EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

[nawibo]

Hi Guys,

I have been searching and searching for an a solution.

I have just upgraded to a Gigabyte EP43-UD3L and a Q9400 CPU.

The machine boots for about 5 secs, then reboots again and again in a loop.

When I put my old E4400 cpu in, the machine works perfect.

I have upgraded to the latest F4 bios and cleared the cmos, but still wont boot properly.

I am running 4 x 1GB DDR2-800 memory and have tried single sticks etc etc.

I am starting to think I have a faulty CPU, but I think that is pretty rare?

Any help would be fantastic, thanks!

[Nickel020]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

If changing the CPU to the E4400 causes the machine to boot then the Q9400 is very likely faulty. The board should support the Q9400 no matter what BIOS you are using, and since you tried to different BIOSes this should not be the problem.

If you cant ry the CPU in another machine to see if it also doesn't work there but I'm pretty sure you need to RMA the CPU. A faulty CPU is very rare but it does happen.

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

Hi,

I was just reading another thread with a similar issue on a different mainboard and they had some success with memory in different slots for some reason. http://forums.tweaktown.com/f69/ga-e...m-build-28882/

I just tried a single stick in different slots and it did actually post a couple of times, but now it is doing the same thing again.

But, it does stay on for longer after I change the slot..... but then reboots again etc.

Is there any memory settings I should change while the system is running the E4400 and then maybe change the cpu and give it a try? It is currently at the default bios setting.

it doesnt seem like the CPU is faulty if it does actually post and boot to windows (once)?

thanks for your help.

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

also, the memory I am using is in the supported memory list on the gigabyte website.

Kingmax 1GB DDR2-800 KLDD48F-A8KB5 http://www.giga-byte.com/FileList/Me...-ep43-ud3l.pdf

[profJim]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

Sometimes, a new mobo will have "issues" that include rebooting, instability, or boot loops.

The following is primarily for EP4x motherboards but might help other Gigabyte models.

The following settings should be set after you have loaded Optimized settings:

PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) --------------- : [Auto] <--- set to 100

Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Turbo] <--- set to Standard when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile ---- (X.M.P.) ---- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.????? ------ : [Auto] <--- set to the 1.????? value displayed in your bios
CPU Termination ---------- 1.200V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
CPU PLL ------------------ 1.500V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed)

ICH I/O ------------------ 1.500V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the value displayed in your bios
ICH Core ----------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the value displayed in your bios

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory)

Advanced Settings -------- The following settings will improve system stability for overclocked systems.
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 --------------- : [Enabled] <--- set to Disabled when overclocking (this must be enabled to flash or boot from a USB drive)

These settings will eliminate many mobo problems unless there are hardware and/or cable connection problems.

===============

If you want specific bios suggestions, we need the following:

1) List your system components in your signature.
--> Settings tab (upper right corner of web page)
--> select Edit Signature
--> enter your hardware components (brand, model, etc.)
--> include your bios version
--> preview
--> Save when complete
Be sure to include your bios version, motherboard version, power supply, cpu heatsink/fan setup and the model numbers of all components.

2) Link to your ram's full specifications.

3) Fill in the generic bios template with your bios settings.
--> Fill in Auto where appropriate.
--> Update "??" values with what is displayed in your bios.
For EP4x motherboards, using either of these EP43/45 bios templates.

4) Include a screenshot that displays:
Memset using the SPD and ">>" tabs
cpu-z CPU and Mainboard screens (several instances can be run at the same time)
EasyTune6 --> TUNER tab --> ADVANCE tab --> VOLTAGE tab (only the Voltage tab is needed)
CoreTemp screen [for your cpu's VID (Voltage ID)]

Links for these programs are in the Latest Overclocking Programs, System Info, Benchmarking, & Stability Tools thread.

Motherboard: Model:  Rev#:  Bios Version:
Cpu: Model
Ram: Brand, Model/Part#, Link to your ram's specs
Power Supply Unit: Brand, Model#, Wattage

Default settings for new setups that are not overclocked.

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] <-- FAST is OK
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------- : [##]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------- : [0.0] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency -------------- : ####

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ------- : [Mhz]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---- : [Auto] <-- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto

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

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------- : ??? <-- show the values displayed in your bios for these four settings
PCI Express Clock Drive -------- : ???
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------ : ???
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------ : ???

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------ : [Turbo] <-- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile - (XMP) - : [Disabled] <-- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch --------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ------- : [Auto]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) --------- : [Auto]
DRAM Timing Selectable --------- : [Auto] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

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

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD  ------------------ ?? ---- : [Auto]
tWTR  ------------------ ?? ---- : [Auto]
tWR -------------------- ?? ---- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------ ?? ---- : [Auto]
tRTP  ------------------ ?? ---- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ------------- : [Auto] <-- Auto or 0 is OK

Channel A Timing Settings -- {Press Enter to change settings)
Static tRead Value ------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control ------- : [Auto]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control ------- : [Auto]  ps

Channel B Timing Settings {Press Enter to change settings)
Static tRead Value ------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ---------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) --------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control ------- : [Auto]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control ------- : [Auto]  ps

Channel A and B Driving Settings ------ {Press Enter to change settings)
Driving Strenght Profile ------- : [Auto] <-- setting for channel A
Driving Strenght Profile ------- : [Auto] <-- setting for channel B

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types--------- Normal ----- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ---------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore ----------- 1.????? -- : [Auto] <-- set to the 1.????? value

CPU Termination ----- 1.200V* -- : [Auto] <-- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
CPU PLL ------------- 1.500V* -- : [Auto] <-- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking

CPU Reference ------- 0.755V* -- : [Auto] <-- Auto Will set this correctly
CPU Reference2 ------ 0.800V* -- : [Auto] <-- Auto Will set this correctly

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ------------- 1.100V -- : [Auto] <-- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed)
MCH Reference -------- 0.800V -- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref --------- 0.900V -- : [Auto]
ICH I/O -------------- 1.500V -- : [Auto] <-- set to the value to the left
ICH Core ------------- 1.100V -- : [Auto] <-- set to the value to the left
DRAM
DRAM Voltage --------- 1.800V -- : [Auto] <-- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory)
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 ------ : [Disabled] <-- Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect  ----- : [Enabled] <-- set to Disabled when overclocking (this must be enabled to flash or boot from a USB drive)

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

thanks for the detailed response. How do I show my settings though if I cant get into the bios? It doesnt post at all. (it has maybe twice).

I got it to boot a couple of minutes ago, got into bios, then it hung, I rebooted and then it went into it shutdown-reboot cycle again. It powers on for about 3-5 secs, shuts down, and restarts, over and over again.

I put the E4400 back in again, set bios values to optimized, put the Q9400 in again, but it just kept rebooting as before.

This is driving me crazy...

I can post the settings for when the E4400 is in it, but wont it change automatically again as soon as I change the cpu?

I think I saw "CMOS checksum error" when it booted with the Q9400.

thanks all for your help, sorry to be a pain.

[profJim]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

Install your E4400.
Load OPTIMIZED settings.
Apply the recommended settings in the first half of my post.
Save settings and exit (F10).
Enter the bios and note all the bios settings in the generic template.
Perform stability testing with your E4400 (Memtest86+ and Intel BurnTest) to verify that your system is stable at stock settings.
Post your E4400 bios settings and the results of your stress testing.

It sounds like you might have a flaky cpu. The ideal test would be to test your Q9400 in another mobo. If you bought your cpu locally, bring it back to the shop and have them bench test it.

You probably don't want to hear this, but your EP43 mobo has limited overclocking ability compared with the slightly higher priced EP45-UD3R or UD3P mobos. Generally the overclocking limit on your mobo is about 420 MHz (cpu clock). If you're not into higher overclocks, your EP43 will be fine.

You're not being a pain. We're here to help others.
Any more questions, fire away.

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

Hi ProfJim,

as requested, I installed the E4400, loaded optimized bios settings and changed the settings as per your previous email.

I ran memtest and Intel Burntest and both passed (I just used a single stick of 1GB, pics of both below).





Here are my bios settings.

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8X]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : NA
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 1.60Ghz (200x8)
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [disabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [200Mhz]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]
C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]
Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : 800
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : 800
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : 0
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : 0
DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [standard]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : NA
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [800]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Auto]
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRCD ------------------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRP --------------------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRAS ------------------- 18 ---------- : [Auto]
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- 6 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC ------------------- 42 ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP ------------------- 3 ---------- : [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 --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.325 ---- : [1.325]
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [1.200]
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : NA
CPU Reference ----------- 0.805V* ----- : [Auto]
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.2]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : NA
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : NA
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.550V ------- : [1.550]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : NA
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.0]
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : NA
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : NA
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : NA
Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3 ------------------ : [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect -------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) ---------------- : [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support ------------------- : NA
x C4/C4E State Support ----------------- : NA
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 ------------- : [Enabled] <--- set to Disabled when overclocking (this must be enabled to flash or boot from a USB drive)


Hope this info helps.

Cheers.

[Svengali]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

nawibo,

I was having the same problem that you are. I would put your memory back in, power the computer back on, enter the BIOS, load optimized defaults, and change this setting to [Disabled]:

Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [Enabled]

If you're having trouble entering the BIOS, try powering off your power supply for a minute.

That did the trick for me. No more reboot loops. I tried all kinds of different memory timings, voltages, swapping RAM modules, etc. without success. I haven't had 1 reboot loop since I changed the setting above (in my BIOS it's called "USB Storage Function"). Good luck and I hope this works for you too.

[profJim]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

The $64K question is without changing any bios settings, would your Q9400 barf with these identical test conditions and bios settings?
Obviously, your mobo would auto-detect the Q400's clock speeds and multiplier, but all other bios settings would remain the same.

I find it interesting that your mobo didn't auto-detect the 10x cpu multiplier. Maybe this is part of the problem with your Q9400.

This is from Intel's website:

Processor Specifications:

sSpec Number: ........ SLA3F
CPU Speed: ............ 2 GHz
PCG: ..................... 06
Bus Speed: ............ 800 MHz
Bus/Core Ratio: ...... 10
L2 Cache Size: ....... 2 MB
L2 Cache Speed: .... 2 GHz

@Svengali

It sounds like your problem was with non-overclocked settings.
This is the first I've heard USB Storage Detection causing issues with standard settings.
Very interesting!!

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

thanks for the replies. Yeah, I noticed that the E4400 was detected incorrectly, after swapping the cpus over again this morning it detected correctly. And the couple of times that the Q9400 did post yesterday, it was detected at the right speed etc.

Thanks for the advice on the USB storage, no luck though, still doing the same thing.

I am going to borrow a mates M/B today and give the CPU a try in that.

Any other ideas?

[Svengali]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

Sorry to hear the USB setting didn't work for you. If I think of anything else you can try, I'll let you know. Good luck.

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

I have more news to make things more confusing....

I tried the Q9400 in another gigabyte board, works perfect (think it was a P31 board)

I borrowed my mates E8300 CPU and that works fine in my board.

I have also tried 2 other types of memory, still no luck.

Can anyone think of any reason why an E4400 and E8300 would work fine, but a Q9400 wont? (and the Q9400 works in another machine)

It is looking to me now like a defective mainboard.

[profJim]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

The Gigabyte website shows that your cpu has been supported since F1 and you're using F4. It's a long shot, but F4 might have issues with your processor.

It is looking to me now like a defective mainboard.

I agree.

[nawibo]

Re: EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting

I had no luck with the original bios either. Thanks all for your help, I will let you know what happens when I get the board replaced, hopefully tomorrow.