Member Avatar for nick_krambo

I have 2 2GB sticks of patriot ram that are DDR2 1066. I have been trying for a while now to have them run at 1066, but have failed. My MB automatically sets them at 800 whether its dual or single channel, ganged or unganged. When i attempt to manually change the settings in BIOS (Timings, Voltage, etc.), my computer never boots. I guess I am really just lost as to where to start, whether it should be running in dual or single channel, and if it should be ganged or unganged in the bios. I would appreciate the help in setting up my bios so this runs at its maximum speed.

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Brief summary and what likely matters: has two 2GB Patriot DDR2‑1066 modules but the board drops them to 800 MHz and manual BIOS changes prevent boot. Common causes are motherboard/CPU memory-support limits, the board falling back to SPD/JEDEC safe timings, incorrect slot population for dual‑channel, or timings/voltage that the memory controller cannot handle. ’s comment about compatibility and ’s reminder about slot placement and ganged/unganged modes are relevant starting points.

A methodical diagnosis avoids guessing and protects hardware. Recommended, in order: clear CMOS and load BIOS defaults; test a single stick in the primary DIMM slot with SPD/default settings to see if 1066 is achievable; if a single stick reaches 1066, add the second stick in the matching-slot for dual‑channel and test again; if 1066 fails with two sticks, the IMC or board likely forces 800. When trying manual timings, set the memory voltage to the module’s manufacturer rating (DDR2 nominal = 1.8V; many high‑speed DDR2 kits are rated 2.0–2.1V) and use slightly looser timings before tightening. If manual changes stop booting, reset CMOS and try smaller adjustments.

On the reported temps and voltages: a software reading of 5V = 6.91V is almost certainly a sensor/software error. Verify with the BIOS sensor readout, a second monitoring utility, and—if comfortable—a handheld DMM at the PSU connector while powered on. ATX 5V tolerance is roughly 4.75–5.25V; any confirmed reading well outside that range is a serious PSU fault and warrants powering down and replacing the unit. A 58°C board reading is likely northbridge or VRM area; improve airflow, reseat heatsinks, check thermal pads, and avoid running RAM at higher-than‑rated voltages unless the kit and board both support it.

Quick checklist:

  • Confirm exact motherboard and CPU memory‑support list.
  • Clear CMOS; test with one DIMM (primary slot) on SPD/default.
  • If stable at 1066 with one stick, try second stick in correct colour slot.
  • Use manufacturer-rated RAM voltage; loosen timings before raising clock.
  • Verify rail voltages with BIOS and a multimeter; replace PSU if rails are out of spec.
  • Improve chipset/VRM cooling (fan or better airflow) if temps remain high.

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Member Avatar for kewlman

according to Gigabyte's website "Whether 1066 MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU being used, please refer "Memory Support List" for memory support information. " i brought up that info from their site and it also says "Note: Due to AMD AM2+ CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is only supported by 1 dimm per channel."

hope this helps.

Member Avatar for crunchie

Make certain that you have the memory sticks in the correct dimms for them to work in dual channel :). Usually, but not always, the same colour slots are the same channel.
If you do single tasking mostly, have the RAM ganged. Otherwise put them into unganged.
The following tells you how to install the two sticks on your board.

memory.jpg 61.72 KB
Member Avatar for nick_krambo

ok so I have the ram running in dual channel and I manually set the voltage to 2.1V. What is worrying me now though is that my motherboard temp is at 58 degrees C which i know is getting close to dangerously hot. Also it appears that my PSU's 5v rail is at 6.91v which from what i understand is bad too. I have a 500 watt power supply and have been worried for a while since putting in a new graphics card that there isn't enough power in the system. What should I do to fix these things

Member Avatar for crunchie

Try different software to check on the voltage. Can also get a multi meter and check the voltage at the pins.
A fan pointing at the mobo will help the temps. Make sure the heatsink is on correctly with thermal compound.

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