PC won't post unless I reinsert RAM

nevftw

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Feb 17, 2017
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Hello,
I have a problem and hope someone of you might be able to help me.

My PC does not post anymore all of a sudden. It was running fine and I did not change any components or did any kind of software changes or updates.
As I was checking to see which component died, I found out that taking the ram out of one slot and putting it into the other made the PC boot pretty much every single time, but only once. If it want to start it again I have to switch the ram again.
So I thought it was a ram problem, ordered a new one and it worked fine....for one day. Now I have the same problem with the new ram.

I am sure, that it is not a problem with the GPU and not a software problem (booting with internal graphics or without harddrives connected won't change anything).
I also removed the CMOS battery and put it back in with no results.

Now I would check the motherboard and psu, but I don't have either here and would have to order it first.
So maybe someone could tell me which one might be more plausible or if I should maybe check something different first.

I hope someone is able to help me, and thank you in advance.



Intel Core I5 4460
Gigabyte GTX 960
Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD3 Mainboard
Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3 1600

 
Solution


Sounds more like a motherboard issue.
If it was bent/broken CPU pin the problem should occur not just durring POST but the whole time the computer is on.

You can get a usb drive and download MEMTEST and at least test your ram (and in effect the ram slot).
I understand that when you finally get your PC to work, it works without any problems, even under heavy load? If yes, then I would say PSU has nothing to your problem.
It could be that your motherboard is failing. But it could be motherboard battery is failing. How old is mobo? If more then 4 years, I would first exchange mobo battery. If that won't help, you probably need new motherboard.
 


Sounds more like a motherboard issue.
If it was bent/broken CPU pin the problem should occur not just durring POST but the whole time the computer is on.

You can get a usb drive and download MEMTEST and at least test your ram (and in effect the ram slot).
 
Solution

apesoccer

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Jun 11, 2004
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Yep...it sounds like it could be a motherboard (check your caps for leaks/bulges)...but it also sounds like a memory Controller issue... Where is our memory controller now days, i believe its on-cpu now right (amd's is on-cpu...but i think intel's is too now right)? Could potentially be a psu issue...
 

nevftw

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Feb 17, 2017
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510



Thank you for your very fast response.
The motherboard is only about a year old, but I will try to get a replacement to test it and see what memtest is telling me.

Thanks a lot so far.
 

apesoccer

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Jun 11, 2004
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What ended up being the answer to this? After looking over your issue again, i kinda wonder if it wasn't a degrading memory chip(s). When it first boots it'll often set to a lower speed/voltage (and or default), which may have been allowing you to post but not much else. Then after reboot it picks up the saved profile and dies because its not able to hold that voltage + speed anymore (as opposed to the default for all chips). Could also not be running in ddr, might have checked what the memory is running at and if its running in ddr or sdr speeds etc... Anyway, hope you found your way.