Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 Issues.... probably not the first

Naxx

Honorable
Dec 6, 2013
6
0
10,510
Alright guys. Newly built computer, invested over $3,000

Here's the specs:

CPU Intel I7 4770k (delided)
Motherboard: Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS has been updated from F5 to F7 using QFLASH)
Cooler NZXT Kraken x60 280mm Extreme Performance Radiator Temps on all cores 25-28C Orientated in Push
RAM : 2x 4GB Corsair Dominator Platinum 1600mhz 8-8-8-24, 1.5v, CMD8GX3M2A1600C8 (approved on Gigabyte's G1 SNIPER 5 supported memory list under 1600mhz)
Issues - Ram is unmatched - bought 2 of the 2x 4gb, however, ram is able to work and is recognized in dim slots 1 and 2 (nearest to the cpu) 3 and 4 are blank, any effort to insert more memory into slots 3 and 4 result in a post error code "51" 'Memory Initialization Error" - Removed CPU - there are no bent pins.)
Graphics - EVGA GTX 770 4gb (for video editing and graphic intensive programs... and of course, games.
Optical Drive LG Blu-Ray Combo Drive
Storage
SSD Samsung EVO 840 500gb SSD - Primary boot drive
Platter - Seagate Barracuda Drive 3TB 7200rpm
Power Supply Kingwin Laser 1000watt
Sound Card - ASUS XONAR DGX
Chassis NZXT Phantom 820 Series Ultra Tower
Fans 7 fans

Here are the issues
I believe the motherboard arrived faulted. Here's is the reasoning behind my beliefs.

  • ■ From the closest to the CPU, slots 1 and 2 are the only ones that are able to accept any memory. (Corsair Dominator Platinum 4gb module, timings are 8-8-8-24, 1.5v, version: 4.29, serial: CMD8GX3M2A1600C8. I'll admit it, I didn't buy a matching set. Be we've already ruled that not to be an issue because as of right now, the computer is running with slots 1 and 2 running on mis-matched memory. Any attempt to insert additional memory results in a boot failure with the over redundant LED code "51" blinking in my face, according the manual, this means "Memory Initialization Error"

    ■ Upgrading the BIOS showed some results, for one, I'm actually able to read the font on the memory screen and actually see what I'm doing.

    ■ I have manually set the voltage and timings of the memory into the BIOS to 8-8-8-24, and voltage to 1.5v, yet this yielded no results, inserting ram still results in post code "51"

I ordered the motherboard from Amazon.com, luckily they have a quick-replacement policy, one-to-two days when you file for a replacement. But what if this happens again? Have any of you ever encountered an issue such as this? Should I return the memory as well and attempt to buy a matching set of ram? As in a 4x 4gb Module?

If you have any advise as to what to do, please! - Don't hesitate to add your opinion!

 
I agree with your assessment that it sounds like a issue with the motherboard.

I am assuming you bought 2 sets of the same model of Corsair memory? If so, that's fine as its the same apart from a few differences.

I would return the motherboard first and try that.

I honestly am not a fan of Gigabyte so I don't know as much about issues they may or may not have but I did a quick search and older versions seem to have had this issue as well.
 

Naxx

Honorable
Dec 6, 2013
6
0
10,510


Would you be able to link your search results and so I can continue to troubleshoot and determine the most plausable answer to this question please? I need to see what the other guys did in order to rule out the problems