Z68A-GD65 (G3) Component Advice

I am in the process of putting together my first PC and look like getting a Z68A-GD65 (G3) board.
The CPU will be a i5 2500K, but I would like some advice regarding ram and the CPU cooler. I intend just using the O/C button on the board method of over clocking as I am new to over clocking. I will be adding 8 gig system ram. What ram have people been using that causes no problems.
With regard to the CPU cooler I have read a few reviews where the bottom support bracket on the back of the board fouls with one on the board heat sink mounting screws. From the pictures one screw is close the the mounting hols.
The cooler I am thinking of is the Noctua NH-C12P, but it has quiet a big back plate. The other one I am looking at is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO. I tend to like coolers that have back plates and screws to mount them rather than push pins as they are easier to reuse and mount firmly.
Are these coolers good enough for my overclocking needs. I hope the auto overclock will give me just over 4 gig which will be fine for me.
For the case I will use a HAF X or a Corsair model, should have enough airflow.
So what ram have people used with this board that overclocks well and does not cause reboots during the overclocking process, and of course the CPU cooler.
This is my first full build, and first go at overclocking so I am looking at compatibility and reliability over performance, and I do not need a big overclock for my needs. This is a build mainly for FSX flight simulator.
Also from reading some posts here I will need to flash the BIOS as well. The process described here to flash the BIOS seems complicated to what I have done in the past which has been on gigabyte boards only. I used to just download a small exe and run it from within windows. Is that possible with this board as I do not understand the process from what I have read here in the forums?
I presume my choice of mother board from the MSI range is right from my needs, if not please recommend what I should be using.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Regards MarkL

Quote from: HU16E on 10-March-12, 20:18:08
Zalman 9900 series. Copper version up to the Max-B. Superior cooling ability. No blocked dimm slots & no mount hole problems. As for RAM, Corsair GT's, Vengeance, or Dominators are my brand of choice. DDR3 1333 is the platforms CPU IMC native supported RAM speed, & testing has proved RAM speed above 1600 is mostly a waste of time & money for a gaming rig, with only a slight performance gain when rendering. The most trouble free RAM will be kits that properly default to the 1333 speed. X.M.P. can be used, or manual settings above 1333 can be tried.
That choice of mainboard should serve your requirement quite nicely.
I have a question about the memory. I have been looking at the Corsair Vengeance range that I can buy online in Australia and they all seem to be 1600 not 1333.
PC Case Gear seems to have the best range, but they are inconsistent in the way they give the specs, at least to my understanding which is next to nothing.
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=186_218_1125
The closest I can see is the "Corsair Vengeance CML16GX3M4A1600C9 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3" kit.
This kit has a SPD speed of 1333, speed rating of PC3 12800 (1600 MHz) and a tested speed of 1600. Voltage is 1.5v
Is the SPD rating the most important? If the SPD is 1333 is this the memories real speed?
Most of the memory they do not give the XPD speed but mention it has a XMP profile for overclocking.
Very confusing. I must admit that in the past I have just purchased the value range when upgrading and have had no idea what I have really purchased.
The Dominators are out of my price range but all seem to be much higher specked than the vengeance series.
Is the "Corsair Vengeance CML16GX3M4A1600C9 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3" kit OK for my needs?
One thing building your own PC, you start to learn a little more and realise the value of forums like these and how little you really know.
Regards MarkL

Similar Messages

Z68A-GD65(G3) boot problems and random crashes

Hi all,
Built a new system last week:
i5-2500k
MSI Z68A-GD65(G3)
MSI 6950 2Gb TFIII
8Gb Corsair Vengence DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel
Corsair HX650W PSU
Crucial RealSSD M4 128GB SSD
Posted fine on the first power-up but then hung at 'Starting Windows' just as the logo starts to fly-in. After a lot head scratching, removal of GFX, an HD with an image of W7 on it already (exact same issue), RAM swops etc I discovered that the top pair of USB ports appear to be suspect. If any device is plugged into either of them then the system will hang at that point. If I use the lower (non-USB 3.0) it boots just fine.
I'm also experiencing an issue in games (BF3 and DCS A-10 so far) whereby I have a random freeze. The sound will go nuts and the lights on all USB attached devices go off (which make me suspect the 2 problems are related)
Anybody able to offer any advice? Do support monitor these forums (newbie ).

Quote
again, worth trying to disable external marvell sata3 ports
Again, Marvell SATA III controller. SATA3 is a port on the mainboard.

Problem of combination of Z68A-GD65 G3 and GV-R795WF3-3GD

Hi, MSI guys.
My environment.
CPU : Sandybridge i5-2500K
MB : Z68A-GD65 G3
Mem : AX3U1600GC4G9-2G
VGA : GIGABYTE GV-R795WF3-3GD Radeon HD 7950 3GB
PSU : Seasonic SS-600HM +12V(18A)x4 max.576W
ATNG? KRPW-G530W/90+ +12V(41A)x1 max.492W
Issue
VGA is not output to the monitor.
It is output properly in Sandy core GPU.
Problem is similar to this topic.
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=167494
In the BIOS of version 25.8.
It is not possible to set CPU voltage, DRAM voltage, Adjusted CPU Ratio and etc...
Setting the CPU Phase Control are missing.
I've done
I tried all PCIe slots.
I tried with a DVI and HDMI connection cable.
BIOS updated from 23.2(Intel ME7) to 25.8(Intel ME8).
But, it did not work well.
So, I tried to change back to old version BIOS(23.7 or 25.6).
using the MSI HQ USB BIOS Flash Tool, was executed in mode 1.
However, BIOS was not changed.
Please give me advice.

A downgrade requires a special archive. None the less you don't have the same problem as the original poster as the new bios helped there. Try the vga in another system to see if it works at all.
If wanting to downgrade to 23.7 you must use the attached and NOT unpacked archive.
For BIOS Update >>Use the MSI HQ Forum USB flasher<< => Mode 1: Point to archive file!
*NOTE: Make sure you unplug your PSU from A/C power and properly >>Clear CMOS Guide<< after flashing.

Worried about my bios Z68A GD65 B3

hi guys nice to see you..
i wanna ask something..about my motherboard bios..
this is the chronology...
frist... when i was upgrade my bios to V 25.8 i got stuck on my windows..
this is my bios link..
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/Z68A-GD65--B3-.html#/?div=BIOS
I've read the SOP instruction ..
but when im click ok on the window update.. i got stuck on my windows..
i cant click anything..
so i restarted my PC, and taraaaaa..i got bootloop..my monitor just blank but my pc still on..
im so panic, then i unplug my flashdisk and restart again..
my computer turn on normally and i got the default setting on my bios..
and when i was check my version bios , i got my bios V 2.2 ,the first realese bios..but before i ever updated to v 22.5..
why my bios back to frist realease?
my other bios was broken?
how can i fix that?
i dont know my other bios was broken or not..
the one think i didnt read on that web is the latest version of my motherboard just for Ivybridge cpu..
im used sandybridge cpu..
i hope your reply guys..
im so worried about my motherboard..
I really appreciate for your response guys..
and sorry for my bad english..

Quote from: Sea Dog on 11-January-14, 12:42:04
Ok, that is good news. The safe thing to do at this point is to enter the BIOS, enter 'Settings' menu, 'Enable' 'Multi BIOS Auto Update', hit keyboard F10 key and keyboard Enter key (Save & Exit) and let the secondary flash the primary chip for you automatically. It will show the progress of the flash on your screen. Without having the archive and forum's USB flash method perpared, it is too risky to attempt and flash your secondary chip.
After the primary is successfully restored, then ask the admin or a moderator to provide you with the necessary files, etc. to flash the last Sandy Bridge UEFI/BIOS version. V22.8 I think it is.
yeayyyy it works..
the Blue LED was stoped...
my primary bios succesfully restored..
really big thanks man.. for your attention and advice..
my problem was solved now..

Z68A-GD65-G3 SLI black screen lock ups

Let me start off by saying I have tried everything and I motivate everyone to prove me wrong and provide me with a solution to this issue.
System spex:
MSI z68A GD65 G3
2600k
Corsair XMS3 1600 16GB
Corsair AX1200
2 - EVGA GTX 580 3GB SLI
Running beta bios: E7681IMS.N49 from -> https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=151148.msg1144560#msg1144560
I have tried almost every BIOS under the sun, including "standard bios" ie flash back to factory BIOS
So here is the issue:
In order to run SLi I have to be at completely stock settings, if I even up the multiplier to x35 on my CPU I black screen as soon as I bench/game on the cards. If I bench only the CPU (prime95) it is fine and no issues. but again as soon as I loud up something graphics wise the screen goes black and locks up.
It isn't the cards either, each card has been tested on its own and in different PCs in SLi.
It is like the motherboard cant handle the power??????
Someone else has to be overclocking and running two power house cards like this without issues? right? what did they do different? what settings? am I missing something?
Or do I need to contact MSI and get a RMA in process.
Before adding the extra card I had my CPU @ 4.7Ghz and when I would bench it I would take it to 5Ghz+ without a issue... solid, never had a BSOD. but this extra card just kills the systems.
Again everything set to stock and the system runs great I can game on it for hours without issues.
Thanks
Nick

Quote from: Bernhard on 30-December-11, 00:22:38
I am not running your PSU down, don't get me wrong. You have the best PSU by general consensus. All I am suggesting is to check it in another system under similar OC conditions with approx the same specs.
It does fine with SLI non OC, yet when you add the extra load of OC, and that can be an additonal 50 to 100W, then the PC becomes problematic.
It could be something else, but one has to start eliminating potential culprits.
Edit: Did you install Virtu ? If so, have you tried deleting it again for a test ?
Oh I understand completely and thank you for your suggestion and time, it helps me to believe that it could be my PSU even more, I am borrowing a PSU from a friend and a PSU tester from work and tonight will get a chance to do some full testing on the PSU.
If that tests out ok I will pull my PSU out and RMA it. hopefully Corsair will have a quick turn around.
Virtu isn't installed, I will double check but it was disabled in BIOS, but i have reset my BIOS so many times I will make sure it still is.
I will report back with my findings.

Z68A-GD65 (G3) issues.

I'll start with my build,
Z68A-GD65 Gen 3
i5 2500k under Noctura NH-D14
16GB G.Skill DDR3 1333 CL9 1.5V
MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II 2GB
Crucial M4 128GB SSD (in 1st intel sata 3 port)
Antec HCP 850w
Bios 23.3 (or whatever, I'm on phone at work)
A few issues;
I can't OC. If I try an oc, it boots, I get splash screen for msi, then hangs with blinking underscore. Even if I match oc genie setting for setting in standard mode. Using auto etc, set v core way high (like 1.4 for a mild 4.2 oc) it just seems to hang. I'm guessing something to do with the sata 3 controller, since I'm booting off ssd
Last night I started PC, went to bathroom, came back and it was loop booting. I hard powered it off, and restarted. OC failed, and that was oc genie at 4.2.
PC won't wake up from sleep. Have to hard power off (hold power button down) then restart and it resumes windows. Mouse and two diff keyboards won't wake it (performance mx mouse, g510 keyboard, and ps2 dell keyboard.)
G510 won't enter bios, have to use dell ps2 keyboard.
If in OC genie, or trying oc in standard mode, system double posts. Starts, runs 4-5sec (no display), powers down, starts back up and runs fine for hours (except the one oc fail on genie)
Any ideas on any of it?

No, thats the last official release. There has been a host of beta BIOS releases since. I just flashed to the latest .N48 today and I must say, I am very happy with the stability I now have.
If you intend to flash, use the forum flasher. >>Use the MSI HQ Forum USB flasher<<
Do a full CMOS clear after flashing >>Clear CMOS Guide<<
Also you will need to ensure that you set your BIOS back to AHCI, if you did that before installing the OS.
I further suggest you remove all RAM except one stick in the slot closest to the CPU before the BIOS flash. Only put the other RAM back after you have been through one boot cycle.

Raid mode very slow/ crashing after installing driver (Z68A-GD65 (G3))

I recently purchased a Z68A-GD65 (G3) motherboard, i5-2500K, 8 gb ram, and a Crucial 64GB 4m SSD drive. The intention was to use the SSD drive for Intel Smart Response Tech.
Instructions tell me to place the SATA ports in RAID mode, which I did. During installation of Windows 7 (64-bit), I provided the "F6" raid drivers which installed. After that point, my hard drive (a WD 250GB SATAII drive) begins to perform incredibly slow. Once Windows 7 installs, which takes way longer than it should, Windows has problems booting and won't work properly.
I tried installing Windows 7 without the "F6" raid drive on install and that worked fine. Everything seemed to be working great. I then installed the Intel Rapid Storage Tech software and rebooted. Now my system is acting up again. It takes far longer to boot, it shuts down as soon as it boots, and it has even blue screened on boot. It is very unstable.
My SSD is unplugged during all of this. I'm just trying to get Windows 7 to run properly on my one mechanical drive in raid mode.
Do I have a bad motherboard? Anyone have any ideas?
Edit: I'm not using the Marvell ports. The hard drive works fine in IDE/ACHI modes... I've been using it for years.
Thanks

So it turned out that the issue was the hard drive itself. It had been running flawlessly for years as my system drive. However, the Intel iastor driver exposed a hidden issue with the drive.
I decided to check the Windows system event log for any clues. In there I saw errors with event id 9 on iastor. They were lined up with the times of the hangs and blue screens. Solutions I found online for this issue did not help. Luckily I have two hard drives in my system, although they are both the same model. I moved my data around and clean installed Windows on the other drive instead. The hangs and blue screens are no longer occurring.

Z68A-GD65 (G3)

Z68A-GD65 (G3)
got 8 sataports.... four of them are SATA 300... two of them is SATA 600 and the last two is SATA 600 (Marvell 88SE9128)
well.. i got 7discs of samsung 2tb no scratches or fail on them..and then i got a SSD with the os...
however, the OS (win7-64bit) can only find six of them. how shall i configure to find everyone..? i think the issue is marvell driver.. or is it even possible to use all the ports without raid? thanks for reply..

Is the Marvel controller enabled in bios as it isn't by default?

Z68A-GD65 (G3) Memory problems after BIOS update

Good day, i'm russian, so sorry for my english.
Friend of mine had MSi Z68A-GD65 (G3), i5-2500K, memory pair 2*2GB with bios 22.8 (latest version with no red letters about ME8 and IvyBridge).
He decided to upgrade the processor to IvyBrydge and updated bios with new ME8. Then the computer went into a state of continue restarting every 3 seconds. After replacing the CPU to the new Ivy - computer works good, the impression is that the computer does not understand Sandy now and switched toIvy. But it has seen only one of memory pair. My friend just bought a new motherboard. Now he has no problems. I took his MB and SandyBridge CPU.
Flashing the bios to the old version by M-Flash - it does not see the BIOS file, although it is there (in the root, FAT, 2G). Flashed it under dos with AFUDE238 with a key -x, it said about mismatched ROM ID. After the old BIOS flashing (with an Ivy) computer went three-second reset mode. CPU changed to Sandy i5-2500K - now works good. By the way, now M-Flash see the firmware on a flash drive - I flashed it again from the M-Flash, just in case, reset the settings.
What is the problem: if I set the memory into the slot 3 or 4, the computer goes into a three-second reboot, it does not matter is the memory in the first two slots or no. If this memory is inserted in the first two slots - all ok. So I work now - in the first two slots with no dual-channel mode.
The feeling is that the problem appeared after first flashing to Ivy and remained after flashing back to Sandy.
Question 1: What to do to get working the memory slots?
Question 2: Is BIOS 22.8 - the latest which I will have with Sandy? (There is a problem now when the computer starts - 1 times out of 10 will not boot - reset is helping, and the BIOS at starting not very fast).
There are posts about people with the same MB and the CPU and the new BIOS (25.2) that supports Ivy. I'm confused. It means I can use the new firmware from SandyBridge. But there are many posts about problems with new firmware. Where is the true?
Just checked BIOS version - P.1 (25.1) 2012-04-16 - by the way with Ivy support. But I flashed with 22.8, I'm sure. ME version in BIOS isn't shown, but while booting - ME 7.0
What does it mean? Can it be repaired? What should I do?

Thanks to all. My system is working fine now.
What it was. I flashed BIOS with tool from this forum. Bios flashed good, but problem still was here. Then I flashed to the first bios version from support site. And again flashed ok but memory still not working in slots 3 and 4. Then I decided to flash back to last flash with Sandy support 22.8 (or 23.8). Then I flashed to the last bios at all - 25.4. Flashed it from dos - this was pretty long. It rebooted 3 times (ME updated too). I still don't know - what it was with first flashing to Ivy. Now it's ok.
So I decided the problem is bent pin. With magniglass and needle I've found some uncertain pins (these were not BENT, but slightly bent) and touched these with my needle. And that was the answer. Now all works fine. Thank you all.
On the russian msi forum no one answered and helped me at all.

Z68a-gd65 (G3) + 280x = no signal

I bought this new gpu XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Edition (R9-280X-TDFD) and when i plug it and power on my pc the fans start running and all led's is on but there is no signal output to my monitor.
I have tried changeing pcie-slot and i have made sure several times that its pluged in correctly and i have also tried different cables (dvi, dp and hdmi).
I've found severel others with the same problem by using google and its seem like most of them was helped by updating bios on their motherboard, which in my case is MSI Z68A-GD65 (G3). But i have also tried this but its still not working. (v. 25.8 from msi webpage)
At this point I decided too try it out using an other computer with a new 4970k I7 from intel and a newer motherboard and it worked instantly and fine. But when i connect it in my pc again : NO SIGNAL.
Does anyone know what the problem is? Do i need an other version of bios?
I've also seen others with this problem that solved it by a simple bios update + switching from UEFI to LEGACY on the GPU (but my graphiccard does not have that switch).
Please help me! My 26 year old hair is turning gray.

Quote from: Chike on 26-February-15, 23:37:29
Is there no signal on the build in graphic either?
Im not totally sure of what you're asking me. But.. All that happens is that the monitor signals No signal and bios wont load. I know this cause when i push the start button on my chassi the computer instantly turns off
Quote from: Svet on 26-February-15, 23:39:04
ask XFX if they can provide you with legacy vbios for your card
I have started a support ticket on XFX's webpage but i havent yet got any replies. I will update it asking for Legacy Vbios aswell.
Somewhat off topic but what is this legacy vbios. How does it compare too the "uefi" kind. Is it a far more simple bios?

Z68A-GD65 (G3) fails to boot with new Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 OC

Hi,
I have a problem with my new Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7950 (GV-R795WF3-3GD):
My system fails to boot with this GPU, with the old Radeon HD 4850 everything works fine.
Here are my system specs:
MSI Z68A-GD65 (G3)
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K
RAM: 8Gb DDR3-RAM (Corsair)
power supply: be quiet! Pure Power L7 530W
What I have already tried to fix the problem:
-CMOS Reset
-other PCI-e slot
-other power supply (old 750W)
Nothing worked.
Do I need a Bios update? My current version is V23.7, but I'm not sure whether I can use the latest versions because my CPU is a SandyBridge...

We can't help you woth your vga as it is no MSI product. You can try latest bios for your board (http://www.msi.com/product/mb/Z68A-GD65--G3-.html#/?div=BIOS) because the latest bios versions for G3 boards are working well with Sandy and Ivy. If latest bios should not help and you like to downgrade the bios we can give you the needed files if you ask here.

Z68A-GD65 G3 No video on GPU, IGD works fine

Hello everyone. I'm making a post on a recent board, mainly the MSI Z68A-GD65 G3, that I've received from a previous RMA due to bad pins. This one boots up normally just fine when plugged into VGA, DVI, and HDMI directly and able to use Windows with no problem. So I use my EVGA GTX 750 that I saved up for the new MB However, once I try to install my gpu and power it up it doesn't show any sign of post nor boot screen avail. I've updated the bios to the beta from .80 to .93, cleared cmos, and tried installing Intel ME8 afterwards from reading other posts with the same issues. Yet, after some of the suggestions that I've tried out it still shows a blank screen with no post code nor progress whatsoever. I switched the GPU around to the second PCIe slot and tried out my older GTS 250 ones as well, no dice. Is there anything that I'm doing wrong or any alternative that I can try to make it show?
Board: MSI Z68A-GD65 G3
Bios: Version: 25.93B
VGA: EVGA GTX 750
PSU: Corsair TX850W
CPU: Intel i5 2500 3.30 GHz
Mem: 8GB 2x4 Kingston PC3-8500 DIMM 1066 MHz DDR3
HDD: Western Digital 1TB
CPU Fan: Intel i5-2500 Processor Fan
OS: Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Quote
GTS 250 also shows a blank screen with no post code?
Did you attach the PCI-E power cable, and update the vbios?
PCI-E cables are connected to it since the GTS 250 requires them, but the 750 doesn't. So they do run fine when I tested them out once more on my old EVGA motherboard. Not sure how to update the vbios, but that sounds like a good idea to give it a shot.
Quote
Id this the first time you try VGA card in it since it was RMAd?
If it is I suggest you take it back with them.
Well the GTX 750 was recently bought brand new and I tested it out on my previous motherboard along with a friends system as well. It showed up properly with no problem. The z68a motherboard was the one I had to RMA because of broken pins on the CPU slot that gave me an infinite boot loop. Even when plugged into the system and using the onboard graphics, it seems that the board doesn't even detect it in the device manager. I do see 'Unknown Device' in it, but it doesn't exactly tell if its for the VGA card or something else.

Z68A-GD65 (G3) not always finding ocz vertex 3

Me and a friend just bought identical setups, among them was the Z68A-GD65 (G3) motherboard and OCZ Vertex 3 120GB SSD. Both of us get some random crashes and sometimes when trying to boot the computer the SSD does not show up in BIOS (therefore can't boot from SSD). This also happens after a random crash. This usually gets temporarily fixed if you do a hard reboot. However it is very annoying when the computer freezes randomly (can be days between freezes). When BIOS cant' find the SSD it takes a longer time to show the mobo splash screen thingy.
It is noteworthy that when doing a "hard reboot" it sometimes takes the computer about 5 seconds to startup after pressing the power button.
Anyone got an idea how to fix this?
I don't really know how i would go about solving this as it works most of the time so i don't want to fiddle with things i don't completely understand.
System spec:
CPU: i7 2600K, 3.4GHz
Motherboard: MSI Z68A-GD65 (G3), v 23.1
RAM: 4xCorsair Vengeance Low Profile 4GB DDR3 PC-12800 1600MHz (16GB total)
GPU: Sapphire HD6950 1GB
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120GB
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate
PSU: 650W Corsair

Quote from: Henry on 17-October-11, 06:59:47
Check with OCZ for the latest firmware update and see it that fixes your problem.
Had to install Linux for that and had alot of trouble, but after some hours i finally updated the firmware.
We will see if it ever happens again.

Z68a-gd65 boot loop after bios update using USB

Hi there,
My z68a-gd65 (G3) went into a boot loop after I did a bios update from a USB key that I installed using the latest BIOS version on the MSI site 7681vP8.zip
After the system restarted, it keeps booting up for 5 seconds and then shutting down, I removed all external devices and the Geforce GTX 550 Ti card and used the onboard card, but still no change...
Is there a way to set the board to factory defaults again???
Marcel

Hi there,
Maybe for others to solve the same problem, I found out what was the cause of this problem, I had a USB/Firewire card installed in the PC, after removing it the BIOS update could proceed from the USB stick as planned.
After the update though, my USB/firewire card can still not be installed back into the slot, because doing so will make the boot loop appear again, very odd!
Does anyone know why this new BIOS will not work with the card that has been inside my PC for 2 years???
Marcel

Z68A-GD65(B3) Memory Problems

In an effort to install more memory, I'm having the following problems with my Ram:
1. The computer will only boot with a memory stick installed in the DIMM4 socket. No other socket will work.
2. Both bios and Windows only recognize the memory installed in DIMM4. Memory sticks installed in the other sockets are not recognized.
3. If a memory stick is installed in DIMM3 (in addition to DIMM4), the computer will not boot.
I have tried the following: (the bios was cleared before all of these)
1. Reverting to all default settings for bios.
2. Customized voltage (1.65V), timing, clock speed, etc. to match my DRAM.
3, Removing the CPU to check for bent pins. None were found.
4. Re-flashing bios with the latest available release.
I would appreciate any suggestions for additional things I can try before RMAing my MOBO.
Thanks,
Bill ([email protected])
Z68A-GD65(B3), BIOS V22.6, i5-2500K, Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
Patriot Viper Extreme 1600MHz, now 4Gb, but would like to take it to 16Gb
Zotoc nVidia GeForce GTS450
Cooler Master 650W ATX12V
WD Caviar Black WD1502FAEX 1.5TB SATA 6.0
Sony DVD/CD R-W w/LightScribe combo drive

Quote from: Bernhard on 02-March-12, 11:08:36
Which BIOS do you have on that board ?
If some RAM slots are not being recognised, then there is a possibility that you may have bent some CPU socket pins. You will have to remove your CPU and do a proper inspection of the socket grid array and whether your CPU contact pads have even pin imprints on the contact pads. Use a magnifier and a strong light for the inspection.
Thanks Bernhard. I have v22.6 BIOS. I removed the cpu and inspected the socket pins and cpu contact pads as you suggested. As near as I can tell, they are all fine. I probably should have mentioned that I had previously replaced the main board and reused this same cpu on the new one. So, it makes it difficult to tell if the pads on the cpu are showing the imprints from the old board or the new one. Also, I was having a similar problem on the other board. When I installed additional memory on it and tried to boot up, there was an odor of something burning and the board would never boot again, regardless of where memory sticks were installed. So, I RMAed both the main board and all of the memory sticks. I am starting to suspect that the cpu itself has a problem.
Bill
Bill

Z68A-GD65 (G3) Component Advice

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for