G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

[Doc_Holliday]

Hello,

I just installed the memory/mobo combo stated in the subject header and am having some difficulties. To be able to get the computer POST without rebooting itself I put the sticks in DIMM slots 2 and 4. When I ran Windows 7 x64 setup with BIOS settings on "Optimized" it crashed right after the loading screen with the Windows logo. "Fail-safe" gave the same result. I've checked each stick individually in slot two with memtest and both passed fine with no errors. Too many errors to count when both sticks are in (slots 2 and 4), regardless of BIOS settings. The following BIOS settings are what allowed the installer to finish. Many of which are a compilation of settings I've found in posts on this site for similar mobo/memory combinations. I only had 1 stick of RAM installed in order to get this far btw.

I'm now able to boot into Windows and have installed the second stick. It seems to run pretty slow and occasionally gives me a blue screen crash or just stops responding on the desktop. Any ideas on making this stable would be much appreciated. Also, at the stock clock speed of 333, the RAM is at 1066 as opposed to 1100 and CPU-Z shows my FSB/DRAM ratio as 5:8. I imagine these settings should be changed. I really just want it to be stable at stock (or as close as possible) settings before I start overclocking.

**Something of note. When installing Windows, between each step that setup took (i.e. - Copying Windows files, Expanding Windows files, Installing features, etc) there was about a 5 minute delay. When installing driver packages, software, etc. it's noticeably slow.

System and BIOS specs are as follows:
Motherboard: Model: GA-EP45-UD3P Rev#: 1.6 Bios Version: FE
Cpu: Q9400
Ram: F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI - G.SKILL-Products
Power Supply: Dell 750W Power Supply - DW002 / H750E-01

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8x]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0]
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 2.66GHz (333x8)
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]
C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]
Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1066]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time ------------------ : [5]
tRCD -------------------------------- : [5]
tRP ----------------------------------- : [5]
tRAS -------------------------------- : [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- 8 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC ------------------- 68 ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------- 0 ------- : [2]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter
Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------- 8 --------- : [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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
DDR Write Training ------------------------- : [Disabled]

Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------- 8 --------- : [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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
DDR Write Training ------------------------- : [Disabled]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.23750 ---- : [1.23750]
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V ----- : [Auto]
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto]
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.200]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [1.500]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.100]
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100] <--- Max rated for this RAM is 1.9 so this seems a little high for the stock settings.
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]



If additional information is needed, just ask and I'll be happy to provide it. If I change any settings and notice an improvement I'll be sure to provide an update for that as well. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and for any help.

Cheers.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

Please try these settings

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8x]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0]
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 2.66GHz (333x8)

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]
C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto] << Set manually to 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1066]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

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

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : 3-4
tWTR ------------------- 4 ---------- : 3-6
tWR --------------------- 8 ---------- : 4-6
tRFC ------------------- 68 ---------- : 52-62
tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : 3-4
Command Rate (CMD) -------- 0 ------- : [2]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter << Set these both to 1066

Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------- 8 --------- : [Auto]<< Set this yourself, auto is likely not using 8. Try 7-8 for now manually
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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
DDR Write Training ------------------------- : [Disabled]

Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------- 8 --------- : [Auto] << Set this yourself, auto is likely not using 8. Try 7-8 for now manually
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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
DDR Write Training ------------------------- : [Disabled]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.23750 ---- : [1.23750]
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V ----- : [Auto] << Set 1.225-1.25
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.200] << Here may be your problem, 4GB often needs 1.2-1.24 so you may need a bit more. Also, some boards need less than default here for some reason, so if 1.2-1.24 still fails do a few tests using 1.0-1.1 and see if things improve.
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [1.500]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.100]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100] <--- Max rated for this RAM is 1.9 so this seems a little high for the stock settings. Hmm, Auto should have set 1.8 anyway, odd to see it set 2.1. Go ahead and set 1.9-2.0 for now
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]

[Doc_Holliday]

Re: G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

Thanks for the reply, LSD. Last night I ran memtest on one stick at a time in each slot. Neither stick passed regardless of what slot it was in no matter what settings I was trying. I then tried some older Samsung DDR2 800 4 x 1GB. I just loaded optimal settings and it passed just fine. Windows and games run great with it and I had no stability issues whatsoever.

I'll try the settings you suggested when I get home tonight but after reading what I wrote, do you think I have bad ram or were my settings the issue? Should I try one stick at a time first or is the idea that if the settings don't work on both, it won't matter anyway? Thanks again for your help.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

Well it could be incompatible memory is all, or yes you were using incorrect settings possibly. Even if you load optimized for a test like you did with the samsung, with the G.Skill you should still have set your own spec'd voltage. Did you do that?

The settings I gave are for both sticks at once

[Doc_Holliday]

Re: G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

I tried your recommended settings and still have errors and tried the optimized ones with manual voltages. Same result. It's odd, a friend of mine uses this ram on his rev 1.1 board with no problems. Guess it's just incompatible with rev 1.6. Any suggestions for something in the similar $100 price range for this setup?

Thanks again!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

Hmm, can you test your ram on his board, or does he live far from you? Just wanting to try and be sure your memory is not faulty, and it would be nice to see if it is just your settings or the memory itself.

Well my suggestions would be via PM, so no one thinks I am a fanboy, because I am kinda partial to a few brands. Shoot me a PM if you want a few suggestions, but with ram prices these days not sure if you can get 4GB for $100?

[gasan]

Re: G.Skill F2-8800CL5D-4GBPI/GA-EP45-UD3P BIOS Settings

did you try update to latest bios or did u try each mem on memtest