Motherboard only detecting 2 out of 4 RAM modules

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

Hello,

I've recently acquired a Asrock X99 OC Formula motherboard
* https://www.alternate.es/ASRock/X99-OC-Formula-Placa-base/html/product/1160475?lk=8888

Alongside with a 4x8GB RAM kit:
* https://www.alternate.es/Corsair/DIMM-32GB-DDR4-2133-Quad-Kit-Memoria-RAM/html/product/1171007?lk=8897

I'm using a Xeon 2620 v4, RAM is plugged on slots A1, B1, C1 and D1, as per documentation, but it fails to detect all 4 modules. The UEFI bios says only 16GB are detected and on slots B1 and D1 (the innermost slots, next to the CPU). For instance, it says I'm using Dual-Channel RAM, not quad. It does boot fine, and no RAM related error codes are shown in the debug display.

First thing it came to mind, was power issues. I've connected both the MB 24-pin connector and the CPU 8-pin. I've got an extra 4-pin connector, but it is supposed to be for extra power. Should I connect it? Just to make it clear, the PSU is 1300W as we intend to have a few GPUs in there.

Also, the RAM is listed in the Corsair's compatibility list for my MB here: http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/download-files/manuals/dram/DDR4-Compatibility.pdf

As soon as I saw it was not being recognized, I updated the BIOS to the latest available, 3.10 (orignially I had 3.0). Did not solve the problem.

I also tried to enable the XMP settings, just in case, but still it did not detect the two remaining modules. I tried getting the RAM voltage from 1.20 up to 1.30 (being 1.25 the default chosen when XMP is enabled, and 1.20 the advertised). I've not tried going further from 1.30 as I am not sure on what the limit is.

Also, I've tried moving the 2 "failing modules": removing them one by one, exchanging... no luck. [strike]I haven't moved the C1 and D1 modules as I would have to remove the CPU dissipator, which I would like to avoid.[/strike] Update: Tried changing all positions and testing 1 at a time. All of the modules work (either alone or in not) but only as long as they are placed in the innermost sockets (C1, D1). At most, even if I have 3 or 4, only the 2 on C1,D1 are detected.

I suspect it is not correctly identifying the kit and it is loading as a 2-units dual-channel only kit. As per http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/X99%20OC%20Formula/?cat=... some are only supported in 2-unit form. Could this be the case? If so, how could I sort it out? (aside from RMA)

I am running out of ideas and would appreciate any input on what might be going wrong and what else could I try.

Thank you

ClowReed · Mar 22, 2017

You stated the problem about the dissipator, but to guarantee that the culprit is the motherboard, not the modules, you should try exchange them with the C1 and D1 slots. Also, try leaving the C1 and D1 slots empty and use only A1 and B1 and see if it boots, and one slot at a time as well (if the before mentioned didn't work), this will help diagnose if the slots are the problem or the modules. Isolating the problem helps to solve it out.

gdmaclew · Mar 22, 2017

What version of Windows are you using?

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

I'm not using any OS at all, that's all from the BIOS. It will be running a Debian later on, nothing so far.

SkyNetRising · Mar 22, 2017

Try to boot with single module, try all ram slots.
I'd suspect bent pins in cpu socket.

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

Update: Tried changing all positions and testing 1 at a time. All of the modules work (either alone or not) but only as long as they are placed in the innermost sockets (B1, D1). At most, even if I have 3 or 4, only the 2 on B1,D1 are detected.

I suspect it is not correctly identifying the kit and it is loading as a 2-units dual-channel only kit. As per http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/X99%20OC%20Formula/?cat=Memory some are only supported in 2-unit form. Could this be the case? If so, how could I sort it out? (aside from RMA)

@SkyNetRising You suggest bent pins, but wouldn't that make something else fail? I have a GPU plugged in perfectly working, alonside with an SSD and SSHD without any problems at all.

mjslakeridge · Mar 22, 2017

Bent pins could cause 2 of the DIMM slots not to be operational, yet everything else working. Of course, it depends on the pins and what their function is. The other issue could be a faulty motherboard.

SkyNetRising · Mar 22, 2017

So - you're saying only slots c1,d1 work? Did you try all the available slots?

Since memory controller is on the cpu, bent pins in cpu socket cause exactly that - some modules are not detected.
Check cpu socket.

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

I'm definitelly not an expert here, but unless all pins should be straight up, which I don't think, everything seems fine to me.
Image: http://imgur.com/a/CTb7N

Just to clarify, all modules work but only on B1 and D1, any other slot be the module alone or in conjuction with others, they won't be detected. Do note this MB has 8 slots, A1..D1 and A2..D2. The manual specifies to use A1...D1 fisrt. I've tested all of them.

So... faulty motherboard?

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

Oups sry, should double check before writing, I ment B1 and D1, those are the innermost sockets (out of A1...D1, B2 and D2 are closer to the CPU).

mjslakeridge · Mar 22, 2017

I see that your motherboard has 8 DIMM slots. Your motherboard manual should tell you which slots to use when using 4 sticks of RAM (either the 4 yellow or 4 black slots probably)

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

Indeed, it does say so and it is A1 through D1. That's exactly where I plug them, but only the two on B1 and D1 are recognized, A1 and C1 are not detected at all.

If it helps, when not populating B1 or D1, the debug code display is 53, and as far as the manual tells, that means memory related. The error is gone as soon as 1 module is plugged into one of those slots. According to online sources, this means "53 - Memory initialization error. No usable memory detected"

mjslakeridge · Mar 22, 2017

You could try A2 through D2. Do you have the latest BIOS for the motherboard? Perhaps there is a setting somewhere in the BIOS to enable Quad-Channel. I am just guessing here as it looks like you have done everything I would do to diagnose the issue.

Ironsounds · Mar 22, 2017

Hello... Typically you need to Remove the MB battery and do a CMOS clear, remove clear, insert battery, populate the MB with RAM, and re-boot, for new hardware, and CMOS information to be created.

The memory controller is on the CPU, and states DDR4 1600/1866/2133 compatibility.
https://ark.intel.com/products/92986/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E5-2620-v4-20M-Cache-2_10-GHz

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

Just tried and nothing, still only 2 detected... I've went through the BIOS several time and I've seen nothing related to quad/dual channel. According to the manual it should be automatically detected by the number of modules you plug in.

I'm really running out of ideas... I'd test with another DDR4 kit but I have none at hand.. This is probably the best thing I could try right now

mjslakeridge · Mar 22, 2017

You could download Memtest86+ and install it on a USB flash drive or a DVD, and test the RAM sticks one at a time (assuming you have another computer to do the download, since you don't have your OS installed yet). But I am guessing the RAM is good and the problem is something else.

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

I've just completely removed and built again the whole CPU/cooler/ram and still not working.

@Ironsounds I already tried clearing the CMOS. Completely unplugged it and removed the battery for about 2 minutes, which should be more than enough.

@mjslakeridge I've not tried memtest (could download it), but testing the ram modules one by one did work fine (even 2 at a time), so I suspect the problem is in the motherboard. It fails to detect more than 2 of that ram. I would try with another kit if I had one...

Ironsounds · Mar 22, 2017

Hello... Did you Jumper the "Cmos" clear pins? and also check the battery Voltage? 3.3vdc.

ClowReed · Mar 22, 2017

If it's a bent pin you should see one (or more) golden square(s) on the cpu completely clean (without that little "scratch" that the socket's pin leaves on it). It's worth checking it out.

And if this specific kit is listed on the compatibility list, I don't think it's the problem here.

mjslakeridge · Mar 22, 2017

Here is a link to Asrock support. I would ask them if you have to do anything to enable quad channel, or if they have any other suggestions:

http://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp

SkyNetRising · Mar 22, 2017

quality_stage :

That picture is not detailed enough. Too blurry.

Here - similar topic. Look at picture there:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2926402/bent-pins-socket-lga-2011-msi-gaming-x99s.html

quality_stage · Mar 22, 2017

@mjslakeridge I've filled it in, thank you!

@SkyNetRising Sadly I can't get any better quality image, that was with my phone. But, taking as reference the one you linked me to, I did not see anything like that on the socket, I'm almost sure it was fine.

@Ironsounds I did not particularly use the jumper but rather removed the battery, shouldn't that be the same? I'll try jumping it tomorrow.

I'll grab 4 different modules today, and tomorrow I will test it with them, so it will be clear whether it is compatibility issues, ram or motherboard/pins.

quality_stage · Mar 23, 2017

Update: Tried 4 different modules (G.Skill Raw 2133 CL15) and still not detecting them. I've removed the cooler and the CPU and I can't see any bent pin at all. Asrock support just said to test different modules or RMA.

So... I'm filling the RMA.. Should I send the CPU too? As far as I can tell, it should be the motherboard the one failing to detect the RAM, am I right?

Thank you!

mjslakeridge · Mar 23, 2017

It is most likely the motherboard. I would hold on to the CPU for now and wait for the replacement motherboard to arrive. If for some reason the Integrated Memory Controller in the CPU is bad, that could cause your issue, but I would place my bet on the motherboard. Let us know what happens when the replacement motherboard arrives.

Ironsounds · Mar 23, 2017

Hello... There are backup capacitors on the MB, that give you ample time for a battery change... the reset/clear pins will discharge the capacitors and any voltage holding the CMOS information.

Motherboard only detecting 2 out of 4 RAM modules

Prominent

Distinguished

Distinguished

Prominent

Titan

Prominent

Splendid

Titan

Prominent

Prominent

Splendid

Prominent

Splendid

Champion

Prominent

Splendid

Prominent

Champion

Distinguished

Splendid

Titan

Prominent

Prominent

Splendid

Champion

Share this page