely tempted to RMA the Corsair memory.

Since Mushkin for Gigabyte mobos seems to be a fave here of those who know such things, would you recommend:

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
-or-
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

I'm not averse to going to a lower speed (800) instead of the 1066.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

I would suggest Black or Blue models, the Silver ones are budget models.

If you want 1066, then either black or blue ones would be great. Or you could get some Redlines that are 1000.

If you want more specific advice, let me know where you re shopping at, And I will go have a look so I can tell you some of the better choices by direct Model #'s

While you wait, try these settings. If these fail, then something is wrong as these are VERY Loose. Which I think it already is maybe incompatible ram? >>>>

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9X
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.166Ghz (333x9.5)
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Disabled]
*CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100
C.I.A.2..........................................: [Disabled]
Performance Enhance......................: [Standard]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066


Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 5/6
tRCD ......................................... 5
tRP'........................................... 5
tRAS.......................................... 15/18

Advanced Timing Control
ACT to ACT Delay(tRRD)............... 5
Rank Write to Read Delay............. 8-12
Write to Precharge Delay.............. 8-14
Refresh to ACT Delay.................... 52-62
Read to Precharge Delay............... 6-8
Static tRead Value........................ 7-12
Static tRead Phase Adjust............. [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ....................: 2

**** System Voltage NOT Optimized *****
System Voltage Control ................: [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control............: +0.3V
PCI-E OverVoltage Control.............: [Normal]
FSB OverVoltage Control................: +0.10V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control..........: +0.250 - +0.3
Loadline Calibration.......................: [Auto]
CPU Voltage Control.......................: [Normal]
Normal CPU Vcore.........................: 1.22500V

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

I get my computer things mostly from the newegg. Any brand acceptable, price range flexible. Any overclocking will be relatively conservative... just want a reliable work/gaming machine (I'm a telecommuter). And I'll likely be replacing this in early 2010 (going Nehalem for the power savings since this box will mostly be 24x7).

Sorry for the rambling there... back on subject:

Blue pc6400 (the pair I was thinking about)
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

or perhaps the black pc2-6400:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146726

any others (including other brands) that likely won't be an issue with this mobo?

Thanks!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Ya, Newegg is great!! I have been a longtime customer!

The Blue model you choose is good, This one is also a good 2x2 choice of the HP models

I am planning to get those exact black models 996580 soon as I can save the cash! So you know you cannot go wrong there!
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB &#40;2 x 2GB&#41; 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 &#40;PC2 6400&#41; Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Ya, G.Skills and Geil work great but have a lower ceiling for tight overclock compared to mushkins.

Most all of the Mushkin 800's will do 1066 at looser timings, especially the Black Models.

These would also be great choices, but you see which I plan to get when I go 2x2 above.

Redlines
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB &#40;2 x 2GB&#41; 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 &#40;PC2 8000&#41; Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Newegg.com - mushkin XP 4GB &#40;2 x 2GB&#41; 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 &#40;PC2 8000&#41; Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

XP 1066 (Will do 4-4-4-12 at 800)
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB &#40;2 x 2GB&#41; 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 &#40;PC2 8500&#41; Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Those eVCI sticks are nice as well, but they are a tight fit on Gigabyte boards

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

RMA'd the Corsairs and bought the Mushkin 996580's.

Suggested settings?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Nice set you got there, can't wait to get mine!!!

For stock CPU speed? I guess since we had not discussed anything else previously I will post that for you for now, if you want a different speed let me know

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9X
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.166Ghz (333x9.5)
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Disabled]
*CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100
C.I.A.2..........................................: [Disabled]
Performance Enhance......................: [Standard]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40x << For "x" Try both 333/1333 strap letters and 400/1400 strap letters, straps will be shown on the right with corresponding letters. You will want to test the highest two, sorry I may have the strap wording/naming wrong I am not sure how X38/48 names it all

Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800mhz


Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 4
tRCD ......................................... 3/4
tRP'........................................... 3/4
tRAS.......................................... 10/12

Use the higher here first, then once stable make a BIOS Profile and keep those stable. Then make asecond profile for testing and you can test lower timings and switch back and forth between profiles if you have to do something and need to be stable for sure. F11 on the MAIN page is save, and F12 is load

Advanced Timing Control
ACT to ACT Delay(tRRD)............... 3-4
Rank Write to Read Delay............. 4-6
Write to Precharge Delay.............. 6-8
Refresh to ACT Delay.................... (46-50) 52-62
Read to Precharge Delay............... 3-6
Static tRead Value........................ 6-10
Static tRead Phase Adjust............. [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ....................: 2 (May run 1T) Test if you like, be ready to clear CMOS if it fails, but many do run them at 1T at stock speed

Clock Driving & Skew Control
CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control...... [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control.................. [150ps] << did you try these at Auto? Most of the time it is not needed unless you are using High FSB or a quad. Same applies to the below Skew

G)MCH Clock Skew Control............. [250ps] "" Dito Above ""

Pleas do go ahead and use Auto above for stock CPU speeds, additional will not be needed

**** System Voltage NOT Optimized *****
System Voltage Control ................: [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control............: +0.2V - +0.3V << this ram runs very well under stock voltage of 2.1, so 2.0 will likely be all you need at stock speeds. If you are testing Very tight settings above in the main timing area or 1T then you will need for sure 2.1V

PCI-E OverVoltage Control.............: [Normal]
FSB OverVoltage Control................: +0.10V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control..........: +0.15V - +0.20 << May need .25 but not likely at all at stock speed
Loadline Calibration.......................: [Auto]
CPU Voltage Control.......................: [Normal]
Normal CPU Vcore.........................: 1.22500V

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Earlier I was just trying to get them to work on any settings... after I get these to work at "auto/normal", I will likely o/c a wee bit. But tbh, I'm not going for uber speed, only to run stable for work/gaming (gaming as in fps's mostly).

Thank you, not only for assisting me, but also all the others who come here.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

So, how did you get along?

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Not here yet. Normally excellent shipping from Newegg fell flat on it's face. Shipped from NJ on Monday (and i live in nj), given to DHL on Monday morn, DHL passed it off to the post office. I'm hoping today.

It's made it from Edison all the way to Bellmawr (a total of 68 miles) in 4 days... that's what you get when you choose the "free shipping" option, eh?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

Ya, Free shipping is normally DHL or slow no matter what. Always best to buy something else at the same time and choose UPS

[SomeOldGuy]

Re: GA-X48-DS4 and Corsair Dominator XMS2-8500 2x2GB

lsdmeasap... you were spot on with the Mushkin's!

Popped both in, then booted right up. Have set up the settings as per what you had recommended (currently leaving all relatively at stock except for me trying 1T). Going to run memtest86+ overnite to make sure no issues at current settings.

As soon as I get the rest of my things ported over to the new box and things are running without failing, I may be back for some recommended tweaks to start oc'ing the cpu / memory.

Thank you thank you thank you.