first post 4 gb next 6gb

[belikexp]

When I first boot my computer the bios reports 4 GB. Then while it's looking for sata drives; I press and hold the power button to shut down. I press the power button again and the bios sees 6GB (Which is correct). Please see my System specs.


I called gigabyte and the only thing they could suggest is replacing the CPU. But wouldn't I have other issues with a bad CPU?

The system is stable. It runs fine except for this once glitch.

Any suggestions?

 

[not so gray matter]

Have you run diagnositcs on your ram? I suggest you do if you haven't.

Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic

Download the ISO, Burn to disc using IMGBurn or something similar and then boot from it.

Note: MemTest86 can take up to 8 hours to properly analyze your memory.
You want at least 6 passes to really be sure you have good ram

 

[belikexp]

I think I might have solved my problem. I read this on the Corsair forum :

Troubleshooting Thread for Incorrect Memory Amounts on X58 and P55/H55/H57 Platforms - The Corsair Support Forums

I thought I'd outline some possible reasons for detecting less memory than installed:

1. incorrect cpu vtt (uncore) voltage set - what Asus terms as QPI/DRAM voltage
2. incorrect QPI/DRAM to VDIMM relationship - every cpu/mem pairing will have an optimal voltage differential between QPI/DRAM to VDIMM voltage usually between 0.01 to 0.5v difference. Fall out of the optimal differential voltage for cpu/mem pairing will = less memory detected and/or lower memory bandwidth reported compared to when optimal voltage differential is in place.
   • Example, say you have 6x2GB @1333mhz working fine at 1.35v QPI/DRAM with 1.65v VDIMM. You try to overclock the memory to @1600mhz speeds, and you bump VDIMM from 1.65v to 1.75v and now only see 8-10GB detected. You've moved out of the optimal differential range for QPI/DRAM to VDIMM which @1333mhz was 1.65 - 1.35v = 0.3v. At 1.75v VDIMM you left QPI/DRAM at 1.35v so 0.4v differential voltage. Then you bump QPI/DRAM to 1.45v to keep 0.3v differential voltage and 12GB is detected again. Now this is just an example, it could be you need 1.85v VDIMM for your memory to be stable and if 0.3v is optimal differential voltage it means you need QPI/DRAM set at 1.55v
3. faulty memory modules
4. faulty memory dimm slots
5. sort of combination of 3+4 above where memory modules like particular memory dimm slots - could come down to PCB differences for each module along with voltages for QPI/DRAM and VDIMM.

My voltage differential between QPI/DRAM to VDIMM voltage was
VDIMM 1.64
QPI/DRAM was 1.125

So I set the QPI/Dram to 1.325. So the optimal difference is .325 (1.64-1.325)

Not sure if this will make a difference. I'll let you know tommorrow morning on 1st boot.

 

[belikexp]

Have you run diagnositcs on your ram? I suggest you do if you haven't.

Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic

Download the ISO, Burn to disc using IMGBurn or something similar and then boot from it.

Note: MemTest86 can take up to 8 hours to properly analyze your memory.
You want at least 6 passes to really be sure you have good ram

Memtest86 runs fine but only test up to 4gb.

 

[belikexp]

I just booted my PC up and it shows 4 GB. I rebooted it shows 6 GB. I'm at a lost.
Replace the motherboard? cpu?

 

[jcgriff2]

Is BIOS updated?

Is all RAM matched?

 

[Bill2]

Seems design flaws, the mounting mechanism or bent pins can cause this issue. See this thread.

Asus p6t / windows 7 64 / 6gb to 4gb - Overclockers UK Forums

and this

[Solved] Windows 7 x64 says RAM 4 GB but 2 GB usable - Gigabyte - Motherboards-Memory

 

[chev65]

Memtest 86+ is the one to use these days and isn't limited to 4GB like the old version.
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

I like the windows version better though.
MemTest for Windows Download Page

It's also true what belikexp mentioned about memory settings and system voltages play a big part in getting a system stable. Nobody around here seems to realize that or more likley don't know a thing about it.

The other problem is that people build these enthusiast boards and don't even know what a memory setting or a bios voltage setting is, let alone how to adjust them. They aren't plug and play people!
Some of these people have no bussiness building their own machines in the first place.

 

[belikexp]

Memtest 86+ is the one to use these days and isn't limited to 4GB like the old version.
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

I like the windows version better though.
MemTest for Windows Download Page

It's also true what belikexp mentioned about memory settings and system voltages play a big part in getting a system stable. Nobody around here seems to realize that or more likley don't know a thing about it.

The other problem is that people build these enthusiast boards and don't even know what a memory setting or a bios voltage setting is, let alone how to adjust them. They aren't plug and play people!
Some of these people have no bussiness building their own machines in the first place.

I'll try memtest86+.

I know your not referring to me but the system is very stable! Hasn't crashed once. I still think it's a bios issue that will be fixed in a future update.

Loading XMP setting (Corsair memory) sets timing, Dimm voltages and QPI voltages as far as i know.

I'm RMAing the memory only because the XMP settings are wrong.

 

[belikexp]

Seems design flaws, the mounting mechanism or bent pins can cause this issue. See this thread.

Asus p6t / windows 7 64 / 6gb to 4gb - Overclockers UK Forums

and this

[Solved] Windows 7 x64 says RAM 4 GB but 2 GB usable - Gigabyte - Motherboards-Memory

Thanks. I came across these two links when I had trouble with my first board. My first board would not boot with a stick on first slot. I had checked the cpu pins, etc. So I replaced it. I think these 58 boards are still relatively new and being tweaked by the manufactures. Current board runs fine except for the quirky bios reporting.

Should I try another board? I'm getting pretty good swapping boards out.

BTW memtest86+ passed with flying colors. And I don't OC.

 

[belikexp]

I replaced the memory with another brand. This morning I turned on my PC (cold boot) and it reported 6 GB!

I consider this case closed.

How do I check off that this problem is solved?