Computer Only boots with one ram

dake222

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Jul 10, 2014
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My friend is building his computer and originally his computer would boot up and fans would run but no display. He said that his gpu would periodically spin up and down but he says that might just be what it does.

So we tried to figure out why there was no display. We took out 4 pins from the 8-pin connector on the motherboard and then took out the ram. 3 beeps started on the computer telling us that there was no memory, so then we plugged in one ram and there was a display. But then we put in the other stick and it wouldn't boot again

So we tested every ram slot and each ram. We put in one ram into the red slot and it booted, we put the other ram in that same slot and it booted. We put one ram into the black slot and it booted and it booted with the other, but it never booted with both inside, in either red or black slot.

What could be the problem that only allows the computer to be bootable with one ram?

Here is the build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/zqg3HN

Here is picture of the motherboard without ram and gpu in: http://i.imgur.com/MWJdXs9.jpg
 
Solution
From here the only possible issues are over tightened heatsink or bent CPU pin. Rarly is the case for either. Try moving your RAM in the slots for one last try with the new bios I guess. My guess your going to need either a new motherboard or RAM. Given both RAM sticks worked seperate I am leaning toward the motherboard.

dake222

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Jul 10, 2014
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How do you update the bios? And I dont think the ram is bad because each of them worked on their own.
 
I agree with the previous user, a BIOS update is likely to fix your issue.

http://www.asrock.com/support/BIOSUI.asp?cat=BIOS8 here is the ASRock guide to updating your BIOS

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Fatal1ty%20Z170%20Gaming... and here is where you can download the most recent BIOS update for your MOBO.

Note you will need some sort of storage device such as a flash drive or disk to save it onto, and you should format the flash drive if that is what you will be using.
 

dake222

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Jul 10, 2014
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Just updated the bios but it still wont boot up with both rams installed.
 
From here the only possible issues are over tightened heatsink or bent CPU pin. Rarly is the case for either. Try moving your RAM in the slots for one last try with the new bios I guess. My guess your going to need either a new motherboard or RAM. Given both RAM sticks worked seperate I am leaning toward the motherboard.
 
Solution