F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM Dual-Channel Issues

[Faluzure]

Model of the motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
Model of the memory: G. Skill RipjawsX F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM
Model of the CPU: Intel i5 2500K
BIOS: 1.00

My Issue: I cannot get my computer to detect the RAM when installed in Dual-Channel slots. According to the manual & manufacturer, the slots are arranged in pairs of A1/B1 & A2/B2 for dual-channel memory support. When I install them, I get a Dr. Debug code of 45, which according to the manufacturer means "Bad Memory".

I've been going back and forth with ASRock support, but we aren't getting anywhere. They gave me some steps to try, but it still does not resolve my issue.

Here is what I have done:
1. Removed ALL PC components except CPU, PSU connections, and RAM.
2. Installed just a single DIMM into all memory slots for testing purposes. Motherboard boots successfully and detects the DIMM. I have done this with both DIMMs.
3. Installed both DIMMs in configurations other than A1/B1 & A2/B2, which results in single-channel mode. Right now, I have the DIMMs installed in B1/A2 and the motherboard reports the full 8GB of memory in single-channel configuration.
4. I noticed that the motherboard "auto detects" the RAM as CL11-11-11-28. The RAM I ordered is actually CL8-8-8-24. I manually changed the timings on the motherboard and still get the same results.
5. Ran Memtest in 4 passes (overnight). Resulted fine in testing.

Other information:
1. I am not overclocking.
2. No other BIOS version for me to try. This motherboard was released in August and there is only one version.
3. According to ASRock's webpage, these memory modules aren't listed BUT the following are:
DDR3 1600 4GB G.Skill F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH
DDR3 1600 4GB G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL
DDR3 1600 4GB G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2
DDR3 1600 4GB G.Skill F3-12800CL7Q-16GBXH
4. Considering that these are the CL8D and CL9Ds are listed, I shouldn't have a problem, right?

Any help would be appreciated. Do you think the problem is with the RAM or the motherboard? Like I said, the motherboard detects it just fine when only one DIMM is used or they are NOT in dual-channel slots.

Thank you for your time.

[Tradesman]

I'm guessing either a bad mobo or the BIOS needs updating (either of which would be cause for them to hedge and haw) if the RipjawsX 8 and 16GB sets are on their list as shown which are CL7 then there should be no problems what so ever with the CL8 set you have. The autodetect at 11-11-11 also sounds like a BIOS issue, have you tried enabling XMP and selecting the 1600 profile? Or, if that creates problems try the 1333 profile and ask them about a BIOS update

[Faluzure]

Yeah, I did enable XMP and selecting the 1600 profile as well. However, by doing so, my PC locks up at the BIOS splash screen.

So would you say the RAM is 100% ok? I know the motherboard could also be the culprit, but it's more of a PITA to RMA the motherboard than it is the RAM.

[GSKILL TECH]

So single channel works, just not dual?

Try reseating the CPU and make sure pins/socket is clear.

Hard reset the BIOS to see if that helps.

If still the same problem, PITA RMA. :/

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[Faluzure]

So single channel works, just not dual?

Try reseating the CPU and make sure pins/socket is clear.

Hard reset the BIOS to see if that helps.

If still the same problem, PITA RMA. :/

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

Well, not all single channel works. Let me describe.

My motherboard has the following slots: A1/A2/B1/B2. According to the manual, dual-channel is allowed when RAM is placed in slots A1/B1, A2/B2, or all four. Any other configuration is supposed to be single-channel only.

I have tested each stick by itself in each slot. Doing POSTS successfully and I boot into Windows.

Placing the sticks in A1/B1 or A2/B2 configuration (dual-channel) gives a diagnostic code of 45 (my motherboard has a debug LED that spits out debug combo). ASRock says a code of 45 means "Bad Memory".

However, if I place the DIMMs in A1/A2, then it will boot up and post 8GB of single-channel memory.

I tested other single-channel combinations (A1/B2, A2/B1, B1/B2) and they all prevent my PC from booting and give me the same code of 45.

I've reset the BIOS several times and even reseated the CPU once (inspected the pins too).

I ran Memtest86+ and let it go for 4 passes without any problems. I'm beginning to think that it's the motherboard and NOT the RAM because the motherboard won't detect it... but we'll see. I just RMA'd the mobo today. If that doesn't work, I'll be RMA'ing for some new memory.

In your opinion, what do you think is wrong?

[GSKILL TECH]

I see, considering the memory does boot in single, my best guess would be the motherboard. Hopefully the replacement will work like a charm.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH