Desktop needs RAM to be removed and replaced before it will boot

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samie12

Reputable
Dec 31, 2015
2
0
4,510
I have been using my desktop perfectly fine for the last month or so. I bought a second hand gtx 560ti which started playing up artifacting on the desktop and blue screening. I stopped using it but left it in the machine switching to onboard graphics, which continued to bsod on shutdown.

Yesterday i decided to remove the gpu. The machine started up no problems. However after shutting down it would not restart. The fans would switch on and the hdd spin up but now boot screen and keyboard lights (numpad, capslock etc.) would not light up. The fans would ramp up and down but nothing would happen. Occasionally after about 5 mins it would get to the splash screen, then the dual boot screen then switch off and start again.

I removed every bit piece by piece and replaced it except for the RAM. Nothing. Finally i switched the two ram sticks into the other slots; only two slots, nothing. I removed one stick and it booted fine. I ran a memory check through windows and no problems. I put the other stick back in and it worked fine. Ibrestarted several tines no problems.

I came to switch it on this morning and no boot. Until i remove one ram stick and replace it.

Any ideas?
 
Solution
BrandX
You'll need a can of air, aka "spray duster". It's not actually air in the can but even so the prices at Maplins and PC World are a bit much - £10 a can. Staples sell them for £5.50, some discount stores sell much the same thing for £2.50 and the cheapest I've seen is £1. I have a portable air compressor so I use that. (edit number 2 - or if I'd checked at my local Poundland I would have noticed they have loads in stock!)

While you're at it, you might want to take your PC outside (keep it dry!) and give the whole thing a good blow out. It's surprising the clouds of dust that come out of a well-used PC. Also, if you happen to have any pure alcohol or alcohol wipes (sold at any pharmacy), give the gold contacts on the ram sticks a clean...
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samie12

Reputable
Dec 31, 2015
2
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4,510


thanks for answering so quickly, how would i best go about cleaning it? also it functions absolutely no problems the second time I turn it on. I've been doing it for about 5 days now and never have an issue on the second switch on as long as I only have one RAM stick in.
 
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BrandX

BrandX

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Aug 30, 2013
179
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10,710
You'll need a can of air, aka "spray duster". It's not actually air in the can but even so the prices at Maplins and PC World are a bit much - £10 a can. Staples sell them for £5.50, some discount stores sell much the same thing for £2.50 and the cheapest I've seen is £1. I have a portable air compressor so I use that. (edit number 2 - or if I'd checked at my local Poundland I would have noticed they have loads in stock!)

While you're at it, you might want to take your PC outside (keep it dry!) and give the whole thing a good blow out. It's surprising the clouds of dust that come out of a well-used PC. Also, if you happen to have any pure alcohol or alcohol wipes (sold at any pharmacy), give the gold contacts on the ram sticks a clean - just a quick wipe.

edit*
Oh, and if it still doesn't work, you can try wiping out the inside of the ram slot with alcohol. For aggressive cleaning you could use a little piece of extra-fine grade emery to polish out the contacts.

Nearly forgot - you should unplug the PC and hold down the power button for about 30 seconds to discharge the capacitors. And if you're being super-careful, leave it to stand for 2 hours to make sure all the charge has dissipated to prevent possible damage to the motherboard.
 
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