GA-X58A-UD3R rev. 2.0 Cold Boot Issues

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Hi,

I have a self built PC based around the GA-X58A-UD3R rev. 2.0 board. I'm experiencing ongoing cold boot issues where each morning it will take up to 8 reboots to get windows 7 Ultimate to load. Once loaded its then as solid as a rock for the rest of the day - if I leave the system on its fine (I can reboot and it loads a-ok) but if I turn it off and go to a meeting for longer than an hour or two then the cold boot issue resurfaces.

I receive a number of error messages relating to:

ntdll.dll
various memory isses
various stop codes starting 0x...

Going through windows start up recovery once it finally loads without errors then means the system will reboot and load windows correctly on the next attempt. This process takes 10 to 15minutes to go from first powering up to actually being able to use the system.

I've run a mem test on the RAM both as a group and then each of the six stick individually. These tests ran for over 3 hours per memtest and reported zero errors. I take this as indicating the RAM is a-ok.

BIOS reports the RAM in full correctly and windows does too.

Here are my System/Bios specs -I'm currently using the XMP Profile1 as recommended in the motherboard manual.

Code: 
CPU = Model Intel i7-950 3.06Ghz
Motherboard = GA-X58A-UD3R rev. 2.0
BIOS Version = FG
Ram = 2 x 6GB Corsair Dominator (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz Triple Channel Kit - CMP6GX3M3A1600C8
Ram = 1600MHz RAM Speed, CAS 8-8-8-24 Timings, 1.6-1.7v VDIMM
Ram = Total 12GB in Machine
PSU = OCW 600W ModXStream PRO Modular
GFX = Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5770 FLEX 1024MB GDDR5 PCI-Express


Advanced CPU Features:
CPU Clock Ratio ................................ [23x]
Intel(R) Turbo Boost Tech .................. [Auto]
CPU Cores Enabled ............................ [All]
CPU Multi Threading .......................... [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) ................... [Auto]
C3/C6/C7 State Support .................... [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor ......................... [Auto]
CPU EIST Function ............................ [Auto]
Virtualization Technology ................... [Enabled]
Bi-Directional PROCHOT ..................... [Auto]


Uncore & QPI Features:
QPI Clock Ratio.............................. [Auto]
QPI Link Speed .............................. 4.8Ghtz
Uncore CloCk Ratio .......................... [Auto]
Uncore Frequency ............................ 3200Mhz
Isonchronous Frequency ..................[Enabled]


Standard Clock Control:
Base Clock (BCLK) Control ................ [Disabled]
BCLK Frequency (MHz) ..................... [133]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P) ........... [Profile1]
System Memory Multiplier ................. [Auto]
Memory Frequency ......................... 1600
PCI Express Frequency (MHz) ........... [Auto]


Advanced Clock Control:
CPU Clock Drive ..............................[700mV]
PCI Express Clock Drive ................... [700mV]
CPU Clock Skew ............................. [0ps]
IOH Clock Skew ............................. [0ps]


Advanced DRAM Features:
Performance Enhance ...................... [Turbo]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P) ......... [Profile1]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD) ........ [Auto]
DRAM Timing Selectable (SPD) .......... [Auto]
Profile DDR Voltage ................... 1.65V
profile QPI Voltage ................... 1.2V
X Channel Interleaving ................ 6 Auto
X Rank Interleaving ................... 4 Auto


Channel A + B + C

Channel A Timing Settings:
##Channel A Standard Timing Control##
CAS Latency Time ........................... 8 Auto
tRCD ....................................... 8 Auto
tRP ........................................ 8 Auto
tRAS ....................................... 24 Auto


##Channel A Advanced Timing Control##
tRC ........................................ 41 Auto
tRRD ....................................... 6 Auto
tWTR ......................................  6 Auto
tWR ........................................ 12 Auto
tWTP ....................................... 24 Auto
tWL ........................................ 8 Auto
tRFC ....................................... 88 Auto
tRTP ....................................... 6 Auto
tFAW ....................................... 30 Auto
Command Rate (CMD) ......................... 2 Auto

##Channel A Misc Timing Control##
Round Trip Latency .................... 56 Auto
B2B CAS Delay .......................... [- Auto]


Advanced Voltage Control:

CPU
Load Line Calibration ................. [Auto]
CPU Vcore ............................. 1.26875V [Auto]
QPI/VTT Voltage ....................... 1.175V [Auto]
CPU PLL ............................... 1.800V [Auto]

MCH/ICH
PCIE 1.500v .......................... [Auto]
QPI PLL 1.100v ....................... [Auto]
IOH Core 1.100v ...................... [Auto]
ICH I/O 1.500v ....................... [Auto]
ICH Core 1.100v ...................... [Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage 1.500v .............. [Auto]
DRAM Termination 0.750v .......... [AUTO]
Ch-A Data VRef. 0.750v ........... [AUTO]
Ch-B Data VRef. 0.750v ........... [AUTO]
Ch-C Data VRef. 0.750v ........... [AUTO]
Ch-A Address VRef. 0.750v ........ [AUTO]
Ch-B Address VRef. 0.750v ........ [AUTO]
Ch-C Address VRef. 0.750v ........ [AUTO]

Any help with tweaking the settings to get a stable, load first time, system would be really appreciated.

kind Regards,

Geo.

 
Welcome to Tom's Forums! :)

The Gigabyte and in particular the UD3R don't use XMP. As far as the other settings, IMO start from Load Optimized then manually set the RAM (as below), SATA -> AHCI (all), if running a 'pump' off the CPU_Header then (CPU Smart FAN Control -> Disabled), etc -- I noted non stock settings e.g. CPU Clock Drive.

IF using AHCI then make 100% certain both Start values = 0; not (2) registries and see -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

For now change:
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P) -> [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier -> 12 ; 12 * 133.33MHz = 1600MHz

DRAM Timing Selectable -> Quick
CAS Latency Time -> 8
tRCD -> 8
tRP -> 8
tRAS -> 24
Command Rate (CMD) -> 2

DRAM Voltage -> 1.64 ; 1.65 lights-up the LEDs

HPET Mode -> 64-bit mode ; optional
 
hi jaquith,

thank you very much for your reply - i'll implement the changes you suggest and report back on any update I have.

G.
 
Hi Again,

I tried your suggestions and sadly things didnt improve so I went for a full fresh reinstall and still getting the same problems.

I've discovered that if I switch the computer on, immediately hit delete to get into bios and leave the machine for about 10 minutes (go make a cup of tea and open the days post) and then boot the machine it works first time everytime with no errors or issues.

Any ideas on what might be causing it? The computer is in my studio which is separate from the hosue and can get a bit colder over night, especially at this time of year.

Is it likely to be happier booting once the power has circulated for a while? Does Ram or the CPU suffer from the slight chill?

Is it possible that I've got a motherboard I need to RMA as its got some weird quirk?

Kind regards,

Geo.
 
It could very well be a bad MOBO, but I'd try the following first:

1. Clear CMOS use the button, but do it correctly; see -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdHH9KrceR0 then Load Optimized, set that Date & Time, Save and reboot.

2. Memtest, create a bootable CD/DVD from the ISO/zip file and run for at least a couple of hours -> http://www.memtest.org/ (yeah I know you tested / different BIOS environment)

3. Window's Event Manger [+] Critical errors:
Event_Manager.jpg


4. You can try Lazyman's Breadboard -
* Disconnect ALL Front Panel & USB Headers ; keep only the PWR & Ground <best> short w/wire.
* Disconnect ALL peripherals including the Keyboard/Mouse
* (1) Stick of RAM in the second DIMM slot from CPU
* Unscrew both the MOBO and PCIe screws

Pull the MOBO away from anything conductive and supported by a towel ; short PWR & Ground to start.

5. Contact Gigabyte for an RMA.
 

Seemly likely a bad component on the MOBO or possibly a bad PSU.
 
Hi,

Thank you - I'll try each of the steps and report back. I've also sent a query to gigabyte to see if its a know issue with the board.

:)
 
Hi,

Just stumbled across. Yr thread.

I have the same mobo and have been having the same issue for months.

I've almost given up trying to solve it.

Did you manage to figure out the cause, and more importantly a solution?

Thanks.
 
If you have the same RAM then DRAM Voltage -> 1.64 and if CAS 8-8-8-24-2N then try 9-9-9-24(24~27)-2N @ 1.64v. The OP also was messing around with the CPU Multiplier.

Simply try to Load Optimized Defaults, set ALL the SATA ports to AHCI then run Fix It -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

There are so many variables, there's rarely any such thing as "the same problem." Otherwise if the problems continue start a new post.
 
I've had no luck finding a problem sorry - I've tried using the optimised defaults, changing various setting as suggested on this and other forums such as the gigabyte one. I've switched out ram boards, run mem checks, reinstalled windows, run microsoft fix its, updated the bios, and nothing has worked.

The only thing that I found is that if i turn on the computer and go straight into BIOS and leave the machine turned on for 10 minutes (go make a cup of coffee and sort out the mail) and then come back to it and drop out of bios without saving changes (not that i make any) and let the computer boot it will load windows first time and be rock solid again until the next cold boot.

its a complete mystery and even gigabyte are flummoxed.

sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I'm still trying to RMA the mainboard to try another one I'll let you know how i get on. If you manage to solve the problem I'd dearly love to know how you do!

regards,

Geo.
 
Thanks for your reply...

Sad news indeed, although there is a little cold comfort in knowing I'm not the only one with the problem. I have done a bit of forum trawling, and stumbled across a few other people with the same MOBO and similar cold boot issues. Maybe its a problem with the MOBO...bad batch or something?!?!

I'm in earlier stages of the problem solving process than you by the sounds. Have tried numerous windows installs, mem and HD tests and peripheral changes. Nothing seems to help. I've essentially reached a point where I've almost accepted the problem. I switch on, make a cup of tea while it crashes one or two times, then start work....sound familiar!? heh.

However, re-inspired by your posts (although I am a little deflated to hear you're still suffering!), I have just re-flashed BIOS with FF, and tweaked RAM timings and voltage settings...guess I'll pursue that path for a while before changing out RAM

I'll let you know if it makes any difference...

Let me know how you get on with the RMA, I think my board should still be under warranty. Not sure how I go about proving that the problem lies with the MOBO and not another bit of hardware, or software etc ...maybe its time I contact Gigabyte too.

Anyway, thanks again for your reply, I'll keep you posted. Mystery indeed!

Regards

Cisc.

 
Hi Jaquith

Thanks for your post. I have very similiar symptoms on the same board if not the same problem! but understand thoroughly your point on many variables! They're driving me nuts!!!

I have different RAM, namely OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum 3x2GB.

When I get a bit more time on my hands I'll post by build specs, some more specifics on the problems, and as you suggest, event manager critical error info.

I Reflashed BIOS to FF last night, which is the latest version which is not BETA. Also did a bit of tweaking with the timings and voltages...

Looking at OCZ's site, specs for my particular RAM timings were 7-7-7-20, and voltage 1.65v.

On my system everything was set to auto, specific settings and changes I made were as follows:

DDR timing 7-7-7-16 changed to 7-7-7-20
DDR voltage 1.5v hesitantly changed to 1.6v
CPU (intel i7 950) voltage 1.175v also hesitantly changed to 1.275v

I know these voltages could be increased to max 1.65v and 1.35v respectively but I am a little hesitant as a novice not wanting to cook anything!

anyway thanks again for you help. I'll get onto that sandra specs and event manager info. soon.

regards

-C

 
Geo...just a thought, as my problem sound more similar to yours than Jaquith, was just wondering if you happen to be running Avid Pro Tools Software...?

That is the main use for my machine. I'm fairly sure its not the problem as crashes BSOD's occur within a few minutes of logging into windows before I run any other software.

Anyway i'm hoping to rule out some sort of driver/software conflict caused by pro tools or the ilok software....


 
OCZ made horrible RAM, run Memtest; I assume you'll have errors. If it were 'me' eBay/File-13 the OCZ RAM and purchase a new 3x4GB new kit. RAM is dirt cheap now.

Try manually setting the RAM DDR3-1333 8-8-8-24-2N @ 1.50 (Auto) or maybe 1.55v~1.60v.
 
Thanks man. ocz was't my first choice, but was all the mobo supplier had at the time, I have been looking at updating to a 12GB kit , as you suggest...my local msy has the following options:

12G kit (4Gx3) 1600 Kingston Hyper X $79
12G kit (4Gx3) 1600 Patriot Viper2-Sector7 $85
12G kit (4Gx3) 2000 Patriot Viper2-Sector7 $99

what do you think?

I have run memtest overnight, something like 16 passes, no errors detected.

would changing the RAM settings you suggest be considered overclocking?

anyway thanks again. I'll try to get onto posting more info over the w'end.

I contacted gigabyte tech support with a long description of my system and problems last night, not expecting much in reply, but may help with warranty claims with my supplier.

did you manage to get your money back on your 10 boards?

ps how do i record and post bios settings as geo has done? is there a software tool or something that will save me the hassle of writing it all down?

many thanks again, your time and help is really appreciated

-C
 
@ciscan81 - I'd need to see a link to your exact RAM before either recommend kits or especially any settings. If Memtest is clear then look at the Event Manager [+] Critical errors and update any 'driver' related errors. Also, run MSCONFIG -> select Diagnostic and test to rule-out Windows. If you have Intel RST install then uninstall it, GA seem not to like it.

I did exchange the UD3R's for the ASUS P6X58D-E; knock on wood, zero problems.

As far as 3x4GB replacement kits (not using any old RAM) ; see -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006078%20600006127&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-233-146%5E20-233-146-TS%2C20-226-100%5E20-226-100-TS%2C20-226-192%5E20-226-192-TS%2C20-104-250%5E20-104-250-TS

 
having the same issues with my gigabyte x58 usb3. i have to start the pc with 4gb ram (2x2) and let the machine warm up a little bit. then i turn off the pc and insert the extra ram stick and no problems. this is very depressing. since the first boot the board gave blue screens problems. sadly i live in panama so i cant rma to gigabyte. currently i have an ocz OCZ3G1333LV6GK. ill buy on thursday another set of rams (1.5v) to see what happens. if the problem persist ill buy another board
 
Keep in mind, Cold Boot issues can have a variety of root causes: PSU, HDD (drivers/power; sometimes not using a separate power lead to he primary SSD/HDD), BIOS or BIOS corruption (update or try clear CMOS), and/or other bad components.

IF the problem is persistent then try disconnecting all but the primary boot drive, next move ALL SATA ports to different ports (changing SATA ports ; 1->3, 2->1, 1-> 2 ; this helps so all of the registry values are be rewritten i.e. correct registry errors, next (1) stick of RAM on LGA 1366 use the 2nd DIMM slot from CPU, next disconnect ALL USB and other headers, next and final breadboard.

One common and simple thing to try is 'Fix It' if you're using AHCI/RAID -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976
 


Hi panamaniacs

Sorry to hear you're having similar issues. I feel your pain.

I think I have solved my problems.

I think my RAM was similar to yours, if not the same.

I swapped it out for a 12GB Kingston hyper x kit. (listed by gigabyte as compatible with this mobo)

Initially things went haywire, getting stuck at 'starting Windows' before BSOD

I tried all manner of BIOS RAM timing and voltage settings, to no avail.

After much cursing and stress, I relented and reinstalled Windows and voila!

All seems to be working great now, 1 week and no crashes for the first time in 9 months.

So pleased.

This may or may not work for you, but good luck.

I'm so pleased my build is now working as it should, I'm treating it to a new Antec p183 case, quiet fans and a scythe mugen 2 heatsink. exciting!

Let me know how you get on...I can post more info if you need it.

Cheers.

-c

Ps jaquith thanks for all your help. Sorry for lack of posts. Been hellishly busy and wanted to let new RAM run for a while so as not to cry wolf. Maybe ocz issue with this board? Anyway, let me know what info you think I should post to be most helpful to others with similar issues. Cheers. C.
 

I have experienced the exact same symptoms for quite some time with my build. There are alot of variables however are problems do seem to be far more similiar than most cold boot issues. I would have to say its one of the components due to the fact that it will only start up once enough heat has built up. Many people dont realize that electronic components expand ever so slightly once an electrical charge is applied. If there is a small crack in the cpu or motherboard it may not operate until it expands and makes good contact. I have noticed in my scenario that upon measuring the cpu voltage at startup that unless my i5 750 hits 2.5v it will not boot once I leave the pc on for a minute or two then it easily gets that and boots. Another possible case having to do with your pc contantly trying to boot is the psu, even if its good sometimes the motherboard things it isnt getting enough voltage or its going over so as a safety procaution it doesnt boot the rest of the way. I know for a fact from replacing many components that the only thing it could possibly be was either the cpu, motherboard(Only if the case had grounding problems and slightly killed two boards) which is still unlikely. Another reason why I still think its the cpu is I had to disable every power saving feature available the mobo had just to get things running smoothly in the OS. Eventually when I got into windows the computer would literally freeze no ctrl-alt-del absolutely no response only a frozen screen. After I noticed just how sensative the pc was to heat I got an idea. If it already has far more trouble booting in the cold vs hot weather then I asked myself how would it run if I used a more effecient 3rd party cooler. Got my frio out from an old build installed it. The results being it absolutely refused to boot under any condition which i believe had to do with not only increased efficiency of cooling the cpu but also the added weight of the cpu cooler itself. Cant say if it was a crack in the cpu itself or if it was just pooly made(even with the same exact model power requirements can actually vary quite a bit) they also need a minimum amount of voltage to boot which you cant really change.
 
Old thread, sorry for bringing it up. But if people search like I did they should have more messages like ours saying that this mobo has this issue.

Had this issue since 1 year into my owning my build. Sent the PC back to RMA and they didn't see anything "wrong" with it. But I believe these guys didnt know what they were doing (prebuilt company, I know - I am ashamed, never again).

It's not 3 years since i bought it and the problem still persists despite numerous reinstalls. I just think the mobo has a problem tbh..
 
Well, I would also like to apologise for bringing back up this thread as well.
But this is very good hardware imo, (4years of constant hardcore use, and this is been my very only problem with this motherboard) so I wanted to post my solution:
Also, if I search for solutions for freeze on the GA-X58A-UD3R rev. 2.0 this and other very old threads come up first! So I prefer anyone looking for a solution can find it here...
So for me it was the USB keyboard. As found on this thread:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/289602-31-cant-enter-bios-gigabyte-x58a-ud3r
Just like this guy, I couldn't get in MIT config on the CMOS, so after reading this, I immediately went to the open air market near my house that has lots and lots of old hardware, and picked the most 'acceptable' ps/2 keyboard I could find (only 5 euros! and 20 min of removing dirt from it!) and there you go!
The CPU is perfectly cooled, and the memory tests went fine. My pc was crashing since yesterday with only opening 3dsmax for 5 min and then opening a big file (so I discarded the graphic's card, 3dsmax does not use the GPU). And if I wanted to play some next gen game (Far Cry 4 or Dead Rising 3) the pc would immediately crash, stop giving a signal to the monitor (and then the monitor would go into sleep mode) and the pc would stay on, but no response, and no signs of the hard-drives processing.
Now it all works fine!

I have to say I had a special kind of keyboard, an old mac keyboard connected with a USB adapter... maybe that had something to do? But I'm happy I went for the full change, got myself a PS/2 and everything works well now.
 
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