asus a88xm-a dual channel ram problem

maikel1977 · Oct 23, 2013

Hi people.

I've built a new system using these components:
- asus a88xm-a mobo
- A10-5800K
- G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR3 2133 PC3-17000 8GB 2x4GB CL9
- Seagate barracuda 2TB
- power supply 450w NOX

Well, I've a big problem because it's imposible to enable the dual channel ram. I've installed the ram modules following asus indications (DIMM_A1&DIMM_B1 or DIMM_A2&DIMM_B2), and the bios detects 2X4GB modules but only shows a total ram of 4GB [I'm including a photo who shows this point].

Currently I've installed the ram modules in DIMM_A1&DIMM_A2 and the bios shows a total ram of 8GB, but I'm not using the dual channel. Maybe is there something weird with my mobo?, because it has the bios version 0402, and well the latest asus bios published for this mobo is the version 0311. :heink:

Well, I'll appreciate any help

Tradesman1 · Oct 24, 2013

Upgrading the bIOS might help, what does it show in CPU-Z in the memory tab next to Channel #

maikel1977 · Oct 24, 2013

I can't update the bios, because the latest asus bios published for this mobo is the version 0311 and my mobo has the bios version 0402, if I try to install the bios 0311 the mobo rejects the operation: you cannot use an outdated bios. I just checked CPU-Z: Channel 'single'

I've just received a mail from asus tech support about this problem. They told me that this happens because my A10-5800K doesn't support DDR3-2133. Well I've entered the bios and I've configured the RAM manually to 1600mhz, and the problem persist: the mobo detects two 4GB RAM modules in slots DIMM_A1 & DIMM_B1 but only shows a total RAM of 4GB.

I'm now testing the mobo using ONLY one Ram module, these are the results:
-. if i put the RAM module in DIMM_A1: the pc starts
-. if i put the RAM module in DIMM_A2: the pc starts
-. if i put the RAM module in DIMM_B1: the pc doesn't starts (black screen)
-. if i put the RAM module in DIMM_B2: the pc doesn't starts (black screen)
That is, if I only put one RAM module the pc only starts if the module is in DIMM_Ax. Is this normal?, or have my DIMM_Bx slots any kind problem?

Tradesman1 · Oct 24, 2013

Might want to check the CPU for bent/broken pins, if any are bent, can often straighten them with a pair of razor blades

maikel1977 · Oct 25, 2013

That's a good idea. I've just checked the cpu and all the pins are ok. Well, I think the cpu's northbridge chip is ok.

One question, if I try to start the pc with with only a RAM module located in DIMM_B1 or DIMM_B2 nothing happens, is this normal?

juanjostorreshernndez · Oct 25, 2013

maikel1977 :

no,it should work with one RAM module,located in any of the DIMMs .
try to downgrade the bios one version behind and see if problems go on(you have to do something up or down to check bios integrity)

Tradesman1 · Oct 25, 2013

May be a bad mobo (the DRAM slots)

maikel1977 · Oct 25, 2013

Thanks for the answers.

Today asus has published a new bios, so I've updated my mobo but nothing changes: the mobo detects 2x4G ram modules in slots DIM_A1&DIM_B2 but only gives me a total RAM of 4G:

Well I think the problem it's one of this points:

-. The mobo is faulty, but I'm not sure about this because when I put the RAM modules in the slots they are detected

-. I'm using 2133mhz ram modules. Asus tech support told me that my cpu doesn't support this modules so it discard one of them (I don't think so, this sounds weird to me)

-. The memory controller is inside the apu, so maybe my A10-5800K cpu has some kind of problem. But the cpu pins are all ok, and the cpu works great (no hang ups, no blue screens...)

Well, I think I'll try to get some external components to test my system.

Tradesman1 · Oct 25, 2013

Try them at 1866

maikel1977 · Oct 26, 2013

I've tested at 1866, but the problem persists. Tomorrow I think I'll test the mobo using a pair of ram modules from other computer

maikel1977 · Oct 27, 2013

Today, after a power surge warning the psu is dead. The problem is that the atx12v 4pin conector is melted. So tomorrow I'm asking for a psu replacement and a compensation for the damaged(melted) mobo.

Tradesman1 · Oct 27, 2013

Let us know how it goes

maikel1977 · Oct 28, 2013

Here you have some pictures:

http://www.image-share.com/ijpg-2319-129.html
http://www.image-share.com/ijpg-2319-127.html

I can't understand how this happened, my system only uses 150 watios!!

One question about the damaged mobo, do you think I should start a rma with asus?

Tradesman1 · Oct 28, 2013

Looks like the PSU may have surged

maikel1977 · Nov 10, 2013

One question please. The asus a88xm-a uses a 4pin atx connector and my a10-5800k consumes 100W. Do you think the problem is that a 4pin atx connector can't supply a 100W cpu?

I'm asking this because when my PC died it was under heavy CPU load (3 hours at 99% CPU use), so the CPU was eating a lot of watts. I think that was too much fot the 4pin atx connector so it overheated & melted. Maybe an 8pin atx mobo is it better for this CPU??

juanjostorreshernndez · Nov 10, 2013

you can deliver 120W max from a 4PIN ATX connector, A105800K =max TDP is 100W but with OC activities yo can reach a lot more, so you maybe pass over 120W if overclocked the CPU

maikel1977 · Nov 10, 2013

The system wasn't overclocked (I prefer reliability), so I don't know how this happened. I think I'll discard the asus mobo (the dual ram channel never worked), and I'll pick an asrock or gigabyte mobo (both of them have a 8pin atx connector, I hope nothing get burned next time)

Tradesman1 · Nov 10, 2013

Check when you get the new mobo and ensure it supports the APU, it might have been that, though I have a feeling, like said before the PSU surged

maikel1977 · Nov 10, 2013

Yep probably the PSU surged, at least I checked and turned off the system before it go worst. I'm keen on this mobos, both of them supports the A10-5800K:

1.- ASRock FM2A88M Extreme4+
2.- Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H

Anyway when I rebuild my PC I'll told you what happens with the dual channel ram.

Tradesman1 · Nov 10, 2013

I'd suggest the Rock mobo

maikel1977 · Nov 28, 2013

I've received a new PSU and a new mobo. I'm using the new components and the same ram problem persists: DIMM_Bx aren't working

Therefore:

-. I discard a mobo problem (I'm using a new mobo and I think my old asus mobo was ok)
-. I discard a ram module problem (I've tested each module and they're fine)
-. I think my A10-5800K has some problem with his internall memory controller

Well, I think I'll ask AMD support or I'll start a rma with AMD

Tradesman1 · Nov 28, 2013

Have you checked the APU for bent/broken pins - can happen all too often

maikel1977 · Nov 28, 2013

Well I've checked lots of things today and the pins are ok, it's a disgusting problem. RAMMOn detects two RAM modules, but my total memory is only one RAM module.

Does it makes sense that the apu memory controller is bad and it can't use DIMM_Bx? I'm not sure about this because this my first PC with the northbridge inside the cpu.

Tradesman1 · Nov 28, 2013

May have missed it earlier but this is a 64bit OS? Also might look in MSCONFIG in the boot, advanced area adn see if MAX MEM is checked and limiting you to 4GB

maikel1977 · Nov 29, 2013

Yes, it's a 64 bit OS. I can use 8GB but only if I put the modules on DIMM_Ax. I think the APU memory controller is bad, I've tested two different mobos and the problem persists: the APU can't use any modules on DIMM_Bx.

asus a88xm-a dual channel ram problem

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