Reboot loop with CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo and 4 RAM modules

John Stoehr

Honorable
Jan 16, 2014
1
0
10,510
I built a new PC a few days ago, and I'm having a weird problem. My PC won't even POST if there is a RAM stick in either 3rd or 4th slot. Reboots after 5-6 seconds. There's no beep, nothing on the screen, no BIOS. All fans are spinning. Also tried with all components removed besides CPU and RAM, using onboard video. No difference. Tried all combinations with RAM. I can only boot with one stick in either 1st and 2nd slots, or both. Swapping sticks makes no difference.

Removed cooler and CPU to see if there are any bents in the socket. Didn't find any, though I'm not sure. All pins seem a little bent but in the same direction. They all look exactly the same. But no one stands out. I have uploaded two images.

Then I installed the CPU again, but didn't properly mount the cooler. I just placed it on the CPU but didn't screw it down. It magically worked with all RAM modules installed! BIOS correctly identifies all memory (16GB, 1600Mhz). However, even with slightly fastened screws it starts to fail again with the same symptoms as above.

What could it be? How can use all of my 16GB RAM with CPU cooler properly installed?

TL;DR:

  • ■ New build. No overclocking.
    ■ No POST/BEEP/BIOS/SCREEN with RAM in 3rd or 4th slot. Reboot loop.
    ■ Only boots with 1-2 RAM modules in 1st and 2nd slots.
    ■ Works with all 4 modules only when CPU cooler is not mounted but only touching the CPU.

Things tried:

  • ■ CMOS clear
    ■ Another PSU
    ■ All RAM combinations

Build: