Added RAM, now boots extremely slow!

[GARoss]

Motherboard - Intel DG965RY - BIOS is updated to latest version 1755
CPU - Intel E6600 Core-Duo
RAM - WINTEC 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel
AMD64 bit OS
I'm 99% sure this problem has nothing to do with my OS so I'm not going to make it an issue. I believe it is a motherboard/BIOS/RAM issue.
The difference after installing additional RAM is the computer boots extremely slow; like 10x slower - I've timed it.
Here's the deal. I followed all Intel recommendations carefully before making my purchase. I traded 2GB RAM & paid the difference to max the memory to 8GB listed above.
Now, my computer will boot but extremely slow. Once to my desktop the System Monitor recognizes all 8GB of RAM & it seems to work properly. When I take out 4GB, it boots normal. To cross check, I swapped the 4GB I removed for the 4GB that booted normal & it once again booted normal.
Whatever the problem is, it has to do with 8GB of RAM - nothing is defective. BIOS is up to date.
Why would it boot so slow? Is there something in a BIOS setting I've missed?

 

[alcoholbob]

Originally posted by: GARoss
When I take out 4GB, it boots normal. To cross check, I swapped the 4GB I removed for the 4GB that booted normal & it once again booted normal.

What about the 4GB that you recently bought? Have you tried to boot with those sticks only?

 

[mellor]

your OS might be able to recognise it
but can your motherboard and CPU actually handle it

 

[GARoss]

Originally posted by: Astrallite

Originally posted by: GARoss
When I take out 4GB, it boots normal. To cross check, I swapped the 4GB I removed for the 4GB that booted normal & it once again booted normal.

What about the 4GB that you recently bought? Have you tried to boot with those sticks only?

Thanks for the response.
Perhaps I didn't explain very well. Originally, I had 2GB of RAM. I wanted to max my system because 2GB frequently wasn't enough. So, I went to Intel's website & looked up my MB info. Intel said, "8 GB maximum total system memory using DDR2 667 or DDR2 533 DIMMs". So, I purchased four 2gb DDR2 @ 667 PC5300 sticks. Installed & got a slow boot.
Once in the OS it seems fine & indicates it has all 8GB of RAM. When I take out 2 sticks it boots fast. Swap those 2 for the other 2 & it boots fast. Only when all 4 sticks are installed does it boot slow, like 10x slower!
When a computer is 1st started, isn't there some checks performed by the BIOS like memory & which drive to boot from, ect? During this time is when it's slow. It doesn't like 8GB!

 

[TemjinGold]

Are you getting a slow POST or a slow boot? From your last reply, it almost sounds like the former. If so, do you have Quick POST enabled in the bios or are you doing the full POST (i.e. with memory check and all where you see the ram count up to 8gbs)?

Is windows fine and fast once you actually get in?

 

[GARoss]

Originally posted by: TemjinGold
Are you getting a slow POST or a slow boot? From your last reply, it almost sounds like the former. If so, do you have Quick POST enabled in the bios or are you doing the full POST (i.e. with memory check and all where you see the ram count up to 8gbs)?

Is windows fine and fast once you actually get in?

I'm not sharp as a tack with computers so please bare with me! I have done nothing to my BIOS. The BIOS is, however 100% up to date. The computer acts differently with 8GB installed. My comparisons to boot up speeds are 4GB to 8GB without any other changes & it doesn't matter which OS I'm booting to; I've tried all combinations. The slowness is prior to get to the OS selection screen.
I did check my BIOS settings & don't see any reference to Quick Post. There is a page that has "Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology [Enabled]" & "Wake System From S5 [Disable]". Are one of these what you are referring to?

Here's how the computer acts.
I power up the computer; a few seconds later the blue Intel screen comes up. This is where you'd press F2 to make BIOS adjustments. Normally, this screen is up 10 seconds or less, then it goes to the OS selection screen. I select my OS; then hit Enter & off we go. From this point it is no different with 4GB or 8GB of RAM.
Power up with 8GB RAM it acts quite differently. After few seconds, the blue Intel screen comes up. This time the screen is up 90 seconds. Then it goes to the OS selection screen & everything is normal from then on. Nothing unusual. System Manage sees all new RAM.
I wish I knew more about computers to explain this better, but something isn't right.
But, the fact remains that it does work with 8GB of RAM as Intel said it would. It's just unusual to me that it would take so long to boot!

 

[TemjinGold]

Originally posted by: GARoss

Originally posted by: TemjinGold
Are you getting a slow POST or a slow boot? From your last reply, it almost sounds like the former. If so, do you have Quick POST enabled in the bios or are you doing the full POST (i.e. with memory check and all where you see the ram count up to 8gbs)?

Is windows fine and fast once you actually get in?

I'm not sharp as a tack with computers so please bare with me! I have done nothing to my BIOS. The BIOS is, however 100% up to date. The computer acts differently with 8GB installed. My comparisons to boot up speeds are 4GB to 8GB without any other changes & it doesn't matter which OS I'm booting to; I've tried all combinations. The slowness is prior to get to the OS selection screen.
I did check my BIOS settings & don't see any reference to Quick Post. There is a page that has "Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology [Enabled]" & "Wake System From S5 [Disable]". Are one of these what you are referring to?

Here's how the computer acts.
I power up the computer; a few seconds later the blue Intel screen comes up. This is where you'd press F2 to make BIOS adjustments. Normally, this screen is up 10 seconds or less, then it goes to the OS selection screen. I select my OS; then hit Enter & off we go. From this point it is no different with 4GB or 8GB of RAM.
Power up with 8GB RAM it acts quite differently. After few seconds, the blue Intel screen comes up. This time the screen is up 90 seconds. Then it goes to the OS selection screen & everything is normal from then on. Nothing unusual. System Manage sees all new RAM.
I wish I knew more about computers to explain this better, but something isn't right.
But, the fact remains that it does work with 8GB of RAM as Intel said it would. It's just unusual to me that it would take so long to boot!

As I suspected. What's probably happening is that your BIOS is set to run the full POST rather than the quick one. Offhand, I don't remember what it's called in the bios but what's basically happening during that intel screen is that your PC is checking through all of your ram to ensure that it works. With 8gbs, you have twice as much to check through, hence it'll take a while longer (not sure why it's THAT much longer though.) If everything is fine AFTER you choose an OS and you do notice improvements (program loads and general snappiness), then I wouldn't worry about it. If it really bugs you, you'll need to find someone who remembers what that setting is called so that you can flip it off.

 

[GARoss]

Sorry, I'm not seeing anything like POST in BIOS. Here's BIOS info with 4GB installed.
Under Memory Configeration
SDRAM Control <Automatic>
CPC Override <Disabled>
Memory Frequency <667 Mhz>
tCL <5>
tRCD <5>
tRP <5>
tRASmin <15>

Total Memory 4096MB
Memory Mode Dual Channel
Memory Channel A:
Slot 0: 2048MB (DDR2 667) SPD: 5.0-5-5-15
Slot 1: Not Installed
Memory Channel B:
Slot 0: 2048MB (DDR2 667) SPD: 5.0-5-5-15
Slot 1: Not Installed

**NOTE** SPD definded as Norminal: [tCL]-[tRCD]-[tRP]-[tRASmin]
Thanks

 

[n7]

Yup, i agree with TemjinGold; it definitely seems to be doing a full memory check vs. the normal quick one.

There should be an option in the BIOS to change that, but honestly, i'd need to see it to know what one.

If you take pictures of your BIOS options, we can look thru them & try to identify what needs to be changed.

Also, have you tried setting the BIOS to defaults?

 

[TemjinGold]

Originally posted by: GARoss
Sorry, I'm not seeing anything like POST in BIOS. Here's BIOS info with 4GB installed.
Under Memory Configeration
SDRAM Control <Automatic>
CPC Override <Disabled>
Memory Frequency <667 Mhz>
tCL <5>
tRCD <5>
tRP <5>
tRASmin <15>

Total Memory 4096MB
Memory Mode Dual Channel
Memory Channel A:
Slot 0: 2048MB (DDR2 667) SPD: 5.0-5-5-15
Slot 1: Not Installed
Memory Channel B:
Slot 0: 2048MB (DDR2 667) SPD: 5.0-5-5-15
Slot 1: Not Installed

**NOTE** SPD definded as Norminal: [tCL]-[tRCD]-[tRP]-[tRASmin]
Thanks

You're looking in the wrong place. This isn't specifically a memory setting. If I remember correctly, it should be under "Advanced BIOS settings" or some such like that. Should refer to "POST" in the name with options for "Quick" and "Full."

 

[taltamir]

look for something called quick post or something like it...

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: TemjinGold
Are you getting a slow POST or a slow boot?

Good catch. :thumbsup:

 

[GARoss]

To all; I really appreciate all your help. I've heard that this forum is a good one & now I can vouch for that.
Intel must do things differently than say Asus & Gigabyte, ect. I've copied below the opening page of Intel's BIOS Settings Dictionary ? By Menu So Power-On Self-Test (POST) is an acronym! I'm getting to be an old man & still learning some new every day!
If I'm reading this correctly it mentions POST as a pre-process to F2, BIOS entry. So, how can it be defeated as suggested?
Also, this article mentions an Advanced > Boot Configuration Menu which isn't available in my BIOS setting. POST setting are mentioned in that portion but how to access that?

Intel® Desktop Boards
BIOS Settings Dictionary ? By Menu
The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer. The BIOS Setup program is accessed by pressing the <F2> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins. The following menus are available:
Menu Title Purpose
Maintenance Clears passwords and displays processor information.
The maintenance menu is displayed only when the Desktop Board is in
Configure Mode.
Manageability Configure options associated with Intel® Platform Administration Technology.
Main Displays processor and memory configuration.
Advanced Configures advanced features available through the chipset.
Security Sets passwords and security features.
Performance Configures advanced features.
Power Configures power management features and power supply controls.
Boot Selects boot options.
Intel® ME Configures options for the Intel® Management Engine and Intel® Active
Management Technology.
Exit Saves or discards changes to Setup program options.
The presence of menus and BIOS settings are dependent on your board model, hardware components installed, and the BIOS version. BIOS menu titles may differ.
If any problems occur after making BIOS settings changes (poor performance, intermittent issues, etc.), reset
the desktop board to default values:
1. During boot, enter the BIOS setup by pressing F2.
2. Press F9 to set defaults.
3. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
If the system locks or won?t boot after making BIOS settings changes, perform a BIOS recovery as described
at http://support.intel.com/suppo...sktop/sb/CS-023360.htm.

I'll be digging into this all day so please feel free to commit as I'll be checking back time to time.
Thanks!

 

[GARoss]

Reading carefully, on page 50 of my MB manual, it explains how to change POST. I haven't figured out how to post a photo yet but here's what it says without the illustration.

http://support.intel.co.jp/sup...965ry/sb/CS-022980.htm

Table 12. Jumper Settings for the BIOS Setup Program Modes
Jumper
Setting Mode Description
(jumpers on 1 & 2) Normal (default) (1-2) The BIOS uses the current configuration and
passwords for booting.
Configure (2-3) After the Power-On Self-Test (POST) runs, the
(jumpers on 2 & 3) BIOS displays the Maintenance Menu. Use this
menu to clear passwords.
Recovery (None) The BIOS recovers data in the event of a failed
(no jumper) BIOS update.


I assume NONE, no jumper would boot without memory check?

 

[TemjinGold]

Don't touch the jumpers--that has nothing to do with what you are doing. Since you said an "Advanced > Boot Configuration Menu" has what you need, you may be able to access that by hitting CTRL+F1 (this is the universal "secret hidden menu" command) from the main menu, then going there. See if that works for you...

 

[Yellowbeard]

If Intel puts this option in the same general area as other manufacturers, it should be somewhere near the power and boot management options. I'd try giving them a call as the online manual has nothing about the actual BIOS settings.

 

[GARoss]

TemjinGold,
Here's what is listed under Advanced
Boot Configuration

Numlock <On>
Max CPUID Value Limit <Disabled>
Display Setup Prompt <On>

Then Peripheral Configuration, Drive Configuration, Event Log, Video Configuration, Fan Control & Hardware Monitoring. Ctrl F1 does nothing.
How do I enter to change POST?
Thanks

 

[Yellowbeard]

Unless you find another user familiar with that specific BIOS, you are probably not going to have much luck at the forum level and especially since the needed setting is not even in the online version of the manual.

Contact Intel.

 

[GARoss]

Yellowbeard,
I found this interesting & more than once; a recommendation on going back about 1.5 years to an older BIOS, v1669, that had normal response times. Newer BIOS versions from that point, like v1755 in mine are slower with more than 4GB RAM for some reason. I tried to install v1669 in XP using an .exe but failed. Could this be done with a CD?
Thanks

http://social.technet.microsoft.com.../thread/3560fca2-5ea9-4a76-933f-b0920f1f7890/

rrbrown wrote:

"Did you ever resolve this issue? I suspect RAM. I just removed 4Gb (4 x 1Gb) SIMMs and installed 8Gb (4 x 2GB). Bootup was normal prior to the upgrade. Now it takes about 5 minutes. I made no other changes. I am running an Intel DG965WH mainboard with E6600 Core2 Quad.



I have your same motherboard/RAM setup but I only have a Core Duo installed. I, too, was running Vista 64 with 4GB of 667 RAM without problems with the latest DG956WH BIOS--1729--and moved to 8GB. That was my only change. System totally craped out:long boot times, slow mouse response, long program loading times, etc.



I went on an Internet search and discovered that virtually all BIOS revisions for the DG965 series of motherboards newer than 1669 will exhibit the exact same problems, i.e. slow boot times, CPU utilization very high, response very slow, when in 64 bit mode with any amount of RAM over 4GB.



Intel has known about this problem for a *long* time and to date hasn't fixed it. The only recourse known at this time is to downgrade the BIOS to 1669. I did and I now have great performance in my Vista Ultimate 64. So far I don't seem to have generated any new problems by using the older BIOS.



Some users have reported success with later BIOS versions under special circumstances, but I wasn't able to get any version newer than 1669 to work successfully and I tried all of them that are currently available on the Intel web site. It was only when I hit 1669 that things started working well.



I don't know if the earlier BIOS will support the Quads or not but if so 1669 might be a solution for you."

 

[Yellowbeard]

I suggest to NEVER EVER flash a BIOS from the OS. Do it from a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive in DOS. As far as an older BIOS, in a way that does not make sense to me. The 4GB modules are newer than comparable 2GB modules due to the time at which the ICs to make 4GB modules were made available. So, logically a newer BIOS would have improvments for more current memory.

I hate to keep saying the same thing repeatedly but, just call Intel or get to their Tech Support. They can probably answer this much better than anyone here.

 

[GARoss]

Good advice. Thanks.