HELP! CPU won't boot if >2GB of RAM installed!!

[RichardJSampson]

So I have had 2 1GB modules installed in my C2D, P5W DH based system for about 3 months now. No problem. However:

- If I put another 1GB module in, the logo screen posts and the computer does not boot.

- If I put 2 more 1GB modules in, I don't even get the logo screen; it powers up to a black screen. Nothing happens.

Here's the maddening thing. There was a time when all 4 GB booted up fine. I removed 2 because someone told me I'd get better OC's. Of course, XP doesn't use them anyway. But it's almost Vista time.

The last couple of things I'll mention is that I swapped out various modules so I know that all 4 modules are good. When I noticed this problem, I had BIOS ver. 1602. I just flashed to BIOS 1707. No change. I also air-blast the sh*t out of the DIMM slots.

Can someone PLEASE help me? I live in San Diego, and after last night's football game I'm already depressed enough.. now I can't even boot up on more than 2GB of memory.

 

[mpjesse]

Clear the BIOS/CMOS. That should fix it.

 

[RichardJSampson]

You quoted someone else from another forum. Were you trying to advise me that clearing the CMOS should fix my problem? You mean with a jumper?

I already flashed a new BIOS version. Didn't help.

Any other suggestions? I'm still heartbroken about last Sunday. If someone could tell me why I can no longer use my expensive extra 2 gigs of RAM it would be somewhat consoling. Thanks friends

 

[MindDrive]

its a joke man... laugh... btw its in his sig...

p4's arent dual core -_- *sigh*

clearing the cmos allows the system to "refind" the hardware... might have a bug stuck in one of ur settings... its worht a try and is mostly painless... that is unless you get the battery spring jabbed under ur fingernail and bleed everywhere... blood does conduct electricity so be carefull j/k heh


yeah ... clear the cmos.. might work... if not completely disassemble the components and start over... dunno why but its worked for me b4.. u might have a static death stick of ram too... try each stick in the same #1 ram slot individually.. if they all boot, then try dual channel the same way... they all boot then try 3, if that boots then add the 4th... should work

 

[eastbay]

For what its worth:
When I replaced 2 512's with 2 1GB's I had to up the voltage to the ram.
My BIOS (I don't have your board) only allowed 3 settings - so I set it up 1 'step' - been rock solid ever since.

 

[RichardJSampson]

Yeah I figured as much... A dual-core P4 would be news to me too. I didn't click on his links, so I appreciate you doing that for me and explaining the joke . I was indeed surprised to see someone of such high esteem mention a "dual core P4."

Anyway, raised the mem voltage to 2.1v. Nothing. Next comes.. Geez.. a total disassembly and reconstruction. I can't wait! If that doesn't work, I'll certainly be back. Thanks for the help in the meantime

PS - I would hope static isn't the issue. I'm one of those paranoid guys who wears a wrist strap, ground myself, and have a static-free pad. Plus, I did try each module in slot 1. Each works. Let's see what happens.

 

[sailer]

PS - I would hope static isn't the issue. I'm one of those paranoid guys who wears a wrist strap, ground myself, and have a static-free pad. Plus, I did try each module in slot 1. Each works. Let's see what happens.

What you need to do is test one stick in each individual slot. Slots 1 and 3 may be good, if that is what you were running before, but either slot 2 or 4 may have gone dead. A bad slot, when filled, can cause the whole machine not to function. If that happens, then its time for a new motherboard.

I had something similar happen to my computer a couple weeks ago. One slot died, then a second, then nothing worked. A new motherboard fixed it like new.

 

[RichardJSampson]

Geez this is so demoralizing. I doubt I can RMA this because I bought it as an open item from Newegg (probably my first mistake). Does anyone think it's worth contacting ASUS for a replacement?

Anyway, if that doesn't work, I have to get a new mobo. I'm not in the market for SLI, but very much in the market for stable, substantial overclocking. Any recommendations? I was thinking about possibly a P5B Deluxe. Or should I get another P5W DH?

Any suggestions? I'd like to not go much higher than $250.

Also - have the bugs generally been worked out of the 680i chipset? Anyone got a good recommendation for an nVidia-based board?

Thanks everyone.

 

[sailer]

To start with, contact ASUS and tell them the problem. Just don't tell them it was an open box. It might not matter, but I never tell them anything they don't ask. Even though Newegg may not do anything, ASUS might do a RMA anyway. I've had to RMA a couple boards with them and they have been very co-operative.

If you get another board, I think the P5B Deluxe would be a good one. At least I've heard good things about it.