EP45-UD3R boot loop

[HyperEX]

I've had this problem for a while now, nothing is overclocked. I originally thought it was a bad PSU, but even on a new PSU it does the same thing.

The only thing that stops it from happening, is by me doing a CAP discharge before use. I've already tried loading optimized defaults, nothing seems to help. Am running RAM at 2.1v mfgr recommends vs the 1.8v default. I don't think that is affecting it though.

Full specs in sig, any ideas what could be causing this? I've been wanting to OC for a while now since I have good temps, but wouldn't feel comfortable starting while I still have no idea what's causing this problem.

EP45-UD3R v1.1 (F12) | E8500 | ZALMAN 9700 NT | HD 5770 | 8GB DDR2 1066 5-5-5-15 @ 2.1 | Antec 900 | Barracuda 1TB | Win7 Ult x64

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

With 8GB of memory, optimized bios settings alone probably won't work.
See if your system boots OK with only one memory module installed in slot #1.

Make sure that optimized bios settings are loaded.
Enter your bios and apply the settings in this post.
You might need to increase DRAM Voltage to 2.12 or a bit higher.
MCH Core voltage will probably need 1.28 - 1.32 volts.

If you're having trouble with 8GB, try running with only two memory modules installed in mobo slots 1 & 3, and run Memstest86+ (v4.x) for at least 8 - 12 full passes.
Then follow steps 2 - 4 in the post to provide additional information, including accurately filling in the generic bios template with your current bios settings.
Copy this EP45 template into Notepad, fill in your settings and then post your settings along with the screen-shot information in step 4.

System instability and/or boot loops are often caused by improper MCH Core, or memory settings that are too tight (i.e. too low).

**edit** In many cases, 8GB of memory needs to be under-clocked somewhat for stability. You might have to run your memory at ~ 1000MHz or a bit lower.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Thank you for the reply, good sir. One thing I will post before I gather all the information you requested, this is the memory I'm using...

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Desktop Memory

I am running it at specifications for timings and voltages, I don't doubt your wisdom by any means, but will increasing voltages higher than recommended be a problem for this memory? I am thinking no, not by the amount you suggested, but I am a novice when it comes to MB tweaking/overclocking, so am a little cautious.

One more thing I'll also post, because I thought a few values may have been slightly off.

-Temps & Voltages for point of reference


-Timings for RAM, which seemed a bit off after reading Memory Timings sticky

Motherboard: GA-EP45-UD3R v1.1 BIOS F12
Cpu: E8500 Wolfdale
Ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (x2) - http://tinyurl.com/ygxftcx
Power Supply Unit: BFG GX 550W - http://www.bfgtech.com/bfgr550wgxpsu.aspx

note: replace all ?? with the value displayed in your bios.
----> Replace "Auto" with manually set values.

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [9 X]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.5] 
CPU Frequency -------------------------: 3.16GHz (333x9.5) 

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [N/A]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [Disabled]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [Auto]

C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : [700mV]
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : [700mV]
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [0ps]
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [0ps]

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Extreme]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Auto]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1066]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Auto]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRCD -------------------  5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRP --------------------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRAS ------------------- 15 ---------- : [Auto]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------13 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC -------------------68 ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ------0------------: [Auto]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking

Channel A
Static tRead Value -----------6--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) -------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) -------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) -------7--------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) -------9--------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value -----------6--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) -------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) -------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) -------7--------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) -------9--------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal --------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ------------------ : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.25000V ----- : [Auto]

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ------ : [Auto]
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ------ : [Auto]

CPU Reference ----------- 0.760V* ------ : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ------ : [Auto] <- N/A

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.760V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [Auto]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto]
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100V]
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]

Advanced Settings
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 -------------- : [Enabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect -------------- : [Disabled]

[Chike]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Begin with setting Performance Enhance standard and MCH Core 1.2v.
Increase MCH Core if needed, up to 1.28v should not be a problem, absolute max spec by Intel if I remember correctly is 1.32v.
Also you can try and set Static tRead Value manually for both channels, try 7 or 8. Then try and lower it later when the boot loop is resolved.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Updated with new screens. Will try to get BIOS screens in 10-15 min.

[Chike]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Updated with new screens. Will try to get BIOS screens in 10-15 min.

BIOS settings are preffered as text, you can use the template in this post.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Caution is good, Keep in mind that sometimes a post will contain a typo where the value is way out of line. Me? Never!! Uh....except the time....oh, never mind.

Some memory modules rated at up to 2.10 volts run best at somewhat lower voltages, such as 2.00 volts. Most setups use 4GB of memory. When using 8GB, memory voltage settings often need to be increased somewhat.

I don't advocate over-volting memory, but sometimes it needs to be done to gain stability. Keep in mind that running your memory at 2.14 volts is only 1.9% over the maximum rated voltage. You're using excellent memory, so a 2% over-volt setting (if needed) is well within safety margins. If you look at the "minimum" column in HWmonitor, you'll see that 2.08 volts is the lowest reading for your memory voltage. I have some doubts about the accuracy of software voltage readings, as they're only as good as the mobo chip that reports these values. You would need to use a DMM (Digital Multi Meter) to verify the actual voltage readings used in your system at any given time. If you have a high quality psu, I seriously doubt that your 12 volt readings are really running in the 12.42 - 12.54 range. Most higher end power supplies provide voltages that are within 1% - 3% of the 12.0 volt specification (11.64 - 12.36 volts) under all loads at all times. The official spec is plus or minus 5%.

Our goal is to help get your system fully stable. Once you've reached this goal, you can then see if you can lower some voltage settings without causing problems or instability.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

I agree with Chike, accurately filling in the bios template with your settings is much easier for us to work with.
Be sure to include the requested screen-shot programs, as they allow us to cross check some of your posted bios settings.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

All the information requested should now be provided, any recommendations for resolving this issue would be greatly.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

The following values mean that you have loaded Fail-Safe Defaults
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : [700mV]
PCI Express Clock Drive --------------- : [700mV]
Do NOT manually change these. You need to load Optimized Bios Defaults from the main bios screen, then enter the MIT section and manually change other bios settings.

++++++++++++
Change the following:

PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]

Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]

tRFC -------------------68 ---------- : [Auto] <--- this might need to be a bit higher, do this last (if not stable)
Virtualization Technology -------------- : [Enabled] <--- Disabled if you are NOT running VMware

Motherboard Voltage Control
All AUTO settings in this section are not always stable, even with stock settings.
Apply the recommended settings in the linked to post after you have loaded optimized settings.
MCH Core = 1.28 - 1.32 should be set as your starting point.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

-Optimized BIOS default settings loaded  
-PCI-E FREQ, and X.M.P. changed per request (100MHz, Disabled) 
-tRFC left untouched  
-Virtualization disabled  
-DRAM Voltage upped to 2.12V, seemed to bring it into 2.1-2.11V when monitored, nice call.  
-MCH Core upped to 1.32V  
-Checked 12v in BIOS, it reports 12.239V

Going to do some more testing, after I had applied BIOS changes it had went into the loop it normally went into.

I had to CAP discharge to get machine to boot.

Will try shutting down then powering back up again, this time without doing CAP discharge, to see if loop happens again.

If it does, not sure what the problem could still be.

If it still happens:
-I could try running Memtest like originally suggested, with the recommended settings in topic
-Remove all but 1 stick of memory, then re-test If anyone has more feedback, please let me know. Thank you so much to those who have already provided suggestions and feedback so far.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

It's not clear if you have loaded optimized bios settings first before making the other bios changes.
You must initially load optimized settings if you want maximum stability. Doing this should help eliminate the boot loop issue.

Just to clarify things, booting with only one memory module is so that you can hopefully post and enter the bios without going through the boot looop.

Running Memtest86+ for 8 - 12 passes with 4GB and 8GB is recommended. Testing with 4GB can be skipped IF you feel lucky.
The 8GB test will take a really long time.

Once your system runs error free with Memtest86+ and 8GB, you will need to perform additional extended stress testing with Prime95, OCCT, or Orthos.
With "only" 4GB of memory, MCH Core = 1.22 - 1.24 should be fine.

I run Intel BurnTest (IBT) for 10 loops before I run the remaining tests. This test runs for a much shorter time, but cpu core temperatures should be watched, as the temps will be at least 10 C hotter than with other stress tests. Depending on the ambient room temperature, core temps in the 60 - 70+ C range are normal if you have a decent cpu heatsink/fan setup. IBT testing with threads = 2 (for your dual core processor) and using the maximum amount of available memory will generate the highest GFlops scores and maximum heat and stress.

Happy testing!

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Yeah, I didn't save optimized defaults then make changes afterwards. I just went to the option to load them, once I saw they were loaded properly, I made further tweaks then saved it.

I didn't know I should have loaded optimized first, saved, then went back in to make tweaks.

If it turns out that RAM tests fine, but system only boots without loops on one stick, what does that mean exactly?

[Chike]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

Disabling XMP set memory to run at DDR-800.
Try MCH Core in the range of 1.2-1.28v.
Try just one pair of memory sticks in slots 1 & 3 and then 2 & 4 and see if the problem persists, in what slots and with which pair.
You may try to clear CMOS as described in the second part of this post for at least 20 minutes and possibly overnight, with both battery out and a jumper on CLR_CMOS.
Next thing I'd check is the video card. If you have one or can borrow one that is not of the HD5000 series to test with.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R boot loop

The video card is brand new, not even a week old yet, my old one is a 8800GT 512MB.