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#1
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RAM detection problems on P2B series boards
Anyone know what causes erratic RAM detection on P2B series
motherboards, particularly at 133Mhz FSB? I've never had any problems running 768MB (3x256MB) on my P2B-DS boards, and one is fully loaded with a gig. I recently purchased a bunch of used 256MB sticks, mostly Micron but a few are other brands, with the intent of upgrading our single processor P2B systems from 256 to 512 or 768MB. I tested it all in matched pairs on a modified P2B-AE running a P3-S 1.4Ghz CPU (133Mhz FSB) - configured the BIOS for 222 timings regardless of SPD, and ran memtest86 3.0 in all tests mode for at least 5 full passes on each pair. All testing completed without a single problem or error, but when I install in the target systems I encounter nothing but grief :-( On one P2B-AE system, the BIOS only detects either 64MB or 128MB from cold start when 512MB is installed, and it won't POST on reset - has to be powered off to try again. I tried all the tested pairs, and also mixed brands, but couldn't get it to detect more than 128MB when both RAM slots were filled - not even at 100Mhz FSB and 333 timings - but this one has the same board revision and BIOS as the test system that detected 512MB every time! Similar story on a P2B-S machine, although I eventually found a mixed-brand pair that works properly in this system - but no way will it detect three sticks. RAM voltage on all systems is within 100mV of 3.4V, the only significant difference is Tualeron processors in the target systems vs. a P3-S in the test system - but that seems unlikely to affect RAM detection. All very mysterious and annoying - comments or suggestions appreciated. P2B |
#2
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no really the p2b needs low density ram
"P2B" wrote in message . .. Anyone know what causes erratic RAM detection on P2B series motherboards, particularly at 133Mhz FSB? I've never had any problems running 768MB (3x256MB) on my P2B-DS boards, and one is fully loaded with a gig. I recently purchased a bunch of used 256MB sticks, mostly Micron but a few are other brands, with the intent of upgrading our single processor P2B systems from 256 to 512 or 768MB. I tested it all in matched pairs on a modified P2B-AE running a P3-S 1.4Ghz CPU (133Mhz FSB) - configured the BIOS for 222 timings regardless of SPD, and ran memtest86 3.0 in all tests mode for at least 5 full passes on each pair. All testing completed without a single problem or error, but when I install in the target systems I encounter nothing but grief :-( On one P2B-AE system, the BIOS only detects either 64MB or 128MB from cold start when 512MB is installed, and it won't POST on reset - has to be powered off to try again. I tried all the tested pairs, and also mixed brands, but couldn't get it to detect more than 128MB when both RAM slots were filled - not even at 100Mhz FSB and 333 timings - but this one has the same board revision and BIOS as the test system that detected 512MB every time! Similar story on a P2B-S machine, although I eventually found a mixed-brand pair that works properly in this system - but no way will it detect three sticks. RAM voltage on all systems is within 100mV of 3.4V, the only significant difference is Tualeron processors in the target systems vs. a P3-S in the test system - but that seems unlikely to affect RAM detection. All very mysterious and annoying - comments or suggestions appreciated. P2B |
#3
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"P2B" wrote in message . ..
Anyone know what causes erratic RAM detection on P2B series motherboards, particularly at 133Mhz FSB? I've never had any problems running 768MB (3x256MB) on my P2B-DS boards, and one is fully loaded with a gig. I recently purchased a bunch of used 256MB sticks, mostly Micron but a few are other brands, with the intent of upgrading our single processor P2B systems from 256 to 512 or 768MB. I tested it all in matched pairs on a modified P2B-AE running a P3-S 1.4Ghz CPU (133Mhz FSB) - configured the BIOS for 222 timings regardless of SPD, and ran memtest86 3.0 in all tests mode for at least 5 full passes on each pair. All testing completed without a single problem or error, but when I install in the target systems I encounter nothing but grief :-( On one P2B-AE system, the BIOS only detects either 64MB or 128MB from cold start when 512MB is installed, and it won't POST on reset - has to be powered off to try again. I tried all the tested pairs, and also mixed brands, but couldn't get it to detect more than 128MB when both RAM slots were filled - not even at 100Mhz FSB and 333 timings - but this one has the same board revision and BIOS as the test system that detected 512MB every time! Similar story on a P2B-S machine, although I eventually found a mixed-brand pair that works properly in this system - but no way will it detect three sticks. RAM voltage on all systems is within 100mV of 3.4V, the only significant difference is Tualeron processors in the target systems vs. a P3-S in the test system - but that seems unlikely to affect RAM detection. All very mysterious and annoying - comments or suggestions appreciated. Assuming your modules are correct (low-density, organized into two logical banks of 128MB per dimm instead of one 256MB bank), the problem is likely related to voltage. Most BX board designs, even those with three dimm slots instead of four, have anemic 3.3v power supplies to these slots. Many share power between slots, so e.g. you might get one running with slots 1 and 3 populated but not 1 and 2. Or with 1 and 2 populated, but not all three. Etc. Not much you can do other than trial and error. |
#4
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In article ,
P2B wrote: Anyone know what causes erratic RAM detection on P2B series motherboards, particularly at 133Mhz FSB? I've never had any problems running 768MB (3x256MB) on my P2B-DS boards, and one is fully loaded with a gig. I recently purchased a bunch of used 256MB sticks, mostly Micron but a few are other brands, with the intent of upgrading our single processor P2B systems from 256 to 512 or 768MB. I tested it all in matched pairs on a modified P2B-AE running a P3-S 1.4Ghz CPU (133Mhz FSB) - configured the BIOS for 222 timings regardless of SPD, and ran memtest86 3.0 in all tests mode for at least 5 full passes on each pair. All testing completed without a single problem or error, but when I install in the target systems I encounter nothing but grief :-( On one P2B-AE system, the BIOS only detects either 64MB or 128MB from cold start when 512MB is installed, and it won't POST on reset - has to be powered off to try again. I tried all the tested pairs, and also mixed brands, but couldn't get it to detect more than 128MB when both RAM slots were filled - not even at 100Mhz FSB and 333 timings - but this one has the same board revision and BIOS as the test system that detected 512MB every time! Similar story on a P2B-S machine, although I eventually found a mixed-brand pair that works properly in this system - but no way will it detect three sticks. RAM voltage on all systems is within 100mV of 3.4V, the only significant difference is Tualeron processors in the target systems vs. a P3-S in the test system - but that seems unlikely to affect RAM detection. My P3B-F runs perfectly with 3x256MB PC133 modules from Crucial at 100MHz FSB, but at 133MHz FSB (the CPU is a 1.26GHz Tualatin P3) there are intermittent read errors detected both by memtest86 and by running heavy application loads. 2x256MB works reliably at 133MHz, but unfortunately I need all the memory I can get. I guess I should have bought registered modules :-( /Mikael -- Mikael Pettersson ) Computing Science Department, Uppsala University |
#5
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"BigJim" schrieb im Newsbeitrag ... no really the p2b needs low density ram You donīt know the i440BX. Well P2B, I would suggest you http://free-pu.htnet.hr/BXRAM/ and http://p196.ezboard.com/bcubx this is a CuBX Forum but very interesting for P2B/P3B users, too. Donīt forget to use very well RAM for the BX. 133MHz Cl.2 RAM do not have to work in a BX with 133 2-2-2 setting, but in most cases it does. You will also find in the Internet some comments about the stability on P2B derivates and CuBX. So far as I understood, the CuBX and the P3B-F are the best for overclocking, operating at 150MHz without problems. My P2B-F for example is finishing at 140MHz, even you can clock it up to 150. But I have never gone beyond 105MHz, and staying now at 100MHz. For what should I need more MHz???? Maybe your P2B cannot operate the Tualatin? Voltage regulator? Best Regards, Daniel Mandic P.S.: For BX enthusiasts like me: I have found an article (Japan) about a BX with 200MHz FSB givin 2100 MHz Tualatin. You would need a Intel extreme edition to outdistance such a system :-) I am sure the formerly BX-Designers could make such FSB work (without overclocking),some years after the official BX-Release, which was 1996. |
#6
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Daniel Mandic wrote: "BigJim" schrieb im Newsbeitrag ... no really the p2b needs low density ram You donīt know the i440BX. Well P2B, I would suggest you http://free-pu.htnet.hr/BXRAM/ and http://p196.ezboard.com/bcubx this is a CuBX Forum but very interesting for P2B/P3B users, too. Donīt forget to use very well RAM for the BX. 133MHz Cl.2 RAM do not have to work in a BX with 133 2-2-2 setting, but in most cases it does. IME Micron PC133 CL3 always tests clean and runs stable at 222 on P2B boards. Other brands frequently show a few errors per pass in memtest86 and must be run at 333 for stability. You will also find in the Internet some comments about the stability on P2B derivates and CuBX. So far as I understood, the CuBX and the P3B-F are the best for overclocking, operating at 150MHz without problems. My P2B-F for example is finishing at 140MHz, even you can clock it up to 150. But I have never gone beyond 105MHz, and staying now at 100MHz. For what should I need more MHz???? I have two P2B-S systems running Tualatin processors @ 150Mhz FSB with 512MB (2x256) of Corsair PC150 CL2, long term stable. I'd get more of the same RAM if I could find it... Maybe your P2B cannot operate the Tualatin? Voltage regulator? The systems have all been running Tualatins @ 133Mhz FSB with 256MB for 1-2 years. What I don't understand is why they won't detect 512MB - but my test system with the same board and BIOS revisions, and same RAM voltage (within 100mV) does so every time. Best Regards, Daniel Mandic P.S.: For BX enthusiasts like me: I have found an article (Japan) about a BX with 200MHz FSB givin 2100 MHz Tualatin. You would need a Intel extreme edition to outdistance such a system :-) I find that hard to believe - even the best Tualatin cores top out around 1700Mhz, and what would you use for RAM? P2B |
#7
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"P2B" schrieb im Newsbeitrag . .. IME Micron PC133 CL3 always tests clean and runs stable at 222 on P2B boards. Other brands frequently show a few errors per pass in memtest86 and must be run at 333 for stability. Lucky one.. I have two P2B-S systems running Tualatin processors @ 150Mhz FSB with 512MB (2x256) of Corsair PC150 CL2, long term stable. I'd get more of the same RAM if I could find it... Very expensive... What I don't understand is why they won't detect 512MB - but my test system with the same board and BIOS revisions, and same RAM voltage (within 100mV) does so every time. The BX cannot fully recognise 512MB Dimms. If you mean 2x256MB then try to insert one in slot0 and the other in slot2, leaving the second slot, slot1 empty. I find that hard to believe - even the best Tualatin cores top out around 1700Mhz, and what would you use for RAM? Who knows what kind of RAM you can buy in Japan. As you know, the most companies, like NEC are from Japan. Maybe a PC180 Cl.2!? With special cooling you can go to unbelievable MHz. But this is all uninteresting. A fine PC should have a consumption of 50 to maximal 200 Watts. With more I should sit on it and drive and not siiting behind it ;-) Best Regards, Daniel Mandic |
#8
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P2B wrote:
Daniel Mandic wrote: "BigJim" schrieb im Newsbeitrag ... no really the p2b needs low density ram You donīt know the i440BX. Well P2B, I would suggest you http://free-pu.htnet.hr/BXRAM/ btw, you'd rather should read http://homepage.hispeed.ch/rscheidegger/ram_bx_faq.html which is the original source. I don't like others to copy whole pages 1:1 instead of linking but don't care enough to really do something about it... P.S.: For BX enthusiasts like me: I have found an article (Japan) about a BX with 200MHz FSB givin 2100 MHz Tualatin. You would need a Intel extreme edition to outdistance such a system :-) I find that hard to believe - even the best Tualatin cores top out around 1700Mhz, and what would you use for RAM? Those are probably the same guys which overclock P4 to over 5Ghz and other similar crazy things. Liquid nitrogen will help a lot to make that 1700Mhz-limited tualatin run faster :-) Roland |
#9
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"Roland Scheidegger" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
... btw, you'd rather should read http://homepage.hispeed.ch/rscheidegger/ram_bx_faq.html which is the original source. I don't like others to copy whole pages 1:1 instead of linking but don't care enough to really do something about it... Hi Roland, nice to see you here. I have your link in my Favorites, too. The homepage of the other link contains really a copy of yours. But the guy was so kind to leave your name, at least. High density. I did not know that the 32Mx4 architecture was called so. But when you count the RAM blocks in a 16Mx8 it would be more likely a high density. 8 is more than 4 ;-) Best Regards, Daniel Mandic |
#10
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P2B wrote: Anyone know what causes erratic RAM detection on P2B series motherboards, particularly at 133Mhz FSB? I've never had any problems running 768MB (3x256MB) on my P2B-DS boards, and one is fully loaded with a gig. I recently purchased a bunch of used 256MB sticks, mostly Micron but a few are other brands, with the intent of upgrading our single processor P2B systems from 256 to 512 or 768MB. I tested it all in matched pairs on a modified P2B-AE running a P3-S 1.4Ghz CPU (133Mhz FSB) - configured the BIOS for 222 timings regardless of SPD, and ran memtest86 3.0 in all tests mode for at least 5 full passes on each pair. All testing completed without a single problem or error, but when I install in the target systems I encounter nothing but grief :-( On one P2B-AE system, the BIOS only detects either 64MB or 128MB from cold start when 512MB is installed, and it won't POST on reset - has to be powered off to try again. I tried all the tested pairs, and also mixed brands, but couldn't get it to detect more than 128MB when both RAM slots were filled - not even at 100Mhz FSB and 333 timings - but this one has the same board revision and BIOS as the test system that detected 512MB every time! Similar story on a P2B-S machine, although I eventually found a mixed-brand pair that works properly in this system - but no way will it detect three sticks. RAM voltage on all systems is within 100mV of 3.4V, the only significant difference is Tualeron processors in the target systems vs. a P3-S in the test system - but that seems unlikely to affect RAM detection. All very mysterious and annoying - comments or suggestions appreciated. P2B Update - the problem appears to be BIOS/CMOS related. After much trial and error, I have determined the following RAM upgrade procedure yields successful results when upgrading P2B series boards running at 133Mhz FSB or higher from 1 x 256MB to 2 or 3 x 256MB: 1. Clear CMOS 2. Set FSB to 100Mhz 3. Install desired RAM configuration 4. Power on, wait for ESCD and DMI update message display 5. Press reset, enter BIOS and restore previous settings, save & exit 6. Wait for ESCD and DMI update message display 7. Power off, restore previous FSB setting 8. Power on, system should detect all RAM and boot normally Notes: - Doesn't appear to make any difference which RAM slots are populated - Steps 2 & 7 may not be required on some boards, but initial detection of new RAM appears to be more reliable at 100Mhz FSB - Step 4 may not be required on some boards, but allowing BIOS to update DMI/ESCD with values from SPD prior to manually setting RAM timings appears to be more reliable Clearing CMOS is the key step - a couple of my systems wouldn't even POST after I powered down and added another stick of RAM, but worked fine after clearing CMOS. P2B |
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