How to configure two Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9S-4GBXL for Gigabyte ga-f2a88xm-d3h?

[Merrickplainview]

Back in October, I purchased all new components including the G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL. After a few months, I noticed that my RAM was being recognized by Windows 7 (64-bit) and the Gigabyte BIOS as 4GB. I tried several methods to fixing the problem:

• 
  Reseating the ram
  Moving the Ram from DDR3_3 & DDR3_4 to DDR3_1 & DDR3_2 (as the mobo manual suggests)
  Clear CMOS
  Checking status in CPU-Z (Which recognizes both sticks but indicates Single Channel)

I decided to file a support ticket with Gigabyte. As I was entering the Memory Part number, I noticed the part numbers were indicating that the sticks are each G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9S-4GBXL. I searched for customer pics of the 8gb sticks and saw that the part numbers should be F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL. I know I can run still run both RAM sticks but I'm not too sure how to pull this off.

Here's some PC info:

• 
  MOBO: Gigabyte GA-F2A88X-D3H (3.0)
  BIOS Ver: F6
  GPU: Nvidia Gefore GTX 560 ti
  CPU: AMD A10 7850k
  Operating System: Win 8 64-bit
  Power Supply: 500w

 

[Barty1884]

If you see F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL, you may well have a 2x2GB kit.
What is listed on the stickers on the modules applies to the 'kit' if sold as one. Applies to the individual module if it's sold individually.

If you bought a kit of 2 modules, that both show F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL, you very well likely have 2x2GB kit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231427&cm_re=ripjaws_4gb-_-20-231-427-_-Product

Remove a module, and see what the BIOS and CPU-Z report it as.
If you have a defective module or slot, it'll recognize 4GB or nothing.
If you then show 2GB with a single module, you bought (or received) a 2x2GB = 4GB total.

 

[Merrickplainview]

CPU-Z and BIOS shows each stick is 4GB. http://i.imgur.com/lnk7Zxy.jpg

 

[Barty1884]

As per Gigabyte's manual here: http://download.gigabyte.ru/manual/mb_manual_ga-f2a88x-d3h_e.pdf

"For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules,
we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets."

Try slots 1 & 3 and see if that fixes the problem.

 

[Merrickplainview]

I will give it a shot when I get home. Thanks! I will update the forum afterwards. Any other suggestions are welcome.

 

[Merrickplainview]

As per Gigabyte's manual here: http://download.gigabyte.ru/manual/mb_manual_ga-f2a88x-d3h_e.pdf

"For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules,
we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets."

Try slots 1 & 3 and see if that fixes the problem.

Tried them in 1 & 3 but it wouldn't boot. Same thing with 1 & 4. Move them back to 3 & 4, boots fine but still only 4gbs.

This is my BIOS while the ram is in ddr3_1 & ddr_2:

Link to Image (if pic doesn't show up)

When the ram is in ddr3_3 & ddr3_4, they show up in DIMM 1 & 3. That's kinda odd to me. Is it normally like that?

 

[Tbonius]

Try each stick individually.

 

[Barty1884]

Are you sure you have them in the slots you think you do?
Did you ever actually try 1&3?

Your timings are showing up under channel's A&B, so you're not operating them in dual-channel slots.

Populate 1&3, see if you can get to your BIOS and look for a "memory remap" feature, or similar.

Trying each module individually is a good idea too though - make sure they're recognized as 4GB modules 'installed' and 'enabled' individually.

 

[Merrickplainview]

Are you sure you have them in the slots you think you do?
Did you ever actually try 1&3?

Your timings are showing up under channel's A&B, so you're not operating them in dual-channel slots.

Populate 1&3, see if you can get to your BIOS and look for a "memory remap" feature, or similar.

Trying each module individually is a good idea too though - make sure they're recognized as 4GB modules 'installed' and 'enabled' individually.

Yes, I tried 1 & 3. Only the combinations of ddr3_1 & ddr3_2 and ddr3_3 & ddr3_4 work. Otherwise, the pc does not boot with the other combinations.

Gigabyte BIOS does not have a "memory remap" feature, closest thing is loading default BIOS and that ended with the same results.

Try each stick individually.

I will try each stick individually later today and get back to you. Thanks.

 

[Merrickplainview]

Are you sure you have them in the slots you think you do?
Did you ever actually try 1&3?

Your timings are showing up under channel's A&B, so you're not operating them in dual-channel slots.

Populate 1&3, see if you can get to your BIOS and look for a "memory remap" feature, or similar.

Trying each module individually is a good idea too though - make sure they're recognized as 4GB modules 'installed' and 'enabled' individually.

Alright, I tried each stick individually on each slot. Ram sticks are healthy and work by themselves. I checked bios to see what ddr3 slot correlated with what DIMM #.

• 
  DDR3_1 = DIMM 4 (Channel B)
  DDR3_2 = DIMM 2 (Channel A)
  DDR3_3 = DIMM 3 (Channel B)
  DDR3_4 = DIMM 1 (Channel A)

So I took your advice and plugged them into the same channel, into DDR3_4 & DDR3_2 and viola, 8GB! Thank you sir!!! You made my year!