Asrock H77 Pro4/MVP RAM issue

ThatVietGuy · Apr 19, 2013

When I boot with the A1 and B1 slots filled (as it is supposed to be if you use only two sticks), the board beeps four times, restarts, and repeats the cycle.

However, if the B1 and B2 slots are filled (current configuration), the computer boots just fine: the BIOS recognizes both sticks and OS detects 16GB.

I've run the Windows 7 memory diagnostic and the RAM passes.

Just a little extra history - this current board is actually my second board. The first board I had (bought at the beginning of January) had the same beeping/rebooting problem if there were RAM sticks in any slot except for the B1 slot. I returned that board, got a new one back, and now if any combination other than B1 + B2 slots is used the computer doesn't boot.

I have two main questions: 1) is it bad to run the board with the B1 and B2 slots used? Does it make the system run less efficiently?
2) Is this a problem with the motherboard? The RAM? The CPU?

If you have any other thoughts to add, that would be great.

Specs:
CPU - Core i5-3570
Graphics - ATI HD 7950 3GB
HDD - Crucial m4 CT128M4SSD2 128GB
RAM - Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB x 2
OS - Windows 7 Professional 64-bit

smorizio · Apr 19, 2013

Had that issue with an asus mb. Found out there were three bent pins in the mb under the CPU. If it not bent pin it the CPU. Intel CPU the memory controller is in the CPU.

chesteracorgi · Apr 19, 2013

The detriment to running the mobo with RAM in the B1 & B2 is that you are not using dual channel, which results in a performance decrement.

I would RMA the mobo (I know it is a pain, but necessary) and document this to the techs at ASRock. Ask that they pretest any replacement before shipping.

ThatVietGuy · Apr 19, 2013

Well, considering I am currently on an RMA'd board, I feel that it's less likely that this is a mobo problem and possibly a CPU problem as smorizio said. Is there any way to test the CPU before I try RMA'ing this board as well?

chesteracorgi · Apr 19, 2013

Yes you can breadboard the CPU, mobo & RAM. Put in a minimal configuration and test each slot & each RAM chip. If the RAM works in A1, try it in A2, then B1, & B2.
Then try with both chips in different slots.

If the problem shows that the RAM chips work in some slots but not others the problem is the CPU or mobo.

If you have a second computer that is the same LGA 1155 you can swap out parts between the two to try and detect the defect. If you do not have a duplicate set-up it will not be possible, and you will need to borrow one from a friend or take yours to a shop.

The reason that I think that it is the mobo is your original narative: with the first mobo (since RMA'd) you had a defect with any slot but B1, now you have a problem with any slots but B1 & B2. If it were the CPU with bent pins, I would expect the identical problem.

ThatVietGuy · Apr 19, 2013

chesteracorgi :

Makes sense, thanks a lot.

I think I'll be trying to find someone with an LGA 1155 board then.

ThatVietGuy · Apr 21, 2013

So absolutely my fault on this one. When I changed from my Zalman Reserator 2 water cooling setup to air (Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus) it looks like at some point I had gotten some Arctic Silver thermal paste on the connection pins, causing all my problems. Cleaned off the pins and it works just fine now.

So note to everyone - keep your work area clean and organized!

chesteracorgi · Apr 21, 2013

Glad you solved the problem.

Search

Asrock H77 Pro4/MVP RAM issue

ThatVietGuy

Titan

smorizio

Titan

chesteracorgi

Distinguished

ThatVietGuy

Titan

chesteracorgi

Distinguished

ThatVietGuy

Titan

ThatVietGuy

Titan

chesteracorgi

Distinguished

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page