m5a97 le2.0 Can't recognize dimm B1/B2 - NOTE NEW DIMM MAPPINGS!

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bsmith_52

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May 27, 2013
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Tried many things (reset CMOS, different memory combos, etc.), but not able to recognize B1/B2.

I have 2 sticks of 1600 mhz 4gb RAM (Kingston and generic), same latency, getting along very well in A1/A2. But nothing is recognized in B1/B2 (they match the sticks in A1/A2).

I even replaced a used m5a97 with a new one, thinking that it may be a failing MOBO. But I have the same problem with the new MOBO.

I believe that there is some BIOS switch that I have not set up - setting up a MOBO is not my strong suit.

Thanks for any help.
Best regards,
Bill
 
Solution
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Found the problem. Bad processor.

It took a while for this old brain of mine could figure out the problem: the RAM should have been good. Both MOBO's exhibited the same problem. So, assuming the power supply was good, and no installation issues (confirmed after I installed the MOBO in a different case), what else could be wrong? The processor (DUH).

A friend was able to give me a used FX 4100 quad core to test. Now all 16Gb of RAM are humming and getting along wonderfully.

I had assumed that the random "Ubuntu has experienced an internal error" messages were the result of subtle incompatibility issues between AMD and Ubuntu. Maybe these will go away too!

I now have a hotter, less powerful (but hopefully more stable and fully...
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Calvin7

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Feb 19, 2013
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Mixing multiple memory kits, multiple random singles, and/or different brands of memory is not guaranteed to work as such combinations have never been tested together. Nothing is stopping you from making such combinations if you prefer doing your own memory compatibility testing.

Memory parameters should also be set in the BIOS. These parameters, (memory clock, DRAM timings, and DRAM voltage), can be set manually or by setting the Ai Overclock Tuner to (D.O.C.P) DRAM OverClock Profile.

Mixing different combinations and brands of memory would make setting these parameters correct and true in every detail very difficult. That is why memory is sold in single kits.
 
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bsmith_52

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Thanks for your response Calvin7.

I realize that I did not give you enough information regarding my previous attempts. So I redid some of my previous tries with the 2 Kingston 4GB 1600 sticks (they came as a kit, and are hopefully less prone to problems than the generic):

With the Ai tweaker set on all auto except the memory speed at 1333 -
- 4GB in B1 - No memory beep code (long beep followed by 2 short beeps - no POST)
- 4GB in B2 - No memory beep code
- 4GB in A2 - POST with 4GB recognized at 1600
- 8GB in A2 & B2 - POST with 4GB recognized at 1333 (dual channel)
- 8GB in A1 & A2 - post with 8GB recognized at 1333 (note: same results as with 1 generic and 1 Kingston)

Some additional information:
AMD 8320E processor

Note: the Kingston RAM was regular RAM (not "value" RAM). However, this particular stick was not listed on the AVL in the manual.

As I noted in my initial post, this is a similar problem that I had with the original MB. A new MB did not help, so I am (tentatively) concluding that the MB is not at fault.

I have not yet performed the about tests with the generic. It was advertised as being specifically for amd3 and and3+ systems (I believe that the M5A97 LE2.0 is amd3+).

Thanks again for any input.
 
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bsmith_52

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May 27, 2013
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I must be getting too old to work on computers!

I used the manual for a different MOBO for the DIMM mappings. They are totally different! No wonder nobody knows what to do!

Thanks to all who took a look and didn't know what to do.

Hope this helps!

NOTE: One more thing - With all slots filled, I get 8Gb recognized. I get exactly the same results with B1/B2 empty.

UPDATE 2/7/17 - Just to confirm: I tried the generic RAM. It worked just the same as the Kingston RAM when placed in the recommended dual channel configuration - that is, one in A2 and one in B2. The results were the same: 4 Gb of RAM recognized.

Possible conclusions, based on my testing:
1. I have gotten 2 M5A97 MOBO's defective in the same way OR
2. I have gotten 2 sets of 2x4Gb RAM (one "guaranteed" to work in AM3+ socket MOBO's) that are both bad OR
3. Some other setup issue (BIOS setting? other defective hardware?).

What other things can I test/change?

Thanks again for checking.
 
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bsmith_52

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May 27, 2013
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18,520
Found the problem. Bad processor.

It took a while for this old brain of mine could figure out the problem: the RAM should have been good. Both MOBO's exhibited the same problem. So, assuming the power supply was good, and no installation issues (confirmed after I installed the MOBO in a different case), what else could be wrong? The processor (DUH).

A friend was able to give me a used FX 4100 quad core to test. Now all 16Gb of RAM are humming and getting along wonderfully.

I had assumed that the random "Ubuntu has experienced an internal error" messages were the result of subtle incompatibility issues between AMD and Ubuntu. Maybe these will go away too!

I now have a hotter, less powerful (but hopefully more stable and fully functioning) system to work with.

Thanks again to all who looked at this post and scratched their heads. I hope that all of us have learned something!
 
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