Issues with 4x8GB 2400 MHz
Hi,
Sorry if this has been posted before. I just bought the Z77 Extreme6 with a 3700K and 4x8GB = 32GB of Geil Evo Corsa 2400 MHz CL 11-12-12-3, the one here: http://www.geil.com.tw/products/showSpec/id/328
Nothing is overlocked. The problem is that I get lots of crashes, freezes etc when using the rated 2400 MHz. I have to manually select the XMP profile 1, otherwise Auto sees it as 1333 MHz CL9. When selecting XMP, it correctly sees 2400MHz, 1.65v and CL 11-12-12-30.
Memtest86+ fails quite quickly, see screenshot. Prime 95 with large FFTs fails instantly in less than 1 second.
Reading around, there seems to be problems with the Extreme6 and larger memory kits. Anandtech complains too in their Extreme6 review:
Neither BIOS was entirely happy with my memory choice - my kit for Ivy Bridge reviews is a G.Skill 16GB DDR3-2400 9-11-11 kit (F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZMD), which works in most Z77 motherboards without an issue. With a few motherboards, I have to raise VTT from automatic to 1.3 volts. I had to do that with the Z77 Extreme6, but even then the system would fail to boot or BSOD every now and again. All the testing was complete at XMP for this kit, albeit in batches when it was working.
Other people using 4x8GB rated at 2400 MHz from G.Skill have very similar issues. It seems the mobo doesn't set correct timings or is unable to work with 4 modules: http://www.gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=10786
Several people in that thread reported this issue. In there, a G.Skill rep stated that ASRock Z77 Extreme series had issues with larger modules: http://www.gskill.us/forum/showpost....0&postcount=12
A reply from ASRock said "Some memory requires more detail setting for the memory. Example : tWR, tFRC, tRRD, tWTR, tRTP etc.. Please contact G skill for detail setting about this particular memory."
I've been in contact with Geil who have provided me with a beta bios from ASRock, version M1.90A which has a plethora of DRAM options compared to 1.90 and seems to apply timings for the XMP profile that are closer to what AIDA64 reports. The problem is still there though. Prime95 still craps out instantly.
I'm quite taken aback since nothing is overclocked. I would have thought companies got it right by 2012. I don't want to say I'm sorry for switching away from ASUS but I so hate the hassle.
Anyone know of a fix for this issue? A particular set of timings I should use or try?
EDIT: I'm now testing one stick at a time and surprise: with only one stick in slot B2 it seems to work. Prime95 has been happily munching for the past 15 minutes. I'll test the other 3 slots with this stick to see itf it's the mobo and then the other 3 sticks individually. If they are all fine individually then I guess the sticks are fine ...
Anyone with similar experience that managed to find a fix?
Cheers
p.s. at 1333 MHz, things are fine when using all 4 sticks ... but I sure as hell won't accept that given the premium I paid for 2400 MHz (I actually need it for research, not for overclocking).