anybody seeing this problem as well? or everybody running XMP or default only?
 
EDIT:
opened the support ticket in evga for this issue.

Try buying some 1.5v memory.  It is what is recommended for the Z68 board and SB chips. 

SO, what is your real Issue. Seems OK to me

From the hoard of replies and the way most of the forum appears to set memory manually, I would really, really, believe it is just your memory sticks.   It could be your mobo, but the only way to find out would to buy some 1.5v memory that is Certified by either EVGA or the mfg to work on your Z68 FTW.  There are thousand that have been made and IMO most OCer and Gamers set the memory manually with no issues.  It seems stange to me, that apparently only your mobo has this issue.  The EVGA Z68 FTW has been on the market for amost a year and does not seem to have been an issue with others.  EVGA would be able to replicate and the Forum would be inundated with similar experience.  No slam, just putting out my opinion based on re-reading all above.

interesting, contacted EVGA about this board's support case and it seems that my last 3 replies with detailed findings about 3 problems of my board, are missing from their system! ****?
did I personally piss someone off in Technical Support because my board doesn't work as advertised?? or their database is corrupted and removes case updates on its own?
 
had to re-send all info to evga techs, perhaps finally I will know if this board sucks (faulty) or not. if it does I need RMA asap ...

I deleted this as Tech support replied as I was writting it.

hello Chris,
 
Thank you for chiming in.
 
Regarding those missing messages in my support case, that I obviously sent out (have 3 email confirmations for those dates/times, so your system must have received them), I don't understand how come they are gone now. Leprechauns?
I can email you the confirmations I received.
 
anyways, let's get back to this topic (manual mem settings not booting even if correct, intermittent C code boot error and inability to use red slots for PCI-E x1 card).
 
I honestly have already checked everything you posted, maybe I wasn't clear enough in my posts, but I know my stuff (have been working as an IT guy for many years) and use google a lot to find solutions without bothering people to give me answers.
 
The sole reason of my troubleshooting posts here was to see if there is more people with similar trouble (and having those same boards) or it's just me ... or to receive some ideas and troubleshooting steps that I am not aware of.
seems it's only me with board & BIOS issues, so board is probably faulty - perhaps that is jumping to conclusions a little too early, but I have a hunch on this one, will try to convince you (correct me if wrong).
 
regardless, I will answer all questions in order:
1.
I am not sure if I understand right, but how the EVGA SC cooler can be overtigthened?
The EVGA SC cooler has a very soft backplate and if spring nuts ever get overtightened, they start turning the whole mounting studs/screws OR those studs strip the backplate locking tabs in first place (happened to me before on 790 build).
IMHO, there is no way to over-tighten the EVGA SC cooler, because first the backplate (made out of very soft metal) gets destroyed like this and then the whole thing becomes loose again:

 
However, I did check and loosened the cooler mounting nuts and it didn't help the intermittent C boot code issue. Please keep in mind that the system DOES BOOT after 3-4 attempts (and then runs normally), so there is nothing physically prohibiting it from it, right? otherwise it wouldn't start at all ever and I am using it right now to write this post (everything stable at CPU stock & 16GB mem @ 1867MHz with XMP profile and a single GPU because the other is in RMA).
 
The only thing affecting the C code is having 2 mem sticks or 4 mem sticks. the code will appear less frequent with 2 sticks (but still can happen out of blue moon) and more frequent with 4 sticks in slots (never on restart though, cold boot problem only).
 
I tried testing the other set (2 sticks) with same results, no matter. all are good though and all 4 installed can pass 9 hours of memtest at XMP 1867MHz or default 1333MHz together or separately.
 
I have carefully re-seated the CPU with no luck, same story still, intermittent boot code C.
 
I have inspected the socket for bent pins and couldn't find any, maybe check out the pics for yourself, because those pins go at different angles and it's not really obvious if some are bent or not. tried looking from different angles and observe light reflections in them, but again, couldn't find anything out of ordinary or obviously wrong here:


 
All power supply connections are solid and triple-checked by now, also this PSU has served the 790 build 24/7 for 3.5 years with no trouble ever (even when overclocking extremely high, stress testing, benching or folding).
 
Here are pictures with results of PSU testing, they are same for all CPU plugs and PCI-E plugs, the tester used here was a Coolmax PSU tester PS-228, 2 pictures below are showing different connectors tested (volts are same):


 
On top of that to absolutely rule out my Tt 1KW PSU I have brought a used spare 750W Corsair PSU from work (which shows worse voltages on tester than my own Tt unit at home) and I will test it with my system to see if C boot problem goes away completely or not.
 
There is nothing metallic touching the board's surface anywhere.
 
2.
I can boot at default memory settings and by default I mean 1333MHz and either 2 sticks or 4 sticks running 1.5V and timings 9-9-9-24 1T set automatically when "Default Profile" is selected in BIOS. only problem that sometimes it won't boot because of C code problem, but on 2nd or 3rd press of the power button it will boot and run normally and stable under all kinds of stress testers there are out there.
 
Memory sticks have been tested in pairs and together (4 sticks) on THIS Z68 board at default 1333MHz CL9 & XMP 1867Mhz (also CL9) and they are fine. I have also used this very same memory successfully on 790 build 24/7 for almost 8 months like it was a server, with zero trouble. memory is good, no kidding.
for other answers regarding this paragraph, please refer to 1) above (same questions asked).
 
Now, since both default and XMP profiles of memory work fine, you may ask what this guy wants?
the problem is that I cannot boot with memory (no matter if 2 sticks or 4 sticks or a single stick, no matter which slots for 2 sticks either) set to manual settings aka "Custom Profile" in BIOS, and I tried ALL possible working (checked with XMP mode) combinations above default 1333MHz.
 
it simply will not boot (POST code 45) with the very same timings as XMP ones (tried all speeds) and I also tested having sub-timings on automatic (which are totally wrong and different from XMP) and I tried manually settings sub-timings to exactly same values as XMP provides, it won't boot in manual mode (POST code 45)!
 
cannot even dream about underclocking or overclocking the memory, can only boot "Default Profile" (@1333) or "XMP Profile 1" (@ all speeds including 2133 but always with CL9), nothings else works.
 
On top of that, there is also a third issue which was not mentioned in your reply.
 
I cannot use my TV Tuner (Hauppauge HVR-1800 MCE) PCI-E x1 card in any other slot than the long black one (controlled by PCH according to below image with slot numbers). I found image confirming that this only long black slot is controlled by PCH on this board, while all red ones are controlled by NF200, except for the primary one controlled by CPU.
 

 
If I insert this card in ANY of the RED slots -  and I tried almost all with different GPU locations, including Tv tuner in #1 red, #3, #5 and #6 and the card NEVER gets detected (no matter if the mounting bracket is screwed in tight or not at all) unless it is simply installed in the long black slot (#2) <- the only one controlled by the PCH while others are controlled by NF200 or CPU!
 
so, that being said, please convince me that this board is fully operational and working normally, because I honestly despite my good intentions cannot see that at all and I'd rather call it faulty.
 
Thanks for reading this. Let me know if I posted anything wrong or missed some question.
 
EDIT:
just for kicks I removed 3 mem sticks and left only 1 of them in first red slot, then went to BIOS and changed from XMP Profile to Custom Profile AND set manually the very same timings all the way down as BIOS detected as active ones (running a single stick), of course also adjusted the DIMM voltage manually to 1.65V (was on auto XMP before). after restart I get POST code 45, can't boot, need to reset BIOS/CMOS, so I did and I do this always with power disconnected (PSU rocker switch flipped to off position).
 
after resetting CMOS and turning the power on, the system can't boot (Code C and immediate power down), however I press the power button again, same thing, then again and bam! it boots up perfectly fine like nothing happened.
 
so I power it down again, re-install missing 3 sticks of memory (at PSU turned off) and again, code C, can't boot up, immediate shutdown, tried 7-8 times with no luck. is it dead? not for me, I flip the PSU rocker switch off and on, wait 15 seconds and it boots up like a charm.
 
 
 

EVGATech_ChrisB

Dear feniks,
I do apologize for any confusion as I can see that you have submitted two support tickets which were replied to in a timely manner. I can confirm that once the support ticket is submitted you will see it instantly on the support ticket page at http://www.evga.com/Support/support.asp. We do not delete or have the option to delete these tickets and I can assure you that we are not ignoring you.

We have not seen a problem with this motherboard and setting the memory timings manually. I can only assume that you have one of the following problems and I can recommend the following steps to troubleshoot. Please let me know if you should have any additional questions or concerns. chrisb@evga.com

1. The C error is like FF on older boards and it means that there is a problem when the system is posting and this is likely caused by a problem with a over tightened CPU cooler, bent pins in the CPU socket, a CPU or Power supply issue, a ground fault, or motherboard issue.

Steps to troubleshoot the C error on post:

• If a hand tightened CPU cooler try loosening the fasteners to see if this is the issue.
• Check the CPU socket for bent pins that may have occurred during the installation.
• Check the Power Supply to make sure the connections are solid and that it is working properly.
• Check for any pieces of medal from the case that might be making contact with the board.

 
2. The errors where you cannot boot with default settings would usually be due to incorrect settings, bent pins in the socket, over tightened cooler on the CPU, or a memory issue.

Steps to troubleshoot this error:

• If a hand tightened CPU cooler try loosening the fasteners to see if this is the issue.
• Check the CPU socket for bent pins that may have occurred during the installation.
• Try removing all but 1 stick or memory to see if it boots with manual settings or try different slots or a different kit.

If you should continue to have a problem and all of the above tests ok please let us know and we can move forward from there. 24/7 tech support 1-888-881-3842 x1.





  

You may consider testing another PSU if switching it on and off cleared the error. In terms of the memory can you manually set 1333? What about 1600? I assume this is being tested with no CPU overclock either? I have seen instances where XMP wouldn't work and manually overclocking the memory worked but never vice versa.

OK, I have just tested memory in fully manual settings for 1333MHz with the exact same settings (including sub-timings) as BIOS detected in Default Profile mode (which boots obviously with 4 sticks) and I get the same problem. POST code 45, no boot, need to reset CMOS.
 
On the other hand, I have confirmed 100% that intermittent C code boot error was caused by my Tt TP 1KW PSU whenever I pressed the case power button in less than 10 seconds from flipping the PSu rocker switch to ON position.
I just can't replicate it with this spare Corsair unit. thing thing allows me to boot up the moment the blue LED lights up on the MB, not the case with my Tt PSU. ... so RMA time for my PSU as well ...
 
If I do RMA it however, can I safely install this Corsair TX-750 unit with a missing second 8-pin connector for the MB? I assume it would take about 2 weeks to get my 1KW PSU back from Tt...

what about the memory manual settings mode? is it possible this is just a BIOS bug or this board could be still faulty? I can even swallow the fact that my TV tuner will work ONLY in the black long slot if there is no way around it. I can get better cooler (e.g. Corsair H80) for my cpu to solve the unspoken problem, but I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SET A MANUAL MEM CONFIG!
 
I really do NOT want to RMA the board if I don't have to ...

so EVGA Support System has a bug too
when you include a very long Follow-Up with some forums links (even if they belong to evga), the system registers the update, send you the email confirmation and the message goes into some digital abyss, never shows up in case update status and evga techs don't even know it was ever there. interesting ....
 
only workaround, never include any forums links to troubleshooting threads when replying to tech support over the web interface (Submit a Follow-Up)...
 
... and I was wondering why replies from evga tech support sound like they never read my updates ... especially those with lots of detail and link to troubleshooting threads ... this also explains why they never read or chime in to those troubleshooting threads - they never get such case updates.

The memory controller on your CPU has a native memory frequency of 1066/1333MHz. - http://ark.intel.com/products/52214/Intel-Core-i7-2600K-Processor-%288M-Cache-3_40-GHz%29
 
Have you tried doing a hard reset on the CMOS and then just setting only the first 4 memory timings manually, frequency and voltage?
 
It's ~possible~ you may be able to get the memory to run at 1600MHz by setting the XMP or timings manually, but any higher then that is iffy at best and would be going beyond the native memory controller on the chip. To get it stable above 1333/1600 you will need to overclock the CPU.

however first I need to post something else, not in reply to the last post (by ChrisS), but rather regarding phone conversation with Tech Support a few moments ago.
 
I have just finished talking to EVGA Tech Support (didn't catch the guy's name sadly) over the phone and I'm really fed up with hearing the phrase "running memory at any speed above 1066/1333mhz is considered overclocking and is not guaranteed" over and over again! are you guys nuts? I don't need support on checking if I can overclock the memory controller in CPU or my mem sticks, because I know I can when using XMP profiles and it works up until 2133MHz (board boots up).
The problem is that manual timings (first 4 with Command rate OR all of them) don't work in manual mode always resulting in no boot condition and POST CODE 45. what does this code mean anyways?
 
also the person I spoke with didn't have to hang up on me before I finished the last sentence.
 
Lastly, your Support System IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY and stop saying it is, because I cannot reply to the support case and I sent you a dozen replies in last 3 days (received email confirmations for all of them) and only ONE of them shows up under the Z68 FTW support ticket (YES, I replied to the right case, I have only one Z68 FTW so it's pretty easy to check). geeeeez.
interestingly whenever I use a forum link in my reply or words "POST code 45" in my ticket reply then magically it's missing from the support ticket (and yet I have the email confirmation that it was sent out and received). Do you have leprechauns in your ticketing system or some fancy word filter?

OK, I figured it out. this BIOS is bugged! the POST code 45 is showing up ALWAYS at every possible speed (including 1333mhz), whenever the Command Rate for memory is set manually!
(no matter if only first 4 timings and Command rate are manual and the rest on automatic or all of the timings including subs all the way down are manual which includes the CR too) .
 
so, in general the memory Custom Profile works for me now when setting only the first 4 primary timings and leaving the CR on auto (which same as what I was setting it to anyways, 1T). because if I toggle the CR and set it manually to the same value as auto/XMP provides, then it won't boot (POST code 45). a nice BIOS bug over there haha!
 
Thank you EVGA Tech Support to help me figure out my bad, I guess I just needed an adrenaline rush. This board is good, it's just this BIOS which sucks.

Special  Thanks to KenMcC (I had to re-read your suggestion/workaround to understand correctly what I was doing wrong) and to Cosmotime (for moral support)!
 
my bad was to manually touch the Command Rate always when setting mem timings, I was doing it no matter if adjusting only first 4 (because for me the CR is as important as primary timings) AND of course the CR was set manual as well when settings all mem config manually (including sub-timings) to resemble the same values as XMP provided.
 
there will be no more updates to this thread.
 
EDIT:
my sole intention was to help IMPROVE the BIOS on this board the moment I found a problem with manual settings, but I guess most techs rather wanted to see me as an ID10T not knowing crap about anything instead of a person on their level who could provide something useful for the development of BIOS programming of this great board (I'd like to see finally the fully operational release of BIOS for this board), sorry if it sounds harsh but that's how i feel.

Use this knowledge to improve it if you want, just remember what I had to go through to know this and realize that it weren't the EVGA techs who recommended the workaround first.
 
EDIT2:
updated the post in reply to ChrisS with details i promised earlier.

Azoth

So........ all this ranting and it turned out to be......

PEBCAK

if you call the inability to manually set the memory command rate a user error then yes it's a PEBCAK, otherwise it's a laughable bug in BIOS programming. all depends on the point of view.

Cosmotime

Feniks, thanks for closing this out for us.   I will give you credit for persevering and for keeping us updated instead of demanding an RMA because it didn't work like you thought out of the box.  Most of all, for having the class to admit a mistake and for taking time to thank the EVGA techs.  

 
no problem hehe, I guess I ran into a problem which everybody (owning those baords longer than me) knew about, but nobody except for the KenMcC took the effort to chime in and speak about. I just confirmed it to be the case on my board as well even on the latest A05 BIOS.
 
hopefully EVGA Techs solve it with the next BIOS update, because it's just silly the way it is. I can imagine tons of experienced users (but new to evga Z68 boards) getting stuck on something as trivial as this... and the RMA's resulting from it ...
The Technician from Mushkin was laughing hard when he heard about it this annoying problem on Z68 FTW board BIOS
 
BTW, I am successfully running my 4 memory sticks at 2133MHz with 9-11-10-28 (all manual) Command Rate 1T (automatic!) @ 1.65V and with a slight bump to VCCIO