Unable to run Corsair Dominator PC8500 modules at full 1066Mhz

[viol37]

Hi Guys,

I'm experiencing a issue with not being able to run my Corsair Dominator's PC8500 at the full rated speed of 1066Mhz via BIOS.

With everything set to default it still auto detects at 800Mhz.

I'm using an Asus Striker II Formula motherboard and currently using the latest BIOS rev, which is 1901.

I have tried various BIOS revs but still no luck.

If I raise the DRAM Frequency to anywhere above 1050Mhz then I'm subject to POST boot failures resulting in my having to clear my CMOS and starting again.

I have heard rumors that due to some sort of compatibility issues, motherboards using a nVidia nForce chipset are unable to run PC8500 RAM modules at their full speed of 1066Mhz.

I have even tried another set of TwinX Corsair Dominator's and still the same issue and to further test, I used my mates Crucial Ballistix PC8500 modules and still the same deal.

Your thoughts guys?

Vio|37

 

[SunnyD]

You likely need to up the memory voltage to 2.1-2.2v before setting to 1066MHz. Make sure the timings are fairly loose too just in case, start at 7-7-7-20 then work your way down toward 5-5-5-15 (what that ram is rated for at 1066 @ 2.1v).

Note: There is no such thing as DDR2-1066 "officially". JEDEC only goes up to DDR2-800, anything above that is considered "overclocked" by JEDEC standards. That doesn't preclude companies from certifying their memory will run at 1066 under a given spec, but by default SPD only contains up to 800MHz.

 

[viol37]

Thanks for the reply mate.

My modules are rated to run a max of 2.1v but I even tried 2.2, hoping that a little more juice might help but it didn't.

As for the timings, mine are rated at 5-5-5-15 so I assumed running them at default setting would have let me achieve the 1066Mhz speed I was hoping for but it didn't.

Maybe I should have just gone out and buy PC6400 modules, considering that these PC8500 modules don't even run at their rated speed.

Vio|37

 

[Quiksilver]

How many modules?
Have you tried upping the NB voltage?

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: viol37
Maybe I should have just gone out and buy PC6400 modules, considering that these PC8500 modules don't even run at their rated speed.

Vio|37

I'd suggest you verify the issue before buying more hardware. Based on what you have posted, it does not seem to be the memory.

I have even tried another set of TwinX Corsair Dominator's and still the same issue and to further test, I used my mates Crucial Ballistix PC8500 modules and still the same deal.

If you believe it to be the board, then there is no need to buy PC6400. You can simply run the memory you have at less than PC8500 speeds. What CPU do you have?

 

[Shmee]

Try an RMA. I need to do that with my Gskill Kit.

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: Shmee
Try an RMA. I need to do that with my Gskill Kit.

We will gladly replace defective parts but, please read the first post by the OP.

I have even tried another set of TwinX Corsair Dominator's and still the same issue and to further test, I used my mates Crucial Ballistix PC8500 modules and still the same deal.

 

[viol37]

Hi Guys,

Only reason that I tend to think this is a compatibility issue between PC8500 modules and the nForce chipset is because my uncle also has an nVidia based chipset mobo (little older than mine) and he too suffers the same problem I have.

I have also tried upping the NB voltage but still no luck guys.

I have x4 2GB (8GB) modules but I have also tried using 1 module at a time and still no go.

I tend to try and not assign too much volts to the NB as the NB on this mobo tends to run a little too hot even at default volts.

 

[Yellowbeard]

It's been a while since I ran a 780i but IIRC you are going to need about 1.4v on the memory controller aka NB aka SPP to get 1066 stable.

 

[viol37]

Guys,

I came to the final conclusion that it came down to incompatibility issues between the nForce chipset and PC8500 RAM modules or just simply a faulty motherboard as I used to experience the below issues:

1. Unable to install Vista with more than 2GB installed as, the install would just BSOD whilst copying system files to the HDD
2. Extremely high idle temps for the North Bridge, which averaged between 60 to 70 (Striker II Formula is famous for this issue)
3. High CPU idle temps as my stock Q9450 would idle at approx 35 to 50 degrees
4. Unable to run any PC8500 (1066Mhz) RAM modules at full speed despite trying everyone's hints, tips and suggestions as RAM would just auto detect at PC6400 (800Mhz) and when trying to manually alter the DDR frequency, would result in the machine failing to complete POST

I am now running the Maximus II Formula (1901) and all the above issues are a thing of the past.

RAM is now auto detecting at full speed and my CPU and NB idle temps are ultra cool. 🙂

Thanks guys for all your suggestions...

 

[rarebear]

First check that Ram is on the Approved Vendors List.. My mobo only works with a few types if you want 8 gigs installed..

I have the same ram as you and my mobo did not run it at 1066 either it ran at 800..

What I had to do is go into the OC menu and change it to manual and then change ram to manual as well...

Only then can you change ram setting to 1066 or what ever is closest to it.. No need to change timing with my mobo..

I did read an artical that I think it said running ram at higher clocks made little if not improvements on speed 🙁

Since I have 1066 ram I want to run at 1066 anyway 🙂

 

[rarebear]

double post 🙁

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: rarebear
First check that Ram is on the Approved Vendors List.. My mobo only works with a few types if you want 8 gigs installed..

I have the same ram as you and my mobo did not run it at 1066 either it ran at 800..

What I had to do is go into the OC menu and change it to manual and then change ram to manual as well...

Only then can you change ram setting to 1066 or what ever is closest to it.. No need to change timing with my mobo..

I did read an artical that I think it said running ram at higher clocks made little if not improvements on speed 🙁

Since I have 1066 ram I want to run at 1066 anyway 🙂

http://www.corsairmemory.com/c...results.aspx?id=468365

The memory is approved in a 2 x 2GB configuration on the original MOBO in question. But, it's a moot point now as the OP has resolved the issue by moving to a different MOBO.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: viol37
1. Unable to install Vista with more than 2GB installed as, the install would just BSOD whilst copying system files to the HDD

That's a known Vista bug, with pre-SP1 discs. You have to remove all but 2GB of RAM, otherwise you get a BSOD.

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry

Originally posted by: viol37
1. Unable to install Vista with more than 2GB installed as, the install would just BSOD whilst copying system files to the HDD

That's a known Vista bug, with pre-SP1 discs. You have to remove all but 2GB of RAM, otherwise you get a BSOD.

True but, it seems to be a bad memory controller in this case since he resolved all of the issues by replacing the MOBO.

 

[rarebear]

OPPs
I had a doctors visit this mornin' and didnt finish my post untill I came back..

I should have read the thread over instead of just finihing it off and replying.. My Bad

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: rarebear
OPPs
I had a doctors visit this mornin' and didnt finish my post untill I came back..

I should have read the thread over instead of just finihing it off and replying.. My Bad

It happens. I usually do it several times a day and it's a clear indicator I need more coffee. Let's hope the doc fixed you up right!

 

[rarebear]

Thanks Much Yellow Beard,

Doc did do pretty well, I had a nerver burn in my back ...
I was feeling better this AM as nevers are deadend for about 6 months they say 🙂