Enabling Dual Channel Memory in GA-P55M-UD4

[ddot98]

I’ve recently built a new setup using a Core i5, a Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD4 motherboard and 4 sticks of 1600 Corsair Memory. For some reason, only the memory in one of the memory channels is being enabled. The memory is being recognized in all 4 slots, but just 2 of them are working.

(Screen Shot)

I’ve tried the following:

• Updated the BIOS from F3 to F5 (This actually changed the channels being recognized. With the F3 BIOS, slots 1 and 2 were enabled, but after the flash to F5, it’s 3 and 4. So while it did something, it wasn’t very productive.)

• Set the BIOS to Optimized Defaults

• Set the BIOS to Safe Defaults (and later reset it to Optimized)

• Lowered the memory multiplier from 10 to 8 and then to 6 (Now running at 800 MHz).

• Enabled (and later redisabled) the XMP

• Lowered the memory Performance Enhance to Standard.

• Bumped the PCH Core from 1.050 to 1.2V

• Bumped the DRAM Voltage from 1.5 up to 1.64 (incrementally, testing at each step)

• Swapped the physical DIMMS around to see if there was any physical problems

• Ensured Max Memory setting in msconfig was clear.

• Tested with a different brand of memory (4 x 2GB of Patriot DDR3 1600)

Nothing seems to have allowed me to enable that other memory channel. I’ve tried searching around the Net and while I’ve come up with a variety of posts regarding stability issues when using the second channel, I haven’t found much regarding things being stable, being recognized, but just not enabled.

A couple other screen shots:

Here, here and here.



Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Todd

 

[lopri]

Hello, Tod. Welcome to AnandTech Forums.

The problem you're encountering is the teething pain of a new platform. A good news is that it has been identified and fix is likely available via newer BIOS for your board.

There are several reasons for this occurring. The primary reason is that the motherboard supplier did not program the BIOS correctly to automatically remap memory above the 4GB mark. In the AMI BIOS’ utilized by ASUS and ASRock, among others, there is a Memory Remapping option in the BIOS setup screen that needs to be enabled on early BIOS releases. Later BIOS releases automatically enable this feature if more than 4GB of memory is detected at POST. So the recommended solution is to update your BIOS to the latest release if this is a problem in your system.

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3652&p=20

 

[lopri]

Well, it looks like I missed the first screenshot you posted. Your problem is somewhat different from what's described in the AT article, but the root cause seems to be the same. So if you haven't already, try grabbing the latest BIOS from Gigabyte and flash the board via Q-Flash.

 

[ekoostik]

Looks like you have the latest BIOS. But keep an eye out for updates. I've seen reports an F6 is coming. http://www.gigabyte.us/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=3168

There was another poster who had this problem with 4x2GB Corsair 1600's. They replaced the RAM with a different brand and that resolved their issue: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=323715

Have you tried contacting Corsair and Gigabyte support?

One other thing to check just to be sure, although given it's 2 slots not being picked up this is a long shot. Go to Start - Run and run the command: msconfig
The System Configuration window will open. Go to the Boot tab. Click the Advanced button. The BOOT Advanced Options window will open. Make sure that the "Maximum memory" checkbox is unchecked.

 

[ddot98]

Thanks for all the thoughts and the welcome.

Tried the Max Memory setting in msconfig, it was clear before, tried forcing it to 8192, and then tried it clear again, but nothing changed.

Tried looking around for a memory remap function, but I didn't find much, seems like that option isn't available for this board.

Got a hold of 4 x 2GB of Patriot DDR3 1600 and swapped them out, but no difference.

That leaves a BIOS update. Any ideas on how frequently Gigabyte likes to releases updates?


Todd

 

[Meiso]

Hi All,
Just wondering, did anyone resolve this issue? I've just installed the f6 bios but no luck.
Cheers (and merry Christmas!)