Random BSOD. Reports attached

[CarlTR6]

That would be great if the fix is that simple!

 

[Akira181]

changed the motherboard setting from unganged to ganged for the dual channel ram. 5 passes completed when I woke up this morning and 11 errors.

No idea why there are no errors when I run one stick at a time and errors when both are installed.

I didn't complete the full 7 passes for each test I done, but each stick completed 7 passes without error in at least 1 slot. I'll try running memtest again on each stick in each slot once again to see if the results are different this time around.

Any idea where this problem is coming from??

 

[CarlTR6]

I suspect that voltages and or timings need to be tweaked. I have requested a RAM guru to look at this thread and offer suggestions.

 

[Akira181]

thanks, in the meantime, I'll look into updating the BIOS as well.

 

[CarlTR6]

I am always hesitant to recommend flashing the BIOS because there is a slight risk involved. My rule of thumb is if a BIOS update addresses a problem you are having or is recommended by the manufacturer, flash it. Otherwise, if it isn't broke - don't fix it.

 

[Dave76]

Hi Akira181, sorry to hear your having RAM problems.

From reading through the thread, you had errors with stick 1 slot 2.

Stick 1 - Slot 2 - dram increased from 1.5V to 1.64V. Memory clock increased to 1600. Timings increased to 9-9-9-24 - 3 errors before 1 pass was complete

One error is too many.

Did you run memtest86+ with stick 2 - slot 2?
This will confirm if slot 2 has a problem.

Keep the RAM in Unganged mode.

If you can post the information requested by Carl we can get more information on your system.

I need to ask the hardware Gurus to take a look at your results. I am far from an expert on RAM, voltages and timings. They are going to want some information. Please post your CPUZ, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs. This will give everyone the basic info, Mainboard for the motherboard though the revision is usually not listed, Memory tab can indicate wrong OC attempts or wrong settings, confirmed by the SPD tab which is the JEDEC settings for the RAM. JEDEC is the industry standard that the RAM manufactures use to get stable settings for default.

We will also need the voltage settings for the CPU, RAM and NB or equivalent.
NB or memory controller is important. CPU voltage is listed on the CPU tab, RAM voltage is listed but it's not the actual voltage; it's the recommended voltage.

The above mentioned CPUZ tabs and voltage readings obtained from BIOS are important, include these in your next post.

For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums


This will make it easier for all to see, instead of d/l and having to refer to the file for information.

Hopefully this can be fixed with setting and voltage adjustments.


Agree with Carl, I wouldn't update your BIOS unless absolutely needed.
Check your BIOS version, go to the mobo site and check for newer versions and note the log changes, this is what the new BIOS is supose to fix. If relevant to your issues then maybe, I wouldn't do it yet though.

 

[CarlTR6]

Thank you, Dave. Much appreciated.

@Akira - You are in good hands; Dave know this stuff. I am leaning from him.

 

[Akira181]

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated! I'll summarise the testing I have done so far, each stick has completed 7 passes with no errors in one slot at least once and slots one and two have completed 7 passes with no errors with at least one stick.

Stick 1 - Slot 1 - all settings on AUTO (1333 and 9-9-9-24) - 7, passes No Errors
Stick 1 - Slot 2 - all settings on AUTO (1333 and 9-9-9-24) - 4 passes, No Errors
Stick 1 - Slot 2 - dram increased from 1.5V to 1.64V. Memory clock increased to 1600. Timings left on AUTO (11-11-11-29) - 5 passes, No Errors
Stick 1 - Slot 2 - dram increased from 1.5V to 1.64V. Memory clock increased to 1600. Timings increased to 9-9-9-24 - 3 errors before 1 pass was complete

Stick 2 - Slot 1 - all settings on AUTO (1333 and 9-9-9-24) - 8 passes No Errors
Stick 2 - Slot 1 - dram increased from 1.5V to 1.64V. Memory clock increased to 1600. Timings left on AUTO (11-11-11-29) - 6 passes, No Errors

Now here's the confusing part

Stick 1/2 - Slot 1/2 - all settings on AUTO and unganged - pass 5, 11 errors
Stick 1/2 - Slot 1/2 - all settings on AUTO and ganged - pass 3, 3 errors
Stick 1/2 - Slot 1/3 - all settings on AUTO and unganged - pass 9, no errors

The sticks by themselves return no errors when on AUTO, change the timings and then errors. When both sticks are put into slots 1 and 2, errors no matter what the settings. Slots 1 and 3, no problems on AUTO.

I've attached a picture from the manual for the RAM. From what I understand, it says slots 1&3 and 2&4 are divided into two memory channels with their own memory sockets. But the configuration table says slots 1&2. Not really understanding what I'm reading as the two seem to contradict each other!

On the motherboard, slots 1&2 are blue, 3&4 white.

Been running with MemTest so much, haven't had the time to get the CPUZ data. I will post them when I get the chance.

 

[Dave76]

I have your motherboard manual downloaded, if you post the information requested I can help you with the settings.

AMD CPU integrated memory controllers don't like 1600 Mhz RAM frequency, you will need to back it off to 1333 MHz.
Run it in unganged mode if you want it to be stable.

If you put the RAM cards in slots 1&2 you get dual channel, slots 1&3 you get single channel.

You want to have dual channel for better performance.

Post the CPUZ tab info so we can see what your system is set at, the voltage information will tell me what we might be able to adjust.

 

[Akira181]

But I thought if it was unganged, it is effectively single channel as well. With the sticks in slots 1&2, 1333Mhz, unganged, I still got errors.

Attached the screensshots. RAM in slots 1&3 at the moment

 

[Dave76]

Can you post the CPUZ CPU tab?

The CPU, RAM and NB or equivalent voltage readings obtained from BIOS are important, include these in your next post.
If these are set to Auto, let us know, if it doesn't display the current voltage then increase them by the smallest amount possible so you can see the current voltage.

A LITTLE CLARIFICATION REGARDING GANGED/UNGANGED MODES & SINGLE/DUAL CHANNEL CONFIGURATION.​

Ganged Mode and Unganged Mode are not the same as Single Channel or Dual Channel configuration.​

The Ganged/Unganged mode refers to how the RAM Modules actually talk to the Memory Controller(s) on the CPU.​

Single or Dual channel configuration refers to how the RAM is installed in the memory slots on the motherboard. With one stick of RAM you are using single channel mode. With two sticks of RAM you can run in either Single or Dual Channel mode depending on how you fill the Memory Slots on the motherboard. If you use three or four sticks of RAM you will be running in Dual channel mode.​

On Gigabyte's AMD Boards there are two channels, each of which address one of the two memory controllers on the AM3 CPU. Channel 0 normally equals the Memory slots on the motherboard identified as DDR3_1 & DDR3_3 whilst Channel 1 normally refers to DDR3_2 & DDR3_4.​

If, for example you have two sticks of RAM and you put them into slots DDR3_1 & DDR3_2 you are running in Dual Channel Mode, each stick of RAM talks to its own Memory Controller. If you put the RAM into slots DDR3_1 & DDR3_3 you would be running in single channel mode, where both sticks of RAM are only talking to one of the Memory Controllers. (You would need to double check with your motherboard's own manual for correct Memory Slot Channel configuration)​

Ganged Mode is where you utilize both Memory Controllers on the CPU as a single unit giving you a single 128 bit channel. (You may not be able to run RAM faster than 1333Mhz in this mode. I haven't been able to with either the X4 965 or the X6 1090T.)​

Unganged Mode is where each of the Memory Controllers on the CPU work independently and equals 2X64 bit Channels. (I can run my RAM at 1600 Mhz only in this mode)​

More information from the same site on the same issue.

AMD AM3 CPU's and Memory Speed Issues above 1333 Mhz.​

 

[Akira181]

ah, I see. That helps. Posted the CPU tab as well.

All voltage settings are on AUTO at the moment. If memory serves (I will double check on next boot), they are:

CPU - 1.425V
RAM - 1.5V
NB -1.1V

 

[Dave76]

Let us know if they are different than you posted.

If your CPU NB VID Control, page 40 in your motherboard manual, is 1.1v then bump it to 1.2v.
DRAM 1.5v.
Unganged mode.

Run memtest86+ starting with Stick 1 - Slot 2.
Let it run for 8 passes, overnight is easiest.

If this passes then run memtest86+ with Stick 1/2 - Slot 1/2, this is dual channel configuration.
Let it run for 8 passes, overnight.

Let us know the results.

 

[Akira181]

okay, thanks. I'll run the tests tonight. With the hangover I had this morning, I didn't feel up to the challange (or particularly capabale for that matter) to poke around the innards of my computer.

I had a read around the forums you linked to. It seems the recommended choice is to run 1333Mhz and then tighten the timings. Lets get the system stable first then maybe look into tightening the timings.

Question about the BIOS though, currently my motherboard is running the F1 BIOS. In the latest one, apparently they Update CPU AGESA 3.7.1.0. Is that an update I should get?

 

[Dave76]

Next time you open the case, check the lower left corner of the motherboard for the revision number, should be 2.0, 2.1 or 2.2.

The link is a good read, yes you need to get the system stable then you can try tightening the timings.

Have you ever updated BIOS before?
If not, can you get help from an experienced friend or take it to a shop?
Flashing BIOS is risky for anyone, you have to accept that it can leave your motherboard un-usable.
A quick web search found mention of pre-F3 BIOS being 'buggy', they are recommending F3 and F4, F5a is a beta version and not recommended.
If you do decide to flash your BIOS, use QFlash not the @BIOS Windows based utility.

In searches today I found several references to your motherboard having high NB, North Bridge (motherboard not integrated CPU) temps, causing some problems. Check the temp with SpeedFan.

 

[Akira181]

I have rev 2.0, an old one unfortunately. Fell asleep last night before I had a chance to get the MemTest running, will run the test some point today and start using the work laptop instead.

I have updated a BIOS before, but using EZ-Flash and not Qflash but I assume the two are a similar concept. Will update to F4.

Speedfan reported something at 80C (I assume my motherboard is missing whatever sensor Temp3 is trying to log). Had a feel of some of the bigger components inside and nothing felt at 80C. Attached the screenshot.

HDD temps average out a little above 50 after some use (got 4 packed closely together, I'll take one out soon for a different computer and maybe install a front case fan). My nVidea Geforce 7900GT idles around 47 and 50. The GPU has always run a bit hot so I think it's okay. Ambient temp is pretty cold though, I'd guess around 20

 

[Dave76]

Qflash uses a USB memory stick, CD or floppy, you can search the Gigabyte forum for info on it.

I would guess that 80 degreeC is a missing sensor.

Must be Temp1, which is cool for the mobo NB. 50ish is pretty warm for HDDs, the front fan will help them.

50 for a GPU is good.

Let us know how the memtest86+ goes.

 

[Akira181]

Updated BIOS to revision F4 now. BIOS update didn't fix the issue, still had memory errors in dual channel.

My memory didn't serve. CPU NB VID Control was 1.175V, not just 1.1V, so upped it to 1.2V and ran memtest again in dual channel. 55% complete and 7 errors. Looks like the BIOS update might have made things worse :S

Will test Stick 1 Slot 2 for 8 passes as you suggested tomorrow. Been a long day of sport for me and gotta get some sleep before work.

 

[Dave76]

Bump the CPU NB VID Control to 1.3v with Stick 1 Slot 2, set in unganged mode, if you get an error stop the test, bump the DRAM voltage to 1.6v, run test again.

If this doesn't pass I would RMA the RAM.

If it does pass, leave settings as they were when passed and put the other RAM card in, run memtest again, stop if you get any erors.

 

[Akira181]

thing is, in the last tests I done I never got any RAM errors when only one stick was in (or single channel, slots 1&3).

I only get errors when they are in dual channel. Do you think this is still a RAM issue?