Newly Built PC doesn't boot with 2 RAMs. Been stuck on this for a month now... Please help.

esplin2966 · Nov 22, 2014

Hi, I can't get my newly-built PC to post with both RAMs inserted. I have been stuck on this for nearly a month now, so I'm getting pretty frustrated.

Hardware (I have been working outside of the case)

Motherboard: ASRock Z97e-itx/ac
CPU: Intel Core i5-4590S
Memory: Kingston Kingston Hyper X Blu 8 GB (2x4GB Modules) 1600MHz CL9 (KHX1600C9D3B1K2/8GX)
Cooler: Silverstone AR05
Power Source: picoPSU-160-XT + 192W Adapter Power Kit (http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-160-XT-192W-Adapter-Power-Kit)

Symptoms

System does not boot with both RAMs in slots, but boots with either RAM in slot A.

Diagnostics

1) Put all combinations of RAMs in RAM slots. Discovered that:
Ram 1 in Slot A => Boots to BIOS.
Ram 2 in Slot A => Boots to BIOS.
RAM 1 in Slot B => Fan spins, but blank screen.
Ram 2 in Slot B => Fan spins, but blank screen.
Ram 1 in Slot A, Ram 2 in Slot B => Fan spins, but blank screen.
Ram 2 In Slot A, Ram 1 in Slot B = > Fan spins, but blank screen.

2) Changed 4 motherboards and 2 RAM kits. The same pattern in 1) persists. The 4 motherboards are 1 ASRock H97M-itx and 3 ASRock Z97e-itx. The 2 RAM kits are Kingston HyperX FURY 8GB Kit (2x4GB) 1600MHz CL10 (HX316C10FWK2/8) and Kingston Kingston Hyper X Blu 8 GB (2x4GB Modules) 1600MHz CL9 (KHX1600C9D3B1K2/8GX).

3) Tested the PSU using multimeter. Each pin gives the correct voltage.

4) Photographed the motherboard CPU socket and the CPU. No bent pins in the CPU socket and no shorts on the CPU.

5) Went into BIOS with 1 RAM, manually changed the settings to be 1600 Hz and the CAS to be 9-9-9-27. Unplug power supply and put in 2nd RAM. Reboots and still doesn't work.

I feel like I have tried almost everything and it's still magically not working. Does anyone have any conjectures or other tests to try?

Thank you very much for your help.

Kohwali · Nov 22, 2014

Eh, when you insert your RAM sticks, they need to be one RAM slot apart.

Tradesman1 · Nov 22, 2014

Try loosening the CPU cooler, then snug it back down. May be too tight on a side or corner which can affect the MC (memory controller).

esplin2966 · Nov 22, 2014

Kohwali :

It's a Mini-ITX board. There are only 2 RAM slots.

esplin2966 · Nov 22, 2014

Tradesman1 :

Hmm, interesting. I will try booting without the CPU cooler on it but with the fan plugged in, and I'll get back to you.

Kohwali · Nov 22, 2014

esplin2966 :

Derp! I didn't notice that!

esplin2966 · Nov 22, 2014

Ok, tried booting without the cooler on top. Still doesn't work with 2 RAMs.

Tradesman1 · Nov 22, 2014

Might be bad slot, a stick the rig doesn't like, bad mobo, bad Memory controller in the CPU, can you get your hands on a couple other sticks just to test with

stockenbarrel · Nov 22, 2014

Per the asrock site the second pair of RAM you tested is not supported so testing those isnt going to tell you much but that still doesnt explain why both of the kingston Blus work in slot A... When you boot into the Bios is the Intel XMP option on? Try enabling or Disabling that. The RAM, Mobo and CPU all support XMP.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97E-ITXac/?cat=Memory

esplin2966 · Nov 23, 2014

Tradesman1 :

Is there any way to test bad RAM slot? It is the 4th motherboard with the same symptoms, so I think it's unlikely that it's a bad RAM slot, but I'll test it if there is a way.

The stick is actually on the motherboard's list of supported memory (like, the exact model and color and everything), so hopefully that's not the case.

Bad memory controller in CPU... tbh, I'm very suspicious of this right now, but how do I test this? My CPU is past the RMA deadline, so I really don't want to shell out another $200 for a new i5 if I don't have to...

Kohwali · Nov 23, 2014

esplin2966 :

You can test it by using your motherboard in a different system and seeing if the same issue occurs. If it still happens, you should try contacting your vendor and seeing if you can RMA it anyways and just let them know it was like this the whole time.

As for the CPU, do the same thing. Try it in a different system.

esplin2966 · Nov 23, 2014

Kohwali :

esplin2966 :

You can test it by using your motherboard in a different system and seeing if the same issue occurs. If it still happens, you should try contacting your vendor and seeing if you can RMA it anyways and just let them know it was like this the whole time.

As for the CPU, do the same thing. Try it in a different system.

Ok... I guess I'll call Microcenter tomorrow and see if they can RMA my cpu, which is many days past the deadline.

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