MSI eclipse plus startup problem

Question

Hi,
I have the MSI eclipse plus motherboard, but I have a strange startup problem.
Sometimes my computer fails to start up. When I try again sometimes it works fine. (without changing any hardware or software configuration)
The Eclipse plus has a small  D-led2 panel that shows information about the startup phases.
When my startup fails, the panel mentions: CPU init. And the error Code is FF (this means: power on and first initialize CPU)
(This is the phase just before DDR init).
So the startup fails in a very early stage of the startup process, (before I can access my bios)
When the start up fails, I have to disconnect the power cable, reconnect and try to start again. This is a very uncomfortable situation.
I have the latest BIOS version 21/04/2009 V1.0
I tried the fail-save default options in the bios.
My processor is i7 940
RAM: OCZ DDR3 . 6 pieces of 2GB. 1600Mhz (3 dual channel kits)
Power supply: Corsair 1000Watt
I hope somebody can help me.
Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Please note that the memory controller was moved into the CPU with the i7 - it is no longer part of motherboard chipset (MCH). You're not the first and probably won't be the last to buy the wrong type of DDR3 memory for your i7 rig. People, before you buy; check if the memory you are handing money over for is actually suitable for your CPU. Simple really as they will state they are i7 compatible. The i7 has a recommended maximum voltage of 1.65V for the integrated memory controller, 1.9V is probably a dangerous voltage to set it to (if the BIOS even allows it). To quote the OCZ FAQ:
Quote
The memory supply voltage also powers the receivers and senders on the memory controller with a voltage plane known as VDDQ. Because the Corei7 is manufactured on a 45 nm node, the logic is sensitive to overvoltage and Intel defines the upper safe limit for the Core i7 as 1.65V.
So to answer your question:
Quote
I still have one question: What do I risk with my DDR3 memory that is standard at 1.9V
More than likely, the integrity of the i7 940 itself. You have to ask yourself, "What's cheaper to replace... the RAM or the CPU?" The answer should be simple enough to work out for the average user.
I'd be taking the RAM back if at all possible and exchange/upgrade it for an i7 compatible kit (which will be three/six stick tri-channel, not two/four sticks dual-channel) designed to operate within the 1.5V~1.65V recommended voltage range. The OCZ equivalent (comparing what you currently have) to what you want would be this range.