Intel CPU won't run because of RAM?

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grimreapaa

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Sep 11, 2013
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Hello, I came here to find some answers in relation to the I7-3770 processor.

Currently I am constructing my own computer built intentionally for both gaming and video animation. I have all of my parts currently and SHOULD be able to construct and use my computer.

However, I have ran into a very big problem. Upon installing the CPU and booting the motherboard, the CPU light turned red, which stated by the mobo manual, means that there is an issue with the CPU. Sometimes, my memory light may also turn on as well... Upon calling intel customer service to inform them that I believed I had a faulty product and that there was no pin damage, I was informed that I was using unsupported RAM speeds for my processor. But, when researching online, I heard that the mobo should automatically clock the RAM down for the processor.

So, Intel support told me that my RAM (1866 DDR3 [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231560]) was not compatible with the processor (i7-3770 [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116502]) and I was told that I should order RAM at 1600 speeds, instead. My mobo is currently a Sabertooth Z77 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821) and supports up to 1866 speeds as well.

If what Intel told me is correct, then I'm screwed out of 130$. If Intel gave me incorrect information though, then I'm wondering as to why my mobo is not reducing the RAM speeds or if my processor is really a defective product.
 
Solution
jimmysmitty
Lets clarify some things first. Intel is giving you correct information. A Sandy Bridge based CPUs IMC officially only supports up to DDR3-1333MHz 1.5V, meaning that's the fastest the IMC will run. Ivy Bridge and Haswell both support DDR3-1600MHz 1.5v.

Now outside of the CPU, you can run the memory at faster than spec. I am running a 2500K with DDR3-1600MHz # 1.5v. The voltage is the most important part as if you run it higher, it voids the warranty.

In all reality you wont see much of a benefit with DDR3-1866MHz over DDR3-1600MHz in most applications as the memory bus is already fast enough.

The lights on the motherboard are helpful but not always 100%. If the CPU light comes up it could mean its the CPU, motherboard or memory as...
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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I think Intel rep told you wrong.
Check the G.skil ram configurator.
If the ram is listed for your motherboard, and I think it will be, then you will get support from G.skil.

1866 ram is 1600 ram that can be overclocked to 1866. If necessary, just specify 1600 in the bios and you should be good.
It will not hurt real app speed or fps. Possibly 1%
 
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grimreapaa

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I thought as much, but can I enter my bios without the CPU?
 
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jimmysmitty

jimmysmitty

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Lets clarify some things first. Intel is giving you correct information. A Sandy Bridge based CPUs IMC officially only supports up to DDR3-1333MHz 1.5V, meaning that's the fastest the IMC will run. Ivy Bridge and Haswell both support DDR3-1600MHz 1.5v.

Now outside of the CPU, you can run the memory at faster than spec. I am running a 2500K with DDR3-1600MHz # 1.5v. The voltage is the most important part as if you run it higher, it voids the warranty.

In all reality you wont see much of a benefit with DDR3-1866MHz over DDR3-1600MHz in most applications as the memory bus is already fast enough.

The lights on the motherboard are helpful but not always 100%. If the CPU light comes up it could mean its the CPU, motherboard or memory as they all tie into the CPU. If the memory light comes on, same thing.

Your best bet is to get a test stick of RAM or try each stick individually and see if it POSTs.
 
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grimreapaa

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Sep 11, 2013
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Thank you for the information. So, it's looking like I'll have to be getting DDR3 1600 RAM for my CPU?
I have also previously tested the modules individually to see if it would work and still had no solution.

 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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No, you need the cpu to enter the bios.
If there is a defect part, I would guess the cpu last.
More likely the motherboard or ram.
Ram will default to a low speed just so you can get into the bios and set the ram specs higher.
Does just one stick work?
 
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grimreapaa

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Sep 11, 2013
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One stick does not appear to be working. If needed, I can post a quick video on what happens on startup.

 
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grimreapaa

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Sep 11, 2013
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Well, this still leaves me clueless then as to what the issue may be. My current layout of all components are on a non-conductive surface and I have just attempted to start the computer. As usual, the CPU light comes on and if it is an issue with the memory, I hold down the MemOk! button until it begins flashing and the CPU light remains.
I have tested each RAM module individually and cycled through each.
 
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grimreapaa

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Sep 11, 2013
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Upon further investigation, I discovered there were about three bent pins on the bottom right corner of the socket. Sneaky little things blended right in with the black around them.

Now that I have the issue discovered, is there any way to solve this?
 
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