Dual Channel Trouble 1

[Imhotep9]

Hello all,

This question comes to you because neither Corsair's tech support, nor MSI's could give me a working solution (short of RMAing my components).

I'm running a matched pair of 1gb DDR400 PC3200 dual channel Corsair XMS modules. My motherboard is the MIS K8N Neo4/SLI, which supports dual channel. The modules are inserted in DIMMs 1 and 3 as directed.

Upon startup, the boot screen lists my memory information as "DDR 333 single channel". What I was expecting to see is "DDR 400 dual channel". How can I rectify this?

Things I have already tried:
I tested all four DIMMs individually with just one stick of 1gb RAM. Each one reports "DDR 400" on boot-up, but still says "single channel". It's not until I add the second module in DIMM 3 that the speed drops. This test also confirmed that neither of the modules has a problem.

 

[Frank4d]

According to MSI's datasheet you need to use DIMM 1&2 or 3&4 (one greeh, one purple).

 

[paparazi]

Imhotep9
Frank4d seems certain that they need to be in 1&2 or 3&4 but from memory I believe the decision has something to do with wether they are double sided or single sided modules, you will need to look in your manual for a memory configuation chart.
If this doesn't help then the latest bios flash can often cure many compatibilty problems like this. I flashed a Gigabyte board similar to your MSI (Nforce4ultra)for exactly this reason, it displayed dual channel memory AFTER the bios update.
Lastly to get the best out of performance memory like XMS you will need to manually set latency-CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS and memory voltage.
For example my OCZ Gold has BH5 chips and optimal settings of 2-2-2-5 @ 2.8volts
Martin


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[Imhotep9]

Frank4d- that's interesting. My user manual directed me to use DIMM's 1 and 3. Can I get a link to that datasheet?

As far as updating the BIOS, I have a utility that automatically checks for updates everytime the PC boots. Shouldn't this take care of it?

 

[Frank4d]

Frank4d- that's interesting. My user manual directed me to use DIMM's 1 and 3. Can I get a link to that datasheet?

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K8N_Neo4/SLI

 

[Imhotep9]

Thanks Frank4d, I'll go with it and see what happens. Hopefully it will recognize it as dual channel.

 

[paparazi]

Imhotep9
Hi there! quote* "I have a utility that automatically checks for updates everytime the PC boots"

I think you are refering to MSI's own "Live Update 3" software which as you say is capable of updating most things in a "Windows enviroment"ie: drivers, utilities and bios but this is not automatic!
You have to initialize and go through the update process (starting off with Live Update3 software itself and onto the bios, it certainly doesn't do this without a great deal of input from the user.

Trust me! this problem may well be cured by flashing the bios.
Don't forget the CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS and memory voltage as well as setting to the fastest 1T timings.
If you don't bother with the above you will be missing out on as much performance gain as you get from going single to dual channel.
Martin



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Participate and help others.

 

[Imhotep9]

Flashed the BIOS and everything is good. I'm now running dual channel like I should be.

Paparazi - I could use some pointers on "the CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS and memory voltage as well as setting to the fastest 1T timings." My Corsair memory is advertised to be 2-3-3-6, but I am currently getting 3-3-8-3. When I go to change this, should I push for the advertised timings, or be a little conservative? What should I puruse as far as voltage and 1T timings?

Thanks for all of the great help.

 

[paparazi]

Imhotep9
The advertised CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS and memory voltage settings for your particular memory are basically tried tested and gauranteed to work by Corsair, they are not considered "overclocked" as these are standard settings for this memory type, many users go well beyond these settings (at their peril)
Note* typically the memory voltage has to be upped to attain these "best timings" but as I say, well within the rams design capabilities.
Note* The figures I quoted for my OCZ Gold BH5 2-2-2-5 @ 2.8volts (some users report pushing BH5 to 3.5volts) so you see the 2.8volt figure is fairly sedate in comparison.
Lastly the 1T setting is important for best performance.
It should be attainable with just two sticks of ram (most boards revert to the slower 2T settings when four ram slots are ocupied.
The 1T setting is a simple switch in the bios and the rest of the settings will be under ram timing, you may have to change the "auto" to "manual" in the ram settings column.
Then just look out for the CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS symbols and alter the settings accordingly.
Read your manual!!!
Martin



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Participate and help others.