My new Gaming Rig...

[MrNeeds]

got the similar mobo sygnus21, and depending what processor/RAM he uses, i would say unlinked but expert/optimal and overclock the processor, just to release the 1:1 ratio

 

[AstaLaVista]

OK, this is just to much to process at the moment, I am overwhelmed with software/hardware issues after 2 or 3 days of installing/building but I'll get back to you guys soon.

Mr Needs, do you have the EVGA 780i SLI or the EVGA 780i SLI FTW? I have the latter and I really don't know the major changes or differences on them.

Oh and yes... My mobo supports 1066Mhz, this is one of the reasons I went with it.

Thanks guys, I'll continue this some other time, I need to rest my head so I am going to go watch the latest episode of 24 to relax my brain a bit!

 

[MrNeeds]

OK, this is just to much to process at the moment, I am overwhelmed with software/hardware issues after 2 or 3 days of installing/building but I'll get back to you guys soon.

Mr Needs, do you have the EVGA 780i SLI or the EVGA 780i SLI FTW? I have the latter and I really don't know the major changes or differences on them.

Oh and yes... My mobo supports 1066Mhz, this is one of the reasons I went with it.

Thanks guys, I'll continue this some other time, I need to rest my head so I am going to go watch the latest episode of 24 to relax my brain a bit!

EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1, NF780i SLI, 775, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), DDR2 1200/667/800MHz, SATA II, SATA RAID, ATX - Scan.co.uk <<<this one m8.

 

[smarteyeball]

Hey smarteyeball, should he run his memory linked or un-linked?

Page 49 of the owners manual - http://www.evga.com/support/manuals/132-CK-NF78.pdf

yeah, unlinked. Just like Mr.needs screenshot. My board won't let me run unlinked so he should be able to select a higher mhz than I can. (with my overclock in place it goes from 849mhz to 1010mhz with no love in between )

The BIOS'es of the 780i and 780i FTW should be virtually identical. The RAM options will be the same.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Ok, it appears that my luck has run out, it seems my mobo is going to have to be RMA because no matter what I do, there is no way I can post if I use Ram Slot 1 or 2 (1st Blue, 1st black closest to the CPU), whenever I use any of these slots, I get long Beeps and the C1 error. If I use the last 2 RAM slots I have no problems.

I have tried all 4 sticks and as long as I use the last 2 slots, I am ok and the Bios registers either 2 or 4 GB of Ram so, for the most part, I know the RAM is not the issue.

The thing is that it was a royal Pita to install the CM V8 cooler and to think that I am going to have to uninstall everything and do it again is just forcing me to return the mobo all together and go for something else (another brand perhaps? or am I just kidding myself and they are all prone to this sort of problem?

The timings and voltage in the Bios are already set according to what you guys told me so... what's my next move?

Is EVGA that good of a Company that it will make it up to me (wasted time) or will they just tell me that they are sorry and to send this mobo and wait for them to send me the other one? What is my GUARANTEE the other one won't be dead as well? I am a little dissapointed to say the least.

P.S: The bios version is Z15, would updating to Z17 make this problem go away? I doubt it but I gotta ask.

I am going to instal FEAr 2 and kill a few baddies to see if that helps me feel better :D

 

[smarteyeball]

I am ok and the Bios registers either 2 or 4 GB of Ram so, for the most part, I know the RAM is not the issue.

Have you given each stick a run with memtest?

So the machine won't POST with all sticks or just one stick in either dimm 1 or dimm 2? If it's not even posting with only 2GB in either of the first two slots, that doesn't sound good

A BIOS may be worth a shot, but it's unlikely to change anything.

What are your current RAM settings? ie timings, volts, linked etc

 

[sygnus21]

Hmmm....maybe I'm reading your post wrong, but according to your motherboards owners manual, you're supposed to use either the two blue slots or the two black slots if use just two sticks. In this case just put the RAM sticks in the blue slots, run in auto, and go from there. If no worky try the black slots.

:huh:​

there is no way I can post if I use Ram Slot 1 or 2 (1st Blue, 1st black closest to the CPU), whenever I use any of these slots, I get long Beeps and the C1 error. If I use the last 2 RAM slots I have no problems.

 

[smarteyeball]

To run in dual channel mode it's normally dimm 1 and 3 (blue), although the machine will run in non-dual channel mode. It shouldn't be the cause for POST failure :huh:

 

[sygnus21]

To run in dual channel mode it's normally dimm 1 and 3 (blue), although the machine will run in non-dual channel mode. It shouldn't be the cause for POST failure :huh:

I understand that, just want to make sure he does. And yes, some boards will give post errors if the RAM is incorrectly installed. (mine).

 

[AstaLaVista]

I am ok and the Bios registers either 2 or 4 GB of Ram so, for the most part, I know the RAM is not the issue.

Have you given each stick a run with memtest?

No, not really but I figured that if I have tested each dimm in slot 3 and the systems has posted, the RAM must be good. I also tried using 2 dims (last 2 slot, away from the cpu) and it also posted so I decided to do away with memtest... should I still do it anyways?

So the machine won't POST with all sticks or just one stick in either dimm 1 or dimm 2? If it's not even posting with only 2GB in either of the first two slots, that doesn't sound good

That's exactly what I was afraid off

A BIOS may be worth a shot, but it's unlikely to change anything.

I guess I can't loose anything at this point by trying.

What are your current RAM settings? ie timings, volts, linked etc

5-5-5-15 2T & 22 TRC... 2.15v

Hmmm....maybe I'm reading your post wrong, but according to your motherboards owners manual, you're supposed to use either the two blue slots or the two black slots if use just two sticks. In this case just put the RAM sticks in the blue slots, run in auto, and go from there. If no worky try the black slots.:huh:

Yes, that is correct and that is what I did at the time I was building it, I took each kit and installed it on slot 1 & 3 (blue slots), then, I grabbed the other kit and installed them on slot 2 & 4 (black slots). Hell, I have even taken the time to put the kits together so as to avoid mixing the kits around while I have them out.

Since doing that is what caused the first post failure with C1, I started taking 1 dimm out at a time starting with #1, then I took #2 and still no post. went to google the problem and read somewhere to leave 1 dimm on slot #3 so I left that one there and took #4 out... this is how I did all the installation and everything else until the time I went to see if by doing all the timing and volt changes I could use the 4 slots.

Tomorrow I will call EVGA and see what they recommend me to do but I have a funny feeling that I know what they'll say.

 

[sygnus21]

I am ok and the Bios registers either 2 or 4 GB of Ram so, for the most part, I know the RAM is not the issue.

Have you given each stick a run with memtest?

No, not really but I figured that if I have tested each dimm in slot 3 and the systems has posted, the RAM must be good. I also tried using 2 dims (last 2 slot, away from the cpu) and it also posted so I decided to do away with memtest... should I still do it anyways?


Tomorrow I will call EVGA and see what they recommend me to do but I have a funny feeling that I know what they'll say.

If you want to ensure the RAM is good...yes.

Be prepared to hear someting like...is the RAM good? Which goes to why you do want to run memtest

 

[smarteyeball]

I understand that, just want to make sure he does. And yes, some boards will give post errors if the RAM is incorrectly installed. (mine).

lol, me too. I didn't know some boards had hissy fits running non-dual channel. I just assumed they didn't because mine didn't

If you want to ensure the RAM is good...yes.

Be prepared to hear something like...is the RAM good? Which goes to why you do want to run memtest

yep Probably one of the first few questions you'll be asked. I nthis case you can get away with a quick one pass.

I know you're probably feeling pretty despondent at the moment, but once you sort through the bugs and get it all running nicely, you'll feel the warm fuzzies that come from knowing you built your rig. Plus you've learnt something new and that extra bit of knowledge will help you in the future


I had to swap my first P5Q because it had a faulty dimm. It POSTed, but froze,froze,froze in Windows and memtest. I was pretty bummed, but a replacement soon sorted those blues.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Well, the comcast guy is here installing my new Internet so I guess that in the interim, I can check the ram with memtest.

Is there a portable one that I can use? I hate to waste a CD on it and besides, I haven't install nero yet and I am not comfortable with the Burning software that comes with Vista but I will download the memtest86 from the site.

I'll keep you guys inform.

Thanks

 

[smarteyeball]

Probably a bit late, but you can put it on a USB flash drive.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Well, I guess the saying "There is always a silver lining" (or something like that) holds true for me.

I know I have 30 days (or lifetime warranty since I have already register my card) to RMA my card, reason why I went with my old CPU (E6300) for this built was because the Quads I wanted (Q9650 or Q9550) were still above the suggested retail price and I was not about to pay that but, now that this little fiasco has happened to me, I can use the rig as it is, learn to OC the E6300 as much as I can and then, in a few weeks when the quads start to drop prices (they always do ), the I can RMA the board, buy my quad, wait for the new board and then, hook up the new quad with the CM V8 that gave me such a hassle to install.

What do you guys think? pretty smart and luck or dumb to say the least and should RMA now?

 

[smarteyeball]

It's a good idea as long as you have no troubles by delaying the RMA. You don't want to them to turn around and say "You've had the board too long. No replacement for you" Personally I'd get the board replaced sooner than later to avoid possible problems. I'd still use the E6300 to learn on though.

However whatever ever voltages you use on the E6300 will be different on the 45nm quads. 45nm quads are much more sensitive to voltages. But for learning the fundamentals, go for it

 

[xguntherc]

Can you list what you've bought for me..

also, eVGA is a great company and they have the best RMA support out there. but I'm thinking if you have the 780i SLI.. to upgrade it to the 780i FTW.. it's not much more, but it's a much better board the FTW edition..

Also, the Q6 series are ok, but the Q9 series are much much better. and for the current price on the Q9550. I'd say totally get one.. they overclock like MAD.

a good example. I have the 750i FTW and I had the Q6700, I was able to get her to about 3.5 Ghz stable, and 3.6 Ghz took some work and wasn't always stable. but the new Q9 series FLY past that.

not to mention clock for clock. a Q6600 at 3.5 and a Q9550 ayt 3.5 the 9 series are around 10% better/faster clock for clock, not to mention the increase in Cache size. I think it's totally worth it. and since they were $500 when I got mine, and the Q9650 is only $300 now. I'd get one. There are guys on ebay selling brand new Q9650's for $279.99 Free shipping. thats a steal, and I'll Guarantee you it will run 4.0 ghz Stable on air.. for Sure.. as all of the Q9650's do. I think the Q9650 is still the best intel chip to date.. yes i7 are great and all, but they are pretty expensive and put out way to much heat. my Q9650 at 4.0 Ghz idles ar 26c..

As for ram, eVGA boards struggle with ram, they don't get a long with G-skill very much. and OCZ worked ok, but wasn't the best, and didn't like overclocking. but I have a 2x2GB set of Corsair Dominator PC2-8500C5D.. the 1066Mhz 4GB kit. and they are the best ram my 750i FTW has ever had in them. they are very great and stable. best ram I have found for my board so far...

if you have any questions let me know. i know how to OC pretty well on the 7 series boards, and even more with the Quad CPU's as I've done decent 3.6 ghz + clocks on 5 different Quads on this Motherboard.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Well, I guess the joke's on me now and the Gods decided to Pee on my Cheerios. Last night I got home and I had to go to my Neigbor's house to finishin installing the rig I sold him. My wife had used the computer all day and left on she says so when I got back in, at about 11:00 PM, the screen was black, I thought the PC was shut down so I slightly hit the Power button when I saw the screen turn, it showed me the login screen, click on my login and inmediately saw my desktop w/o asking me for a password, went to the batroom, thought for a moment about the no password and when I came back the screen was black again.

Pushed the power button once more until is shut down but it won't boot now. I am getting the FF code but it doesn't cycle. I already tried unplugging the power cord, resetting the Cmos button (780i SLI FTW now comes with a button) to no avail. Last thing I need to try is to get the battery out for a few minutes to see if it wants to reset all on its own and try again tonight when I get home.

Suffice to say, this is a big blow for me because now, I have to decide whether I want to pay top dollars for the Quad and/or stick with the E6300, endure the installation of the CM V8 cooler and then, a couple of months from now, endure the uninstall and install of the cooler on the new Quad... this really boils my blood.

xguntherc, you can bet your life I am going to nag you to help me with settings on my 780i SLI FTW.

My system specs have been updated now!!!

Thanks folks

 

[sygnus21]

I have to decide whether I want to pay top dollars for the Quad and/or stick with the E6300, endure the installation of the CM V8 cooler and then, a couple of months from now, endure the uninstall and install of the cooler on the new Quad... this really boils my blood.

Personally I'd get the board replaced, sell off 4gig of that 8gig of RAM, put the money towards the quad you want, put the system together and be done with it!

You're asking for trouble everytime you pull that motherboard out. Anything can happen...even accidents!

Just my two cents.

 

[AstaLaVista]

I think you are probably right sygnus21, I just went to ebay and found a guy selling brand new (OEM) Q9650 for $290.00 shipped, I think that is a good deal and I think I'm gonna bite on it.

Selling my new Ram is a possiblity but, even though is new, I won't be able to sell it for what I paid for it so I may stick with it. I'll put it on ebay and on another forum to see who bites and go from there... I was so looking forward to do battle and capping some "Replicas's" heads with 8GBs of Ram though! :D