Problem with i7 3770 memory controller?

[idata]

I have an i7 3770 running at 3.40GHz on an Asrock Z77 Pro3 mainboard with 2x Corsair 4GB DDR3-1600 1.35v RAM.

There seems to be an issue with the memory controller, as both RAM sticks test fine in any slot on the both board separately, but together in either single or dual channel mode they give errors in MemTest86+ and BSOD in Windows 7.

I also tried dropping the RAM timing a bit and bumping up the voltage, neither made any difference.

Checking with Corsair, they gave this answer:

"If each stick passes by itself, but when used together causes BSOD, there is an issue unrelated to the memory. First update the BIOS as the early BIOS versions of the Z77 had some memory compatibility issues. Then test each stick in each DIMM slot. If all the DIMMs pass like it did with the module, then its most likely an issue with the memory controller in your CPU (which would make sense since any additional load beyond 1 stick causes issues). Let me know if this helps."

Is this reasonable or are there any other explanations?

[idata]

Actually from our side, based on the information you provided, the problem seems to be the memory. This is because the memory you are using is not compatible with the processor. The Memory Controller Hub (MCH) of the i7-3770 was designed to support memory at 1.5V only.

Our recommendation is that you please try to test different memory and see if the issue persists. In case that happens, please test one memory stick at the time on every memory slot. Now if nothing works, please contact us using the link below:

http://www.intel.com/support/feedback.htm?group=processor%23processor http://www.intel.com/support/feedback.htm?group=processor# processor

[idata]

I based my choice of RAM on the specifications for the mainboard. I originally had an Intel DH77KC which proved to be faulty, it claims 1.35V support here:

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/dh77kc/sb/CS-033194.htm http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/dh77kc/sb/CS-033194.htm

I replaced it with the Asrock board which shows compatibility for this specific RAM here:

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Pro3/?cat=Memory http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Pro3/?cat=Memory

Where is the fact that the processor only supports 1.5V listed, and why do both you and Asrock say that 1.35V is supported on these boards which support this processor?

[idata]

Further information:

Corsair website says i7 supported:

http://www.corsair.com/en/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeance-low-profile-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cml8gx3m2a1600c9w.html http://www.corsair.com/en/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeance-low-profile-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cml8gx3m2a1600c9w.html

i7-3770 processor specification DOES NOT say 1.35V unsupported:

http://ark.intel.com/products/spec/SR0PK http://ark.intel.com/products/spec/SR0PK

[idata]

Luis, any update on this?

I have no other RAM to try, but as already noted tried all combinations of slots and sticks to ensure it is not a RAM or mainboard issue.

Have also run the RAM at 1.5v with exactly the same errors.

[idata]

And I've tried the support link but chat is always unavailable and after filling the email form in it gave me an error "application unavailable".

[idata]

Checking the specifications of the memory you are using it has Serial Presence Detect (SPD) of 1.5V which allows the Memory Controller Hub (MCH) manage it with no issues. Besides that, checking the data sheet of the processor family it seems to support that memory even at 1.35V with no issues. The link for the data sheet is the following:

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/3rd-gen-core-family-mobile-vol-1-datasheet.html http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/3rd-gen-core-family-mobile-vol-1-datasheet.html

At this point we can recommend you try with a BIOS update to see if the behavior changes, if it doesn't work please contact us using the link I provided before or call us to our direct line 916-377-7000 option 3.

[idata]

I've already done a BIOS update and am on the most recent version P1.50.

I contacted your support chat, but the person repeated everything you have already said, referred me to the datasheet and then signed off without me getting the chance to respond again.

[idata]

I have now confirmed that the problem was with compatibility.

It appears that the Corsair 4MB Vengeance 1.35v v8.16 sticks are not compatible with this setup when used in pairs, and alternative Corsair Vengeance 1.5v RAM works fine.

Thanks for the help and advice.

[idata]

Yeah I'm a member here as well.

CPU: i7-3770

MOBO: ASRock Z77 Pro3

RAM: CML8GX3M2A1600C9W or CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9G; only 1.35v Dual Channel Corsair kits

1. Update the BIOS to version 1.50 via Instant Flash -> http://www.asrock.com/feature/InstantFlash/index.asp http://www.asrock.com/feature/InstantFlash/index.asp ; never via OS!

2. DIMM Slots ; CPU: | DDR3_A1 | Empty | DDR3_B1 | Empty |

3. BIOS settings:

• Press F9 ; Load optimal default
• OC Tweaker:
• DRAM Timing Configuration
• Load XMP Setting -> Profile 1
• VCCSA Voltage -> 1.20v ; the XMP should load 1.20v but if it doesn't then manually change to 1.20v
• Press F10 ; Save & Exit = Yes

[idata]

I have 3770k with Corsair 2x4Gb 1.35v 1600MHz RAM on Asus P8Z77-V PRO. no any problem or error