Computer boots (not really) after inserting >2 ram sticks (might not be ram issue though)

bobston · Oct 5, 2014

So I have a problem. For some reason when I put more than two sticks of ram into their appropriate slots on motherboard the following actions occur. My computer monitor displays absolutely nothing (led light is on so not power issue), and the fan over my processor's heatsink spins loudly oscillating between high speeds. All computer components seem to be running.
This problem continued to occur upon reboot until I removed the added ram as well as removing and reinserting one of the original sticks.

Additionally I have tried different ram stick combinations (have 2x2g and 2x1g) and it does not seem to be dependent on the sticks inserted.

Anyone have an idea what the problem might be?
Currently ordering new thermal paste in the hopes that that is the issue.

Chicano · Oct 5, 2014

Some computers, mostly old and/or with limited RAM capacity may not boot if you add more RAM per slot than what it supports. For example; If it supports a maximum per slot of 1GB for a 2GB total and you add 2GB per slot for a 4GB total, or a single 2GB module on a slot that support 1GB maximum.

To confirm or discard this possibility some computer information is necessary. Make it at least the following specifications... more if possible:

1. If prebuilt computer: The model, and Motherboard, CPU, RAM.
2. If homebuild: Motherboard brand and model, CPU, and RAM
3. RAM: Both the old and the new RAM type, size and speed

Tradesman1 · Oct 6, 2014

Chicano :

Some computers, mostly old and/or with limited RAM capacity may not boot if you add more RAM per slot than what it supports. For example; If it supports a maximum per slot of 1GB for a 2GB total and you add 2GB per slot for a 4GB total, or a single 2GB module on a slot that support 1GB maximum.

To confirm or discard this possibility some computer information is necessary. Make it at least the following specifications... more if possible:

1. If prebuilt computer: The model, and Motherboard, CPU, RAM.
2. If homebuild: Motherboard brand and model, CPU, and RAM
3. RAM: Both the old and the new RAM type, size and speed

_______________________

+1

bobston · Oct 7, 2014

I should additionally note that my computer was working for >1 year with all 4 ram cards inserted. My computer is homebuilt and getting quite old, below are specs:

AMD Phenom(tm) x2 555 processor 3.2GHz
2 x 2Gb kingston DDR3 1333
2 x 1GB kingston DDR3 1333
having trouble finding the model number of MB, but it is ASUS.

Chicano · Oct 7, 2014

So, it's obvious your motherboard is capable of running at least up to 8GB of RAM, so discard the first suggested possibility. But I'm having trouble fully understanding your initial post... you said the problem started when you put in the additional new RAM, and it continued up untill you removed the added RAM and reseated one of the original sticks?.. So you are now back to square one?... If so, install HWiNFO to get the motherboard model, and run the Sensors to get CPU and mobo temps, voltages and fan speeds.

http://www.hwinfo.com/
http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/hwinfo-portable

Tradesman1 · Oct 7, 2014

Yep it sounds like the sticks don't want to play - might try the 2x2s in 1-3 from CPU then go into BIOS, make sure at 1333, and then raise the DRAM voltga e =).075 and raise the CPU/NB voltage to 1.2 and give it a try

bobston · Oct 8, 2014

Chicano :

Yes, ran HWiNFO and everything looks relatively cool, see attached.
HWiNFO sensor page: page 1 , page 2
Motherboard Model: ASUS M4A79XTD EVO
Motherboard Chipset: AMD 790X (RD780) + SB750/SB710

Yep it sounds like the sticks don't want to play - might try the 2x2s in 1-3 from CPU then go into BIOS, make sure at 1333, and then raise the DRAM voltga e =).075 and raise the CPU/NB voltage to 1.2 and give it a try

Not entirely sure what you mean? I went into the BIOS and did not see any settings that allowed me to change voltage lines to specific values (there was small offsets listed for different voltage lines though). Will double check BIOS is reading at 1333, HWiNFO also says they are running at 1333

Tradesman1 · Oct 8, 2014

SOrry look for DRAM settings and find the DRAM voltage - set it to 1.575, then find the CPU/NB voltage (had typos earlier, sorry) and raise it to 1.2 or as close to that as possible

bobston · Oct 8, 2014

[strike]Can't seem to find DRAM setting or adjustable CPU voltage in BIOS, is there any other way to get to them?
[/strike]

So I found the settings after a little searching through the advanced tab, but unfortunately changing the voltages did not fix the >2 ram problem. Will try some different stick combinations.

4 sticks = fan no longer oscillates between high speeds but monitor never turns on.

these are the slots on MB ------> || ||
[ = 2G stick, \ = 1G stick, | = empty
stick combinations:
\ \ [ | = runs
\ | [ [ = powers on but never makes it to BIOS
[ [ | | = runs
\ \ [ [ = powers on but never makes it to BIOS
\ [ [ | = runs

So in the last trial I was able to get 5G of ram to run with your new voltage values, maybe if I turn voltage up more I can get the last one to work also? Waiting on your confirmation before messing with voltage values.

Chicano · Oct 8, 2014

The only abnormal reading I see in the HWiNFO report is the DIMM (RAM) at 1.632 v... that was before you answered with

bobston :

The maximum for DDR3 1333Mhz is 1.5 v. Mine for example are running at 1.488 v. So, get it down because it looks like the value was already higher than the 1.575 v Tradesman suggested.

Your CPU and motherboard are also running a bit hot... not enough to cause problems in the short term, but in the long run the results may be unpredictable.

bobston · Oct 8, 2014

Chicano :

Thanks for the good ideas. As mentioned in OP, my thermal paste arrived yesterday and I cleaned and applied it to CPU (had a terrible paste job before). Additionally followed your advice in changing the DDR3 1333Mhz ram to 1.5V (put CPU back to auto voltage also) in BIOS and then decided to play around with my ram sticks again.
Oddly enough when I tried inserting all 4 sticks in a particular order ( 1GB, 2GB, 2GB, 1GB) IT WORKED!!!!! Still a little confused why it would not get to BIOS in every other combination, but hell i'm not complaining.

Thank you Chicano and Tradesman for the tips and pointing me in the right direction, if you are interested here is my
new sensor data with everything apparently running (cooler).

Tradesman1 · Oct 8, 2014

Glad to hear, have fun!

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Computer boots (not really) after inserting >2 ram sticks (might not be ram issue though)

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