DFI x48, 8GB all ranks populated, no POST

Cloudhopper · #1 07-10-2008, 14:57

HI,

it's me again

My new DFI x48 UT T2R just arrived and i went to work on it.

It completes POST!
HURRAY!

However there are several issues.

First off, somehow my CPU is recognised correctly, but its clocked too slow (2.33 instead of 2.83GHz with a Q9550). But this is secondary, as i think this could be sorted (BIOS update most likely, mine is on initial release version).

Second, and this is the one i'd like to inquire about this time, it's not coming up when all my RAM is in the system.
I had to boot up the first time with a slow adata bar to adjust the voltage to 2.1V.
After this, it was booting fine with 2xGB dimms in it, however if i throw all 4x2GB into the system, i'm stuck with a C1 error (how unsual for me).
with 3x2GB it's coming up just fine, regardless which slots are populated and it's coming up fine with each Dimm individually, so the memory is ok.

What am i doing wrong?
A friend said, impossible to run the ram (OCZ Quadkit Platinum) on that board as it appears to be dual ranked.
A second one suggested not enough juice on the banks and i should increase voltage.

I can't find any indication that the DFI board has problems with dual ranked DIMMs, nor that it is not possible to run with 8GB. I think i might have set something wrong (everything apart from the voltage is currently on auto though) or that a BIOS update might fix this.

Sorry to bother you once more, i built quite a few systems in my time (i even did it for a living for a couple of years) but i honestly never had a motherboard that was such a b**ch

Thanks for your help!

GSte · #2 07-10-2008, 15:02

Have you tried increasing the Northbridge voltage?

Cloudhopper · #3 07-10-2008, 15:49

Which voltage would you recommend?

Clunk · #4 07-10-2008, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloudhopper

HI,

it's me again

My new DFI x48 UT T2R just arrived and i went to work on it.

It completes POST!
HURRAY!

However there are several issues.

First off, somehow my CPU is recognised correctly, but its clocked too slow (2.33 instead of 2.83GHz with a Q9550). But this is secondary, as i think this could be sorted (BIOS update most likely, mine is on initial release version).

Second, and this is the one i'd like to inquire about this time, it's not coming up when all my RAM is in the system.
I had to boot up the first time with a slow adata bar to adjust the voltage to 2.1V.
After this, it was booting fine with 2xGB dimms in it, however if i throw all 4x2GB into the system, i'm stuck with a C1 error (how unsual for me).
with 3x2GB it's coming up just fine, regardless which slots are populated and it's coming up fine with each Dimm individually, so the memory is ok.

What am i doing wrong?
A friend said, impossible to run the ram (OCZ Quadkit Platinum) on that board as it appears to be dual ranked.
A second one suggested not enough juice on the banks and i should increase voltage.

I can't find any indication that the DFI board has problems with dual ranked DIMMs, nor that it is not possible to run with 8GB. I think i might have set something wrong (everything apart from the voltage is currently on auto though) or that a BIOS update might fix this.

Sorry to bother you once more, i built quite a few systems in my time (i even did it for a living for a couple of years) but i honestly never had a motherboard that was such a b**ch

Thanks for your help!

Is the first issue in the BIOS or in windows?

Second issue, I agree NB voltage should be the key to that. My T2R runs great with 8GB.

For specific OCZ queries, you would have to check with them - If you have a look in the DFI overclocking guide, theres a troubleshooting section and I think theres a link to a post on the OCZ forums about some 2GB modules that need to be reflashed - might not be your issue, but worth a look?

GSte · #5 07-10-2008, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloudhopper

Which voltage would you recommend?

vMCH.... or I think it may just be called NB Core Voltage on DFI boards.

Just up it a few notches, somewhere between 1.35-1.45 would be fine.

Kelainefes · #6 07-10-2008, 17:03

What they said, and if the incorrect CPU clock is reported in windows it's normal, just start a program that can load the cpu and you will see the clock speed increase to 2.83 GHz.
It's the Speedstep function (well, its evolution) of your processor.

Cloudhopper · #7 07-10-2008, 17:07

@NB Voltage
Thank you gentlemen, i'll test that out as soon as i'm home again (had the test run during lunchbreak at home).

@ CPU Speed
The faulty speed is reported at BIOS level.
It states 2.33 with 333MHz FSB and reporting a 7x Multi in the BIOS.
However the CPU is correctly identified as Q9550 with 2.83 and 333MHz FSB.
I assume it's either speedstepping stepping down in BIOS (no load present) or i need to update the BIOS, as my board is on initial release version and the latest states something about adding latest 45nm CPUs.

Kelainefes · #8 07-10-2008, 19:50

Mh i think that maybe the board needs a BIOS update, as the CPU should POST at full speed, and if it where to POST in "slow" mode (wich i don't think should happen) it should be 333x6=2GHz.
Anyway have a look in windows with CPU-Z, see what id says at idle and load.

Cloudhopper · #9 07-10-2008, 21:07

Still no joy.

Updates the BIOS, didn't make a difference.

Tried around with various timing and voltage settings, got the NB up to 1.4V and nothing changed.

As soon as i put in the fourth DIMM, the board goes belly up.
If i take it out agian, it comes up..

I'm really rnning out of ideas here, already thinking about packing it up and sending it back and getting an Asus again....

Kelainefes · #10 07-10-2008, 21:14

Does it make a difference wich slot you take the memory from?
I mean does the board boot up correctly with 3 sticks in any configuration?