Computer doesn't boot after installing a single RAM stick (2+2+4 = 0)

eastrn · Nov 12, 2015

Hello, I've recently bought a new ram stick in order to boost the performance of my rig, but I've stumbled upon some pretty serious issues. First of all, my motherboard, MSI H55M E33 was equipped with a pair of Kingston 1333mhz CL9 2GB+2GB RAM modules at the right slots, so no problems there. The problems started when I purchased a single Kingston 1333mhz CL9 4GB module. Firstly, when I plugged it in, the computer wouldn't boot, it just restarted everytime I got over the screen that my mobo makes. I've searched internet and found out it was fairly common. I replaced the single module to the other free slot. This time however, the pc would boot, but there was no signal coming out of the dvi port in my graphics card, so that was pretty strange. Then I pulled out the single RAM stick and used the standard 2+2 setup, and it worked. I've read here that my mobo doesn't support a RAM stick with single sided ic's and yes, the 2+2 sticks are with double sided ic's. If that's the case, is there any possibility of using that single 4GB stick? Or do I have to buy another 4GB stick in order for it to work in dual channel mode? Or should I just write that 4GB RAM stick off on losses.

Sorry for any grammar mistakes.

Setup:
i3 540 @ 3.07
GTX 750 ti 2GB
2+2GB 1333mhz ddr3
MSI H55M E33
500GB HDD
350W PSU

edit - funnily enough, these are the same exact damned RAM sticks mentioned in this thread http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2489408/single-sided-double-sided-memory-sticks.html

utroz · Nov 12, 2015

Have you tried booting up with only the new 4GB stick?

dotaloc · Nov 12, 2015

first, try what utroz suggested to verify that the 4GB stick will work.

i've heard that mixing ram for dual channel operation is tricky...all the settings have to be the same, i think. plus, i've never seen a 2x2GB x 1x4GB dual channel setup, though I'm not certain it wouldn't work. your motherboard manual may have information for specific slot usage for 3 dimm setups, etc...definitely have a look at that.

eastrn · Nov 13, 2015

The pc would bsod on me whenever I try to use the single 4GB stick option. I've found this http://www.manualslib.com/manual/440698/Intel-Dh55tc.html?page=16#manual , stating that h55 mobo's support both single channel (asymmetric) and dual channel (interleaved) modes.

Tradesman1 · Nov 13, 2015

Mixing DRAM is a crapshoot, more in my article, Fiction, Item 2 here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html

utroz · Nov 13, 2015

eastrn :

So is apparent that this RAM will not work in your motherboard. I would return it or sell it ASAP..

eastrn · Nov 13, 2015

I guess this serves me right for buying a 5y old pc. Thanks for your help.

utroz · Nov 13, 2015

eastrn :

Not a problem. Please mark the thread as solved by using the "Pick as the solution" button on whatever post that was most helpful..

Tradesman1 · Nov 13, 2015

The Kingston stick is high density, and not compatible with your mobo

dotaloc · Nov 13, 2015

Tradesman1 :

I just got some high density stuff off ebay and was surprised it worked (I DO have an AMD setup, which seems to be more accommodating). I got 16 GB for cheap (4x 4GB DDR2 dimms), but was only able to get 8GB to read...still twice what I had been running, so I'll take it with 8GB spare in case I can use in another AMD system I happen upon which could use a little extra pep.

Search

Computer doesn't boot after installing a single RAM stick (2+2+4 = 0)

eastrn

Reputable

Tradesman1

utroz

Splendid

dotaloc

Distinguished

eastrn

Reputable

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum

utroz

Splendid

eastrn

Reputable

utroz

Splendid

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum

dotaloc

Distinguished

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page