Can't get dual channel working

[dæmon]

After thinking it was a problem with seperate OCZ memory sticks (not a dual channel kit) I rma'd them for a dual channel kit. I got it today and same problem. The system will not boot with sticks in both orange or both yellow slots (long beeps, even after CMOS clear). However the system boots fine with stick in top orange and top yellow slot (single channel). I think I need to RMA the DFI .

[dab]

clear cmos, try booting with one stick in orange only, and set optimized defaults. Then shutdown and install the second stick in an orange slot, and see if she kicks out dual channel then..

[dæmon]

No dice with that suggestion. Just long beeps...

[dab]

Long Beeps indicate memory failure indeed. You say the machine works with 2x512 in single channel using mis matched top slots, does this work with the bottom two slots?

[Addiarmadar]

Hmm thats not right. It was possible that the ram stick were now matched timmings but after RMA it gets wierd. Have you tried loosening the timmings, command rate, or up the juice to the cpu? Got all 4 power connectors on the mobo installed. Either way, the beeps are not telling you that the settings are wrong but having issues interfacing with the RAM. May have to RMA the mobo.

[dæmon]

I have tried clearing the CMOS, but other than that I didn't think messing with the timings would help it post. The only way it works is with one dimm in top orange slot or both dimms in top orange and top yellow. I the latter case, 2T command rate is applied (after optimized defaults are loaded for dram page) and memory gets clocked at 214. Sticks will not work in any other slots. All power connectors are in motherboard. I bought the motherboard about a year ago, how long are the warranties on these things?

 

OCZ was kind enough to replace my 2 x 512 PC4200 umatched sticks (non dual channel) with a 2 x 1024 dual channel kit (pc3200).

 

Also, I flashed to 6-23 BIOS as I used to use it with no problems and for the purposes of official DFI support and returns...

[dab]

and memory gets clocked at 214.

 

Are you installing the ram with your cpu overclocked? This is a no-no. Set FSB to 200 and start over from the beginning!

[dæmon]

When I install the RAM i always clear CMOS (so cpu gets set to default). After memory get detected (in single channel at 2T) I apply my overclock.

[dab]

Am i correct in deducing that neither of your bottom slots seem to work at all? Not with only 1 stick in either? That could possibly mean it's RMA time as you've proven that the memory at least operates and OCZ wouldn't send you bunk modules, i assure you.

[dæmon]

Bottom slots are no-go, but I have been told that they are used only when ram is present in top slots, and they will not work on their own. I could have been misled though.

[red930]

Don't overclock anything until you get your system verified working stable first.

 

Have you ran memtest on each stick individually in the top orange slot?

[dæmon]

Memory has not been tested in top orange slot individually. I did this with other OCZ Ram I sent back, and they both tested 100% stable, but would not post in dual channel. I do not have time to test each stick today, I will do this another time, but I am 99% sure the RAM is fine and something else is wrong here...