Runs 2X256 but not 2X512

opaper · 01-16-2006, 08:19 AM

Here’s a weird one. A P4P800-E Deluxe board that used to run 1GB (2X512) fine will now only run 512MB (2X256). I have tested with both OCZ and Patriot RAM and tested those RAM in a P4C800-E Deluxe with positive results. All tests are being done with memtest. I was having errors attributed to memory in the P4P800ED, which prompted the test. It would seem that there would be a setting in the BIOS that might cause this but all settings are the same as when I ran the same configuration before and are the same as the P4C800ED. One clue might be that the P4P800ED was sent back to Asus for a front USB problem, but as I said it works fine with 2x256 (Patriot) modules. I tested the PSU and it is on the money. Could the MCH be breaking down?

PCBruiser · 01-16-2006, 09:39 AM

What vDIMM are you using. 2x512 requires more thaan 2x256.

opaper · 01-16-2006, 10:48 AM

Hi PCB, I was hoping I would get some of your input. The Patriot mem uses the same volts 1GB or 512, however I tried increasing VDIMM, switching sockets, (every configuration multiple) and tried all timing modes. The OCZ uses 2.85V. Luckily this isn't for a client; it's for a friend. I think somehow it's the board but I've never run into something like this.

PCBruiser · 01-16-2006, 10:55 AM

Try loosening up on the timings for the RAM and see if it works that way. What are the manufacturer specs for the RAM?

Also try it with all the settings set to Auto instead of using manual settings. Let's see if it works that way. BTW, clear the BIOS by removing the battery for an hour. You will know when it is completey clear when the date settings get lost.

opaper · 01-16-2006, 11:02 AM

Thanks PCB. I tried all of that. So I don't waste your time, I am not a certified tech but have given advice to them. I don't usually seek advice but yours is always welcome. I hope you don't take all this the wrong way I know you want to know the basic stuff to help understand.

Edit: specs are Patriot=2,2,2,5 OCZ=2.5,4,3,8. I have tried all timing variations. Being that the mem worked fine in the board before I sent it out to ASUS for the front USB repair. No real correlation there but I had to mention it. The board has been sitting in the return box for a year.

PCBruiser · 01-16-2006, 11:10 AM

If you have tried all that, and the RAM works fine in another board, I have to suspect either the board is still defective or the BIOS is corrupted. I would recommend sending the board back again, and not trying to flash the CMOS. Let Asus worry about why 2x512 isn't working. It is entirely possible that the board they sent back is not the same one that was sent to them for repair, so it could easily still be defective. At this point, given that the board has already been repaired once, I wouldn't fool around with it any more than you already have.

opaper · 01-16-2006, 11:21 AM

Word for word that is exactly what my opinion is. I really appreciate your thoughts on this. By the way how's your back doing?

PCBruiser · 01-16-2006, 11:25 AM

Good, thank you for asking.

opaper · 01-16-2006, 11:31 AM

And don’t take this lightly, or the wrong way but, I love you man. Have a great day :wave2:

01-16-2006, 08:19 AM	#1
opaper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: S.E FLorida Posts: 1,047	Runs 2X256 but not 2X512 Here’s a weird one. A P4P800-E Deluxe board that used to run 1GB (2X512) fine will now only run 512MB (2X256). I have tested with both OCZ and Patriot RAM and tested those RAM in a P4C800-E Deluxe with positive results. All tests are being done with memtest. I was having errors attributed to memory in the P4P800ED, which prompted the test. It would seem that there would be a setting in the BIOS that might cause this but all settings are the same as when I ran the same configuration before and are the same as the P4C800ED. One clue might be that the P4P800ED was sent back to Asus for a front USB problem, but as I said it works fine with 2x256 (Patriot) modules. I tested the PSU and it is on the money. Could the MCH be breaking down?
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 09:39 AM	#2
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	What vDIMM are you using. 2x512 requires more thaan 2x256.
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 10:48 AM	#3
opaper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: S.E FLorida Posts: 1,047	Hi PCB, I was hoping I would get some of your input. The Patriot mem uses the same volts 1GB or 512, however I tried increasing VDIMM, switching sockets, (every configuration multiple) and tried all timing modes. The OCZ uses 2.85V. Luckily this isn't for a client; it's for a friend. I think somehow it's the board but I've never run into something like this.
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 10:55 AM	#4
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	Try loosening up on the timings for the RAM and see if it works that way. What are the manufacturer specs for the RAM? Also try it with all the settings set to Auto instead of using manual settings. Let's see if it works that way. BTW, clear the BIOS by removing the battery for an hour. You will know when it is completey clear when the date settings get lost.
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 11:02 AM	#5
opaper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: S.E FLorida Posts: 1,047	Thanks PCB. I tried all of that. So I don't waste your time, I am not a certified tech but have given advice to them. I don't usually seek advice but yours is always welcome. I hope you don't take all this the wrong way I know you want to know the basic stuff to help understand. Edit: specs are Patriot=2,2,2,5 OCZ=2.5,4,3,8. I have tried all timing variations. Being that the mem worked fine in the board before I sent it out to ASUS for the front USB repair. No real correlation there but I had to mention it. The board has been sitting in the return box for a year. Last edited by opaper : 01-16-2006 at 11:15 AM.
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 11:10 AM	#6
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	If you have tried all that, and the RAM works fine in another board, I have to suspect either the board is still defective or the BIOS is corrupted. I would recommend sending the board back again, and not trying to flash the CMOS. Let Asus worry about why 2x512 isn't working. It is entirely possible that the board they sent back is not the same one that was sent to them for repair, so it could easily still be defective. At this point, given that the board has already been repaired once, I wouldn't fool around with it any more than you already have.
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 11:21 AM	#7
opaper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: S.E FLorida Posts: 1,047	Word for word that is exactly what my opinion is. I really appreciate your thoughts on this. By the way how's your back doing?
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 11:25 AM	#8
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	Good, thank you for asking.
(Offline)

01-16-2006, 11:31 AM	#9
opaper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: S.E FLorida Posts: 1,047	And don’t take this lightly, or the wrong way but, I love you man. Have a great day :wave2:
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode