Gigabyte 965P-DQ6 memory problem - Please Help

[gvizbi]

I have a problem with my GA-965P-DQ6. System locks up continuously, especially when running something that uses a lot of memory. However, freezing can happen even if system is idle, but rarely. I tried memory tests (Orthos, Everest, SiSoft Sandra, etc) and every test freezes my system after 40s to 3 mins. I thought that this is memory issue, but then I tried 4 different RAM models (Transcend JetRam 800MHz, Kingston ValueRam 667MHz, Kingston HyperX 800MHz, Corsair ValueRam 667MHz and Corsair XMS2 800MHz), and results are all the same, system locks up after a few minutes of memory testing. Bios settings are set to fail safe defaults. I tested all my components on the other motherboard and everything works perfectly. What may be the problem?

System:
Intel C2D E6600, 2.4GHz
Gigabyte 965P-DQ6
Asus EN8800GTX
Transcend JetRam 2x1GB, 800MHz
Cooler Master eXtreme Power 650W PSU
2x320GB Samsung HDDs, RAID 0

Thanx

[Agrippa]

Operating system? I won't be able to help you I'm afraid, but I'm having the same problem under Vista 32, even though I *know* for sure everything is working 100%. Just thought I'd mention it - after all, a problem shared is a problem doubled.

[Thorsson]

Motherboard may be running out of spec. Try turning the memory settings right down and see if it still happens.

If it does then you probably have a problem with the mobo or CPU.

[gvizbi]

I have the same problem in Windows XP SP2 and Vista 32. RAM voltage is set to 1.85 and mobo does not allow to lower it more. I tried valtages from 1.85 to 2.1, no difference. CPU works fine on ASUS P5N-E.

[Thorsson]

Try lowering the timings.

[acrobat]

I had similar problems with a very similar motherboard. I use the DS4 which is very similar to the DQ6.

Anyway, have you flashed the bios? My bios was really screwy before it got flashed. Now its showing the correct timings for everything its basically just working properly now.

Also, you can run memtest from bootup rather than windows. That may help. You can also try taking one ram chip out and testing them one at a time, and individually. You can also use that method to test the individual slots on your motherboard, incase one of those is at fault.

My first guess would be that maybe the bios needs flashing though. Also, you might be able to get the specific ram timings from the "Transcend" website/forum. I have never heard of them so I dong know. I have Corsair RAM, and they are extremely helpful over the net, so they told me exactly what timings to use in the bios.

[gvizbi]

I' using the latest BIOS F10, and RAM timings are set to stock defaults.

There is also one thing that I simply can't explain, when I'm using cooler master eclipse cooler, system locks up during orthos memory test after 40s to 3mins, and when using stock cooler, temps. are about 10 C higher but system locks up after approx. 15-20mins.

Also, when I'm running only one memory module, system system up after 30mins, sometimes even longer.

I will try memtest from boot as soon as possible.

[acrobat]

Memtest from boot up is the way to go. Unfortunately it takes a very long time You can just stop scanning after a couple of hours, but really, you are meant to leave it for 24 hours before turning it off.

It would tell you for sure though, if your RAM is ok.

Also, what are your temps usually?

[Thorsson]

I'll try this again. If memtest fails try running the RAM *below* spec. If that works blame the motherboard.

[gvizbi]

I ran memtest and test #4 locks up after 22secs. I ran it again and result was the same. Then I changed north bridge voltage +0.1V and it locks up almost immediately. And the solution was there, north bridge is overheating. Added some 80mm fan between gfx and eclipse cooler to push some air towards north bridge and system is rock stable at 400x9. Now, I don't know how to mount some real north bridge cooler on Gigabyte's passive cooler? Any idea?