All Ballistix Performance Memory posts

Re: Ballistix Tracer on EP45T-UD3LR

lsdmeasasp — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:11:29 GMT

Well those are made for X58 motherboards, so I am not so sure how well they will work with P45?

I can help you try though for sure, I reviewed a set of the Blue ones not long ago. You can see my review here if you like >>

http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Ballistix-Performance-Memory/Crucial-Ballistix-Blue-Tracer-DDR3-Overclock-Review/td-p/4542

You would need to overclock your CPU for sure if you ever wanted to run them at the full 1600Mhz Speeds. You would need to use at least 400 FSB. Just letting you know, in case you were not aware of how that would work

Are you using the latest BIOS? If not please update your BIOS, the latest for your model is F6c

http://america.giga-byte.com/FileList/BIOS/motherboard_bios_ga-ep45t-ud3lr_f6c.exe\

Please use Qflash to update your BIOS, DO NOT USE @BIOS!! If you need help flashing let me know and I will link you to the guide I wrote up on using Qflash.

Please try these settings for 1333Mhz for now, with two sticks (4GB) of memory in slots 1+3

[b][u]MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)[/u][/b]
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.66

[b][u]Clock Chip Control [/u][/b]
[b][u]Standard Clock Control[/u][/b]
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100[/B]

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]

[b][u]Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter][/u][/b]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<

[b][u]DRAM Performance Control[/u][/b][u][/u]
[B]Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD][/B]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 4.00B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1333
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

[b]Standard Timing Control[/b]
CAS Latency Time........................ 7
tRCD ......................................... 7
tRP'........................................... 7
tRAS.......................................... 20

Leave all below on Auto for now, except tRFC and CMD Rate

[b][u]Advanced Timing Control[/u][/b]
tRRD...........................................
tWTR..........................................
tWR............................................
tRFC........................................... 58-68
tRTP...........................................
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2 << Set 2, you can try 1 later

[u][b]Driving Strength Profiles[/u][/b]
Driving Strength ............................ << Set to OC 1333 for both channels

[b]Channel A[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................: Set to 9 for now
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps

[b]Channel B[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:Set to 9 for now
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto ps

[b][U]Motherboard Voltage Control[/b][/U]

[b]CPU[/b]
CPU Vcore….……….........................:Auto if not overclocking, if you are overclocking please do find and set your own voltages

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much. Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore. Auto is fine if not overclocking. <<< you may need to increase this a little, try 1.225-1.25

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much. Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65. Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly

[b]MCH/ICH[/b]
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << Set 1.20-1.24, if you have no luck also try 1.0-1.05 as some boards a decrease here helps instead of the normal increase.
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.500V............: <<< Leave
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

[b]DRAM[/b]
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: << Set to 1.60-1.66
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

[b][U]Advanced Settings[/b][/U]
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

[b][U]Integrated Peripherals[/b][/U]
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

Re: Ballistix Tracer on EP45T-UD3LR

charlesshoults — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:19:24 GMT

Yes, I bought two of these: BL25664TR1608

http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=BL25664TR1608

Currently, the computer is stable with one stick of memory in the first memory slot, with timings of 9-9-9-24 at 1.5V, which for the short term I can live with. If I increase the memory voltage to 1.64V and restart, the motherboard throws an error for power issues and reverts settings to previous values.

My processor is configured as 333x8 to get it's 2.66GHz, which also times the memory to 1333MHz, which is also fine. It would just be nice to use all 4GB. When I finally get around to it, I'm going to buy two sets of CT2KIT25664BA1339 to get my 8GB.

Ballistix Fails in ASUS Workstation

jawsurgeon — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:53 GMT

Ballistix memory fails to work in ASUS P5E-WS Pro Workstations. I installed 8 GB of 2 different types of Ballistix memory modules in 2 brand new MB. Both experienced intermmittent crashes, data corruption, OS failure over a period of 4-5 months. RMA'd MB's to ASUS, replaced drives, reinstalled OS'....ran complete burnin diagnostics. you ge the picture. Finally I just bought new memory; Crucial memory. Once installed and Ballistix was removed these systems have run continuously for almost 6 months without a single failure.

I would NOT recommend this memory ..buy something else.

However, I would recommend Crucial..they have been great !!! they took back all of the memory and credited my account !

Re: Ballistix Tracer on EP45T-UD3LR

lsdmeasasp — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:07:22 GMT

Can you give me a link to your exact model of memory here at Crucial? I assume you need more voltage than 1.5V

Re: Ballistix Tracer on EP45T-UD3LR

charlesshoults — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:37:32 GMT

When I went to lunch today, I brought the computer up with one stick of memory installed in the first slot. In the bios, I loaded optimal defaults, then did the usual of disabling the parallel port, enabling USB support for keyboard and mouse, and set the first boot device as CD-ROM. Not changing anything else, I saved and exited, booted from the Ubuntu CD and installed. With a single stick of memory, the system seems to behave fine with optimal settings. It's when the second stick of memory is added that things blow up. So far, I've tried 1&3, 1&2 and 1 with either module. I'm going to try 2&4 and 3&4 tonight to see what happens. If those don't cooperate, I'll deal with one stick for now and see if I can get it to run at the rated 1600MHz instead of the defaulted 1333MHz, but in the end, the motherboard isn't terribly useful to me if I can't populate all four memory slots.

Re: Ballistix Tracer on EP45T-UD3LR

charlesshoults — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:23:51 GMT

Ok, so I let the second stick of memory run through Memtest86 all night and no errors. This morning, I put the first stick of memory into slot 2, which puts the system into single channel with 4GB of memory. I made no other adjustments. Running Memtest86 and it starts throwing errors within a minute.

Robust Graphics Booster : Auto

CPU Clock Ratio: 8x

Fine CPU Clock Ratio : +0.0

CPU Frequency : 2.66GHz (333x8)

CPU Host Clock Control : Enabled

CPU Host Frequency (MHz) : 333

PCI Express Frequency (MHz) : Auto

C.I.A.2 : Disabled

Performance Enhance : Standard

Extreme Memory Provile (X.M.P.) : Disabled

(G)MCH Frequency Latch : Auto

System Memory Multiplier (SPD) : 4.00B

Memory Frequency (MHz) : 1333

DRAM Timing Selectable (SPD) : Manual

CAS Latency Time : 9

tRCD : 9

tRP : 9

tRAS : 24

tRRD : 4

t WTR : 5

t WR : 10

t RFC : 74

t RTP : 5

Command Rate (CMD) : 0

Channel A Timing Settings : ??? There is a lot in here, all set to auto.

Channel A Driving Settings : ???

Channel B Timing Settings : ???

Channel B Driving Settings : ???

Load-Line Calibration : Disabled

CPU Vcore : 1.23750V

CPU Termination : 1.200V

CPU PLL : 1.550V

CPU Reference : 0.805V

MCH Core 1.100V

MCH Reference : 0.760V

ICH I/O : 1.550V

ICH Core : 1.100V

DRAM Voltage : 1.500V

DRAM Termination : 0.750V

Ballistix Tracer on EP45T-UD3LR

charlesshoults — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:58:35 GMT

I started acquiring parts about a month ago and started setting everything up today after my power supply (Antec TruePower New 750w) came in. I'm facing continual crashes. My configuration is a Gigabyte EP45T-UD3LR with a Core 2 Quad Q9400 and 4GB of Ballistix Tracer (BL2KIT25664TR1608). When I turned it on for the fist time, I entered the bios and after just a few seconds, the lights on my USB keyboard and mouse went out and the system apparently froze. The clock in the bios stopped ticking but the lights on the memory sticks continued to cycle. Per directions on the mobo, the memory was placed in slots 1 and 3, thereby activating dual channel. I tried loading failsafe defaults and also loading optimal defaults, but the computer still freezes within a seconds after post. I plugged in a PS/2 keyboard as I've had problems with USB on other systems, and disconnected all SATA devices, disconnected network, unplugged sound, essentially getting rid of anything not essential to booting. The next time it locked up on me, I noticed that while the lights on the USB had been failing, the lights on the PS/2 keyboard were now blinking on and off. Doing some forum hunting, I found extremely similar issues with other models of Gigabyte boards. Using they're attempts, I set CPU Host Clock Control specifically to 333 instead of Auto and Performance Enhance to Standard instead of the default of Extreme. Although the memory was being detected as 9-9-9-24, I set these specifically instead of leaving them as Auto. MCH Core, which I read was the Northbridge voltage, was set to 1.100V. Per suggestions, I tried raising this to 1.200V and for the moment, didn't change the DRAM voltage, detected as 1.5V. When the system starts up, I do get further, but it normally freezes while trying to boot from the Ubuntu 9.10 live CD. As a hunch, I moved the second memory module from slot 3 to slot 2, effectively forcing the system into single channel mode. It works better, as I can get fully loaded into Ubuntu but after several minutes, it still usually freezes. The next time I restarted, I launched memtest86 and let it dig through the 4GB of configured memory and it started reporting errors after about 10 minutes. I tried adjusting memory timings to what the memory is rated for, 8-8-8-24 at 1.64V as 1.65V isn't an option (1.64V or 1.66V), but when I save and exit, I get continual short beeps, indicating a power issue. The next time it went back into the bios, it told me that there was an overclocking issue and set the values back to what they had been previously. I shut down and removed the second stick of memory entirely, booted from CD and launched Memtest86 again. This time around, I'm now 32 minutes into testing and so far, no errors reported from the single stick of memory. If it still has not errored out after an hour, I'm going to shut down and repeat the tests on the other stick.

It's my own fault for buying memory that was not on Gigabyte's spec sheet, but I bought the memory that I wanted, that was within the parameters listed by Gigabyte. I would really love to be able to keep the components I've bought, and eventually take the board up to 8GB, but so far, it doesn't look promising.

Help, please?

Re: Ballistix Tracer voltage

Crucial_Katana — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:40:34 GMT

We generally do not recommend exceeding the manufacturer's specifications for a system or motherboard. The Ballistix Tracer modules should still run if you install them at the 1.8V, as long as you leave the motherboard to set the thimings rather than configure them manually.

Re: Is my memory faulty?

Marauder — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:58:45 GMT

I've been experiencing the same issue. 4 x 2G Modules (BL25664AA80).

They had been running fine for about five months and now they are randomly generating errors. If I shut down the system and test each module with memtest86, they all pass. I had 4G (4x1G) of Corsair XMS memory in the system for several years without any issues.

It seems that recently a number of people on NewEgg are reporting similar issues (often in similar time frames) with the 2G DDR2 Ballistix memory which makes me believe it is more of a faulty design then an isolated incident or two of improper ventalation or something else environmental like that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16820148211

Re: Problems with new RAM, boot time and CPU usage

lordgllynn — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:39:36 GMT

There are several possibilities here that could be causing issues. Normally, sluggish performance is tied to one of two things, the system is unable to perform or the system is being prevented from performing. We'll go with the latter. Something is preventing your system from maximizing your memory capacity. Usually, a quick look over your system can get you on the right track. Do you have the most recent BIOS update for your MSI board? Have you checked to make sure that the voltages for your memory are set correctly? In many cases, a motherboard's Auto setting doesn't always set the memory properly. Double check to make sure that the memory voltage is correct. If you answered yes for all of the previous questions, then the next thing we can look at is if your memory or motherboard are faulty/failing. You will need to check your memory using MemTest86+. It is a free download and it runs outside of an OS. So, there should be no interference. Keep your kits seperate from each other. Mark on both sticks of one kit to keep them from getting mixed. Next, using MemTest86+, test each stick individually in the slot closest to the CPU. Once you've verified that you have at least one good stick, use it to test the three remaining slots. If all four sticks pass in slot one and all four slots pass using one stick, then we can move on from there. Put one kit in, making sure to install them in the proper two matched slots. Your motherboard manual should have the layout of the channels for you to review. Now, retest the memory, one kit at a time in each channel. If both kits pass in both channels, then you may have an issue with your motherboard's memory controller. You may need to adjust the voltages up/down slightly to get the system stable with all four slots being occupied. Let us know how your efforts turn out.

Re: Dear crucial - Why do you continue to ignore your customers?

Radar_jock — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:02:08 GMT

rpsgc wrote:
Well then, why don't you take it to a friend's computer and try them out? Or take it to a computer repair shop and have them test the sticks. Also if you replaced your motherboard with another just the same it's possible said motherboard model might have issues with this RAM.

Some motherboards are rather picky about the RAM sticks and/or its timings/subtimings.

Who shops online for parts that need to be system checked elsewhere before they are put to use?
Who likes to pay more for Crucial brand naming only to find out that their motherboard is a stickler for details?

You run the little active X thingy, crucial scans your system, you get a recommendation, you pay a little more and you're set. THAT is the concept for those of us who don't have the time or desire to jack around with settings on a bios menu. This is the one place where it is supposed to be hassle-free.

Re: Problems with new RAM, boot time and CPU usage

Blue123 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:24:03 GMT

I know that. I'm on XP Professional 64-bit. The problem I'm getting is that everything is painfully slow and CPU usage appears to be going haywire with it, not that it's not being detected.

Ballistix Tracer voltage

johncorley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:02:57 GMT

Help: I have a MSI K9N2 SLI Platinum mobo, but the specs on the board says the dimms can't go over 1.8V but the Memory I have is the Crucial Ballistix Tracer 800MHz 2.0V, can this memory work with new board, I am new to this and do not want to mess anything up, can someone help, John.

Re: Problems with new RAM, boot time and CPU usage

Jody21 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:54:58 GMT

make sure your OS is 64 bit. 32 bit OS cant use more than 4G

Re: Is my memory faulty?

Jody21 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:51:30 GMT

Think about the facts. Running good for a long time, then crash, crash, crash. Other memory seems to work fine. No config problems here, The memory is failing. Replace it. If your ambiant is less than 104F your cooling your case fine. That doenst mean the memory isnt overheating.

Problems with new RAM, boot time and CPU usage

Blue123 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:35:21 GMT

Hi,

I recently bought two sets of Crucial Ballistix RAM for my computer. The exact ones that I bought after checking with the memory advisor tool are:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=1522EBAAA5CA7304

They arrived yesterday, and I installed them, replacing my existing 2 x 1GB DIMMs with these..

I'm in need of the extra performance, but instead I've had lots of trouble. Firstly, my computer now takes extremely long to boot. The initial startup is fine if just a bit slower (the POST, etc.) but when the windows XP splashcreen appears, it takes about 10 minutes to move onto the logon screen. After logging in - things feel a bit sluggish - and bringing up the task manager, I can see in the performance tab that there is 8GB of RAM available, which seems alright. But there's a problem here- the CPU usage now rests at about 40-50% when I'm not doing anything, compared to 2-3% from when I was using my old RAM! The main reason I bought the new RAM is that I need it for music production, but running any of the programs that I need sends the usage right up to 100% leading to a crash or excruciatingly slow performance. Not quite what I need!

I'm quite stumped as to what the problem here is. A few searches on google as well, haven't turned up anything that is of substantial help. I'd appreciate any advice/help that people have to offer.

Thanks.

How do I configure my motherboard to get the most from my Ballistix™ memory module?

Crucial_FAQ — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:18:58 GMT

Every motherboard is different. Check the documentation that came with your system, or visit your motherboard manufacturer's Web site for information about your particular system.

What is Crucial's Ballistix™ validation process?

Crucial_FAQ — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:18:27 GMT

You can find published specifications and validation systems here.

I'm confused! Is Ballistix or Crucial standard the right memory for me?

Crucial_FAQ — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:12:33 GMT

It depends on what you use your computer for.

Because the Ballistix product line was designed to run at speeds above and beyond industry standard specifications, Ballistix is not for the mainstream computer user. The Ballistix product line was developed specifically for gamers and power users who are trying to squeeze every bit of performance out of their systems.

If you're a casual computer user, sending e-mail, surfing the Web, or downloading photos from your digital camera, then Ballistix probably isn't the product match for your needs. The Crucial standard line is likely the right memory for you.

How to contact Customer Service

Crucial_FAQ — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:08:38 GMT

Please also note that the purpose of the community is for users to help each other. Crucial Moderators keep an eye on the boards and will only jump in with assistance where required or after a certain amount of time has passed.

If you would like a quick and direct response from Crucial you can call us or use the Live Chat facility. Just click on the link below for your location, click "More contact options," and then select Customer Service to view our contact information.

US - www.crucial.com/contact
UK - www.crucial.com/uk/contact
EU - www.crucial.com/eu/contact

Note: Please do not use the "report abuse" feature to ask questions or request help. That feature is to be used for reporting abusive or incorrect posts, not to contact Customer Service.