PC Won't boot with more than one memory module plugged in.

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K

Klaaf

Commendable
Aug 2, 2016
4
0
1,510
A few days ago, my PC started randomly shutting down. At first I figured it was my PSU acting up, however I have now localized the problem to my RAM modules.

If I only plug in one memory bank, my PC seems to run fine (as far as I can tell now). Once I plug in a second one, it will refuse to turn on (the fans will spin, then it shuts down). My memory is all of the same type: 2x Corsair 8GB dual channel: CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 (so 4x 4GB in total).

Other troubleshooting steps I have done:
- Temperatures are fine
- Using a different PSU
- Using onboard GPU
- Disconnect everything non-essential (GPU, HDD/SSD, peripherals)
- Upping memory voltage a bit
- BIOS reset.
- Swapping around RAM modules

Do you guys have any suggestions what else can I try, besides getting a new motherboard?

The only thing I can think of, is that I installed a new CPU cooler about a month ago, I might've messed something up then, but I doubt it. I was unable to spot any leftover cooling paste gunk and my CPU temperatures have been fine. I'm completely at a loss for what else to try, save for getting a brand new motherboard. Thank you in advance!

Full PC Specs:

Windows 10 64-bit
Intel i5 4690K @ 3.50 GHz (not OC'ed atm)
2x 8GB DDR3 Corsair dual channel (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 )
Gigabyte Z97-D3H-CF
Toxic R9 280X 3G D5
XFX 650W (and tested with a Corsair RM750X as well)
 
Solution
Lutfij
1| Memory voltage should not exceed 1.65v and should ideally be at 1.5v unless stated by memory manufacturer.
2| Have you made sure your BIOS is up to date?
3| What aftermarket cooler are we talking about here?
4| Were you working with the above mentioned ram load out since you build the machine?
5| Did the issue crop up after you migrated to Windows 10?
6| Since you're on Windows 10, you may want to disable automatic device driver update and see if the issue is alleviated.

Does the system reboot when in BIOS? If so then it's a power delivery failure. If not then try and run memtest86 for at least 10 passes per stick per slot to rule out your ram sticks and/or the ram slots or both as faulty.
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Lutfij

Lutfij

Titan
Moderator
Oct 7, 2009
54,076
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1| Memory voltage should not exceed 1.65v and should ideally be at 1.5v unless stated by memory manufacturer.
2| Have you made sure your BIOS is up to date?
3| What aftermarket cooler are we talking about here?
4| Were you working with the above mentioned ram load out since you build the machine?
5| Did the issue crop up after you migrated to Windows 10?
6| Since you're on Windows 10, you may want to disable automatic device driver update and see if the issue is alleviated.

Does the system reboot when in BIOS? If so then it's a power delivery failure. If not then try and run memtest86 for at least 10 passes per stick per slot to rule out your ram sticks and/or the ram slots or both as faulty.
 
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Solution
K

Klaaf

Commendable
Aug 2, 2016
4
0
1,510
To be able to fully check my motherboard for any defects, I just took it out of the case. But for some reason, it's now running fine with 4 memory banks plugged in. (For now at least). Could it be that it was shortcircuiting somehow somewhere due to me messing something up with my CPU cooler replacement?

And to answer your other questions:

1| Memory voltage should not exceed 1.65v and should ideally be at 1.5v unless stated by memory manufacturer.
It's currently at default, 1.5V

2| Have you made sure your BIOS is up to date?
I'd rather not update the BIOS, I can't imagine it would make any difference?

3| What aftermarket cooler are we talking about here?
Scythe Fuma

4| Were you working with the above mentioned ram load out since you build the machine?
Yes, for over a year.

5| Did the issue crop up after you migrated to Windows 10?
Not directly, I've been using W10 without issues for a while now.

6| Since you're on Windows 10, you may want to disable automatic device driver update and see if the issue is alleviated.
Nope.

Does the system reboot when in BIOS? If so then it's a power delivery failure. If not then try and run memtest86 for at least 10 passes per stick per slot to rule out your ram sticks and/or the ram slots or both as faulty.

When it reboots it does so before it reaches BIOS (there is no beep/screen). The fans start spinning for a second, then it'd shut down. I tested with 2 different PSU's so I doubt that's the problem.

I did try each stick with mdsched, I will try with memtest as well.

Thanks for the help by the way.





 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Jun 5, 2013
67,883
40
126,960
When you say you plug into 'one' memory bank' are you talking a single slot, 1 stick? Getting all 4 to play may be tough in the first place as there's never a guarantee when mixing packages of DRAM - even if the same identical model. I'd try removing the DRAM, unplug, reset CMOS then start by trying the new sticks in slots 1-3 or 2-4. See if the work, if not try in slots 1-2 from CPU and see - let us know what is going on
 
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K

Klaaf

Commendable
Aug 2, 2016
4
0
1,510


Small update, I tried all suggestions in the thread. Memtested each stick, tried different configurations, borrowed some RAM from a friend. In the end I was unable to find the problem. So I've now sent my board and CPU to the vendor I got them from for an RMA. So the problem is not really 'solved' but I guess I'll have to end up getting a new motherboard. Thanks for all the advice anyway :D
 
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Lutfij

Lutfij

Titan
Moderator
Oct 7, 2009
54,076
4,748
173,390
Thank you for selecting my post as the Best Answer though are you sure it provided the assistance that you required in this thread? It'd be helpful to the entire community if we got a followup of your issue. Perhaps with your new board and pre-existing hardware the issue is non existant? Then the slots on your board might've been faulty to begin with.
 
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K

Klaaf

Commendable
Aug 2, 2016
4
0
1,510


I don't remember setting any post as best answer, as my problem technically hasn't been fixed yet. Your post did help troubleshooting though. I sent my motherboard to the vendor I bought it at. They confirmed my problem and sent it to Gigabyte for repair/replacement. I've been using an old board (with the same RAM sticks) in the meantime. I have not yet had any further updates.
 
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Lutfij

Lutfij

Titan
Moderator
Oct 7, 2009
54,076
4,748
173,390
Well you should scroll up and see that my post was selected by you as the Best Answer to this thread thus the notification I got. It's mentioned on the lower left hand corner of my post. If it was selected by accident, I'd gladly remove it for you ;)
 
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