Hi all,
First of all I would just like to say I am going to be as brief as possible as not to give anyone a headache but I will try to include as much info as possible in regard to my issue.
I've been having serious instability issues with my RipJawsZ kit running on the standard XMP right out of the box. It just won't stay in XMP without BSODing randomly or not booting at all. This is my exact kit here: http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=450
Now I this is the first major rig I have built and I picked this particular RAM as it was IMO the best on the market at the time @16GB (I paid some $600 for it then). First my specs:
Intel 3960X CPU
Intel DX79SR MB
GSkill 16GB F3-PC319200 (2400) CL9Q 9-11-11-31-2N/2T
ASUS HD7970 DCU2TOP x2 Xfire
ThermalTake ToughPower 1500W Silver Plus PSU
2x Intel 520 SSDs (120GB+480GB)
2TB WD HDD SATA3
ThermalTake Level 10 GT LCS (Liquid Cooled CPU) Chassis
Protected by a 1500kVa UPS system, input voltages to PSU are always 237v-242v, if this means anything to anyone.
Originally I started with a Rampage 4 Extreme and I got rid of it thinking it was the culprit.
ALL PROBLEMS HAPPEN ON A FRESH WINDOWS INSTALL. Just making a big note on this so you know it's not conflicting software or anything like that. All drivers updated constantly.
So the problem is when I first put the PC together and loaded up the BIOS and followed the guide on the above link to my kit to run in XMP, it just kept BSODing over and over, always RAM related issues (you know the ones). No OC set on CPU at all, only the settings recommended by GSkill on that page. Now I thought perhaps it was the R4E as it also had a problem where it wouldn't run the 1st PCI-E slot in x16 mode, just x8. Now that I have the Intel board it is clear that the issue is XMP.
So if I run the DX79SR with the standard (SPD) settings for the kit (1600Mhz @1.5v) I never have a single problem, can even push the CPU to 4.8Ghz t sane voltage levels. Put it into XMP with standard CPU settings except vCore at 1.4v and low vDroop settings (do this to potentially rule out some BSODs) and the system becomes ridiculously unstable. Might not happen instantly (usually anywhere from 15mins to 2 days, average a few hours max but a couple times it went over 24 hours) but it will crash and weird stuff start happening, such as Google Chrome not being able to run memory starts to corrupt anything trying to load. Lots of other apps to, too scared to play games during an XMP boot. I am aware that not all iMC's are built the same but in this case a brand new C7-stepping 3960X should be pretty comfortable for a while before BSODs, not 10 mins into the build.
I could keep going on but I think this about covers that part of it. Again I stress noi OC on the 3960X at any point during an XMP boot. Never really OC it anyway, it's only to run games and some good programs like Adobe CS6 Collection and a lot of internet browser use. KMain reason why I built the rig was to play Fallout: New Vegas and Oblivion, in which case I have modded to ridiculous level and they use some 3-4GB of memory, have millions of polys to render in any scene,, picked this RAM to be able to move the data around at high speed for best FPS. Can confirm they are not the direct cause of any crashes, but that should be self explanatory.
Here are the following programs I have used for testing or benching:
-Intel Extreme Tuning Utilities (for stress tests) (only on DX79SR) - Memory stress test passes but on thin ice. Pushes the default clock 3960X to up to 89c whilst noting some apps in background starting to crash. On standard 1600mhz setting CPU sees a max of 60c at 4.7Ghz.
-3DMark11 - for my rig it reports ridiculously low benches - one score was 13K. At 1600Mhz it gets about 28K or something like that on DX79SR. Only tested this on R4E in 2400Mhz mode.
-Heaven - Wouldn't even pass 30 secs of it before BSOD or lock up, temps getting to crazy anyway. Haven't attempted 1600Mhz mode yet.
-ASUS PC Diagnostics Stress test (R4E only) - passes most of the time up to an hour of running, temps weren't so bad at the time though. Did not try 1600Mhz mode on the R4E cos I couldn't pinpoint the cause at the time.
-Prime95 (Intel DX79SR only) - Temps get to BS levels, 10 mins in and XTU is warning me to shut off PC. VR temps hit 75. Always returns the message "FATAL ERROR - Rounding - blah blah", HARDWARE ERROR DETECTED. Running this in background as I speak. Last about 10 mins in a 25 min test, some cores of the CPU manage to pass the full 25mins without error, but number of tests vary. I take special note of Prime95 cos in 1600Mhz mode it passes flying colors at 4.7Ghz (sane voltages) and temps are great. Only used Prime95 with DX79R.
- MEMTEST86+ - (Both DX79SR and R4E tested) Passed 12 hours on both 1600 and 2400 XMP modes - WOW - but onboth boards it crashed as soon as I rebooted, on DX79SR the "VR Hot" light came on and failed to POST. R4E always booted after a BSOD.
Probably there are a few more I could mention here but not really important, haven't tried AIDA64 yet but looking at buying if need be.
I have also acquired a PSU tester, a ThermalTake DR.Power 2 Digital tester, passed all the way.
A few more notes to wrap up: DX79SR doesn't always POST in XMP, usually I can put it in XMP and it will run for a bit, might even restart from BSOD okay but it will fail to post eventually saying VR is hot. On R4E it never failed a post, but it sometimes locked up on the Windows loading screen or immediately after logon. Sometimes the DX79SR would get to the logon screen a s well, just to enter the OS and not one process started (hung on a black screen). Again I mention I never tried 1600Mhz mode on R4E cos I wasn't sure of the exact issue.
Some notes on voltages - Really only played with this in XMP on DX79SR, I note that in Intel desktop utilities the Channel A/B voltage is always 1.66-1.68 but C/D is always 1.65-1.66, no idea why this is. It seems putting vCore voltage up helps a lot, but I am at 1.45v already just at stock clock, really don't wanna go higher. VTT set to 12-1.25 as standard, R4E ran at this by default. Again I stress the highest OC I have attempted in XMP is 4.2Ghz for about an hour until BSOD, went back to stock. On DX79SR I changed the vDroop to high performance in order to keep the stability in the vCore which is pretty much essential to just boot the machine. Machine set to only report the C3/S3 state to OS, HT on, tried HT off as well.
FYI I have tested all the connectors in my Chassis for consistency with the PSU and check for any earth leaks etc etc etc.
I have had the machine for about a year now, I was away from the country and PC for a good few months (August 12 til Dec 12) however I had somebody start the machine up every couple of days just to keep it in check (good fashion thing to do). Changed to DX79SR in December. Still have R4E here, not looking forward to paying the RMA postage (Only real issue is the PCI slot not running at x16 in order of config). I have posted various time on the RoG forums, have an unanswered post on the Intel community (if need a link please ask) and also studied the whole thing in every forum I could find, I reckon I could apply for a job as a custom builder these days lol, except for myself :P. And that leaves me here... I am hoping that the expertise of G.Skill folks might save me . I fear the worst though.
So I guess it wasn't a brief description, sorry for the headache. Just wanted to cover everything.
Last notes: I made an RMA request to G.Skill with a very long post detailing the problems, never received a number or reply . I hate to think it's this kit though, seems though it passes Memtest86+ in flying colors on both boards. As I speak I am running on the DX79SR in 2400Mhz XMP, ran 12 hours (8 of that I was asleep) since BSOD last, upped vCore to 1.45 again, just ran a 15 min Intel XTU Memory stress test - temps getting ridiculous and attempting to use any programs resulted in them crashing rather than loading up forever cos of the extra usage. As I speak the system is a bit shaky, gonna restart in 1600Mhz in hope of some expert advice. For a kit I paid 600 dollars for can't say I am too happy but I will not buy any other brand than GSkill .
If you need anything else or my RAM serials just let me know. Again sory for the headache, but please consider the headache I have. This is the last forum I post in before I completely abandon this rig.
First of all I would just like to say I am going to be as brief as possible as not to give anyone a headache but I will try to include as much info as possible in regard to my issue.
I've been having serious instability issues with my RipJawsZ kit running on the standard XMP right out of the box. It just won't stay in XMP without BSODing randomly or not booting at all. This is my exact kit here: http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=450
Now I this is the first major rig I have built and I picked this particular RAM as it was IMO the best on the market at the time @16GB (I paid some $600 for it then). First my specs:
Intel 3960X CPU
Intel DX79SR MB
GSkill 16GB F3-PC319200 (2400) CL9Q 9-11-11-31-2N/2T
ASUS HD7970 DCU2TOP x2 Xfire
ThermalTake ToughPower 1500W Silver Plus PSU
2x Intel 520 SSDs (120GB+480GB)
2TB WD HDD SATA3
ThermalTake Level 10 GT LCS (Liquid Cooled CPU) Chassis
Protected by a 1500kVa UPS system, input voltages to PSU are always 237v-242v, if this means anything to anyone.
Originally I started with a Rampage 4 Extreme and I got rid of it thinking it was the culprit.
ALL PROBLEMS HAPPEN ON A FRESH WINDOWS INSTALL. Just making a big note on this so you know it's not conflicting software or anything like that. All drivers updated constantly.
So the problem is when I first put the PC together and loaded up the BIOS and followed the guide on the above link to my kit to run in XMP, it just kept BSODing over and over, always RAM related issues (you know the ones). No OC set on CPU at all, only the settings recommended by GSkill on that page. Now I thought perhaps it was the R4E as it also had a problem where it wouldn't run the 1st PCI-E slot in x16 mode, just x8. Now that I have the Intel board it is clear that the issue is XMP.
So if I run the DX79SR with the standard (SPD) settings for the kit (1600Mhz @1.5v) I never have a single problem, can even push the CPU to 4.8Ghz t sane voltage levels. Put it into XMP with standard CPU settings except vCore at 1.4v and low vDroop settings (do this to potentially rule out some BSODs) and the system becomes ridiculously unstable. Might not happen instantly (usually anywhere from 15mins to 2 days, average a few hours max but a couple times it went over 24 hours) but it will crash and weird stuff start happening, such as Google Chrome not being able to run memory starts to corrupt anything trying to load. Lots of other apps to, too scared to play games during an XMP boot. I am aware that not all iMC's are built the same but in this case a brand new C7-stepping 3960X should be pretty comfortable for a while before BSODs, not 10 mins into the build.
I could keep going on but I think this about covers that part of it. Again I stress noi OC on the 3960X at any point during an XMP boot. Never really OC it anyway, it's only to run games and some good programs like Adobe CS6 Collection and a lot of internet browser use. KMain reason why I built the rig was to play Fallout: New Vegas and Oblivion, in which case I have modded to ridiculous level and they use some 3-4GB of memory, have millions of polys to render in any scene,, picked this RAM to be able to move the data around at high speed for best FPS. Can confirm they are not the direct cause of any crashes, but that should be self explanatory.
Here are the following programs I have used for testing or benching:
-Intel Extreme Tuning Utilities (for stress tests) (only on DX79SR) - Memory stress test passes but on thin ice. Pushes the default clock 3960X to up to 89c whilst noting some apps in background starting to crash. On standard 1600mhz setting CPU sees a max of 60c at 4.7Ghz.
-3DMark11 - for my rig it reports ridiculously low benches - one score was 13K. At 1600Mhz it gets about 28K or something like that on DX79SR. Only tested this on R4E in 2400Mhz mode.
-Heaven - Wouldn't even pass 30 secs of it before BSOD or lock up, temps getting to crazy anyway. Haven't attempted 1600Mhz mode yet.
-ASUS PC Diagnostics Stress test (R4E only) - passes most of the time up to an hour of running, temps weren't so bad at the time though. Did not try 1600Mhz mode on the R4E cos I couldn't pinpoint the cause at the time.
-Prime95 (Intel DX79SR only) - Temps get to BS levels, 10 mins in and XTU is warning me to shut off PC. VR temps hit 75. Always returns the message "FATAL ERROR - Rounding - blah blah", HARDWARE ERROR DETECTED. Running this in background as I speak. Last about 10 mins in a 25 min test, some cores of the CPU manage to pass the full 25mins without error, but number of tests vary. I take special note of Prime95 cos in 1600Mhz mode it passes flying colors at 4.7Ghz (sane voltages) and temps are great. Only used Prime95 with DX79R.
- MEMTEST86+ - (Both DX79SR and R4E tested) Passed 12 hours on both 1600 and 2400 XMP modes - WOW - but onboth boards it crashed as soon as I rebooted, on DX79SR the "VR Hot" light came on and failed to POST. R4E always booted after a BSOD.
Probably there are a few more I could mention here but not really important, haven't tried AIDA64 yet but looking at buying if need be.
I have also acquired a PSU tester, a ThermalTake DR.Power 2 Digital tester, passed all the way.
A few more notes to wrap up: DX79SR doesn't always POST in XMP, usually I can put it in XMP and it will run for a bit, might even restart from BSOD okay but it will fail to post eventually saying VR is hot. On R4E it never failed a post, but it sometimes locked up on the Windows loading screen or immediately after logon. Sometimes the DX79SR would get to the logon screen a s well, just to enter the OS and not one process started (hung on a black screen). Again I mention I never tried 1600Mhz mode on R4E cos I wasn't sure of the exact issue.
Some notes on voltages - Really only played with this in XMP on DX79SR, I note that in Intel desktop utilities the Channel A/B voltage is always 1.66-1.68 but C/D is always 1.65-1.66, no idea why this is. It seems putting vCore voltage up helps a lot, but I am at 1.45v already just at stock clock, really don't wanna go higher. VTT set to 12-1.25 as standard, R4E ran at this by default. Again I stress the highest OC I have attempted in XMP is 4.2Ghz for about an hour until BSOD, went back to stock. On DX79SR I changed the vDroop to high performance in order to keep the stability in the vCore which is pretty much essential to just boot the machine. Machine set to only report the C3/S3 state to OS, HT on, tried HT off as well.
FYI I have tested all the connectors in my Chassis for consistency with the PSU and check for any earth leaks etc etc etc.
I have had the machine for about a year now, I was away from the country and PC for a good few months (August 12 til Dec 12) however I had somebody start the machine up every couple of days just to keep it in check (good fashion thing to do). Changed to DX79SR in December. Still have R4E here, not looking forward to paying the RMA postage (Only real issue is the PCI slot not running at x16 in order of config). I have posted various time on the RoG forums, have an unanswered post on the Intel community (if need a link please ask) and also studied the whole thing in every forum I could find, I reckon I could apply for a job as a custom builder these days lol, except for myself :P. And that leaves me here... I am hoping that the expertise of G.Skill folks might save me . I fear the worst though.
So I guess it wasn't a brief description, sorry for the headache. Just wanted to cover everything.
Last notes: I made an RMA request to G.Skill with a very long post detailing the problems, never received a number or reply . I hate to think it's this kit though, seems though it passes Memtest86+ in flying colors on both boards. As I speak I am running on the DX79SR in 2400Mhz XMP, ran 12 hours (8 of that I was asleep) since BSOD last, upped vCore to 1.45 again, just ran a 15 min Intel XTU Memory stress test - temps getting ridiculous and attempting to use any programs resulted in them crashing rather than loading up forever cos of the extra usage. As I speak the system is a bit shaky, gonna restart in 1600Mhz in hope of some expert advice. For a kit I paid 600 dollars for can't say I am too happy but I will not buy any other brand than GSkill .
If you need anything else or my RAM serials just let me know. Again sory for the headache, but please consider the headache I have. This is the last forum I post in before I completely abandon this rig.
Comment