Re-enable dual-channel memory on Z97Pro after CPU upgrade

[wilds]

I thought about posting this in Memory and Storage, but the problem has to do with the Motherboard. Both sticks of memory work fine. They are Patriot 1866 2x8GB CL9.

I had them overclocked to 2133 MHz CL10 for quite some time on my i5-4690k setup. Yesterday I upgraded to the i7-5775C. This broke my dual channel configuration.

Now I can still hit those clockspeeds, but my motherboard will not POST (error 55) if I have the memory in a dual channel configuration (at any clockspeed).

I currently have both sticks in B1 and B2 giving me 16 GB of single channel memory. I used to have the sticks in A2 and B2 giving me dual channel setup. I have tried configurations in the following:

A1 and B1
A2 and B2
will not POST.

If I do 1 stick I can only do B2. With both sticks I can only use B1 and B2. Any other configuration combo ends up with error 55; effectively breaking A1 and A2!

I put back my i5-4690k and I can go back to dual channel on the A1/A2 or B1/B2 without any problem.

I have tried using the MEM OK! button to no avail. I also have tried using the XMP switch to see if that helped. I have the feeling I will need to buy a new set of RAM.... Any ideas?

If I do need to buy new RAM, how can I ensure it will be compatible? The manual for the z97PRO has a large list of compatible RAM, but that was not with Broadwell-C in mind...

TL;DR:
My i7-5775C broke my memory configuration.

 

[imported_ghanz]

Not all CPU memory controllers have the same tolerance.
Have you tried setting back to 1866 CL10 XMP profile and see if dual channel works?

You can try these out (not in any particular order):
- Increase the RAM voltage to 1.55V or 1.6V.
- Try running on 2T instead of 1T
- Increase to CL11 (XMP needs to be disable).

 

[wilds]

Not all CPU memory controllers have the same tolerance.
Have you tried setting back to 1866 CL10 XMP profile and see if dual channel works?

You can try these out (not in any particular order):
- Increase the RAM voltage to 1.55V or 1.6V.
- Try running on 2T instead of 1T
- Increase to CL11 (XMP needs to be disable).

Thanks for the reply. How can I change any of those settings when I cannot POST in the first place? When I change my RAM configuration it erases the previously changed settings. So while in Single-Channel mode, I could adjust all that stuff you suggest, but what good would it do me? I can already run it at XMP 1866 mhz cl9 out of the box; but only in single channel configuration in the B1/B2 slots.

Without XMP profile, the default is 1600 MHz. It won't even POST at those speeds in dual channel mode. This is why I feel I am SOL regarding this set of RAM.

 

[imported_ghanz]

Does the CPU running at default speeds ever work in dual channel mode at XMP 1866 mhz cl9?
If it does not even do that, check for bios updates & upgrade(if any).
If all else fail, I guess the ram is just not very compatible with your setup.

 

[wilds]

Not for the 5775C. For my 4690k, it worked @ 2133 dual channel for over a year. I can't get it to work at any speed in dual channel. I just get an error 55 code preventing it from POSTing. No change at stock CPU settings with XMP on.

I am unfortunately on the latest BIOS update. I will definitely need to see what kind of RAM that works well for Broadwell C. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep thinking of a solution.

edit: I removed the CPU cooler and carefully inspected the CPU and socket for damaged pins. Looks pristine! I think I am going to look at the Asus manual for a replacement kit.

 

[vailr]

Low voltage (1.35 volt) DDR3 may work better, where your current memory fails.
Note however: you can't mix and match 1.50 volt (nominal) memory with 1.35 volt (nominal) memory.
If the TDP of the two CPU's are significantly different, and the PSU is (maybe?) marginal, then insufficient power to the memory may be producing the results you're seeing.
As an experiment, try removing the video card from the motherboard, and simply use the on board Intel GPU, to see if dual channel memory works.

 

[wilds]

Low voltage (1.35 volt) DDR3 may work better, where your current memory fails.
Note however: you can't mix and match 1.50 volt (nominal) memory with 1.35 volt (nominal) memory.
If the TDP of the two CPU's are significantly different, and the PSU is (maybe?) marginal, then insufficient power to the memory may be producing the results you're seeing.
As an experiment, try removing the video card from the motherboard, and simply use the on board Intel GPU, to see if dual channel memory works.

Thanks for the reply, Vailr. I have tried removing the GPU with no success. I definitely have loads of spare power and I believe that there is nothing left for me to try except for using a different kit.

I went ahead and ordered a cheap 4x4 2933 mhz kit that is listed in my motherboard manual as compatible. It will be arriving tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

 

[vailr]

OK, but wasn't the printed motherboard manual produced prior to Intel's release of the i7-5775c? Unless an updated .pdf version is available on the maker's web site.
Isn't your replacement "4x4 2933 mhz kit" still classified as 1.50 volt rated memory?
Therefore: I would suggest re-consideration of using only "low voltage" 1.35 volt rated memory.

 

[master_shake_]

did you bend a pin?

did you update the bios?

 

[wilds]

OK, but wasn't the printed motherboard manual produced prior to Intel's release of the i7-5775c? Unless an updated .pdf version is available on the maker's web site.
Isn't your replacement "4x4 2933 mhz kit" still classified as 1.50 volt rated memory?
Therefore: I would suggest re-consideration of using only "low voltage" 1.35 volt rated memory.

Quite the opposite my friend, the new kit is rated at 1.65v! :twisted:

If the new memory doesn't work, I will send it back. The 1.35v kits are a lot slower. By default, the memory will read as 1600 mhz 1.5v without an XMP profile. The kit I purchased will have a lot of leeway concerning timings, clockspeeds, and voltage.

If 1.35v DDR3L is the only option, which would really suck, then I will be forced to go that route I suppose.

 

[fralexandr]

Core i7-5775C (3.3Ghz, 4C, HT, L3:6M, GT3, 65W, rev.G0) ALL 2401
GO
*Full support of the new CPU requires VGA driver version 10.18.14.4206 or later
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97PRO/HelpDesk_CPU/
Do you have a newer IGP VGA driver? I don't see how that would help though.

you could also try different bios versions to see if any of them happen to work, don't see why that would help either
http://event.asus.com/2012/mb/USB_BIOS_Flashback_GUIDE/
http://www.asus.com/microsite/2015/mb/5th_gen_Intel_CPU_ready/

 

[wilds]

Core i7-5775C (3.3Ghz, 4C, HT, L3:6M, GT3, 65W, rev.G0) ALL 2401
GO
*Full support of the new CPU requires VGA driver version 10.18.14.4206 or later
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97PRO/HelpDesk_CPU/
Do you have a newer IGP VGA driver? I don't see how that would help though.

you could also try different bios versions to see if any of them happen to work, don't see why that would help either
http://event.asus.com/2012/mb/USB_BIOS_Flashback_GUIDE/
http://www.asus.com/microsite/2015/mb/5th_gen_Intel_CPU_ready/

I currently am on 2702, the most recent BIOS. That "*Full support of the new CPU requires VGA driver version 10.18.14.4206 or later" is a lie. That BIOS has the L4 cache disabled! . Regardless, having the latest iGPU driver without any dGPU has no effect on RAM configuration.

That guide you linked for USB BIOS Flashback was necessary for Broadwell OC. I did have problems getting that to work earlier. I have tried every BIOS on the list now unfortunately.

But my BIOS has the 5775c unlocked and the L4 cache is being used now. 2702 will probably be the last BIOS for this board unfortunately.

 

[Dasa2]

hope this new kit of ram works out for you im interested to see some overclocked cache\ram tests to see how well the l4 stacks up against a decent kit of ddr3
something like this but with a better cpu

 

[john3850]

I believe most DDR3L is a dual voltage capable memory.
I have a pair of VLP crucials that has two different xmp profiles a 1.35 and a 1.50 volts.

 

[wilds]

Hey guys. I made a big mistake. The CPU socket had a bent pin all along. LOL

I got my new 4x4 kit and it wouldn't work with the A1/A2 slots even with my 4690k installed. I took out the CPU again and got my DSLR out. Took me awhile to find the bent pin! I spent about ~20 minutes straightening it out.

The new memory now works @ 2933 Mhz 1.65v Dual-Channel on my i7-5775c.
I believe that is too high for Broadwell. This RAM has a lot of leeway! I can do 2400 MHz CL11 @ 1.5v very easily. I think I may keep it at that for the time being. I have lots of testing to do!

Thanks for the help guys, I am done upgrading my platform. Phew.

edit: Because my old RAM works, I have decided to send back the new kit. Will be ordering another 16gb of my old kit to max out my RAM.