Since you need I2C, you need to get parts of the south bridge working.
Even though it's on the DIMM? Ugh. :(
It's the same as trying to see the SPD ROM, isnt it? That is connected to the south bridge smbus. Not too wild though,..
No, it's on whatever I2C people put it on. Yes it's true intel puts their I2C controllers on the south bridge, they like making life hard. Not every hardware manufacturer is that way :-)
Segher