New PC. Will boot with 8gb but not 16gb.

[john_oneill]

Hello,

Here's the essential parts you need to know about:

Motherboard: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5587168

Memory: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=752486 (2x)

Processor: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5581942

So...as the title states:

I get a black screen and no bios or anything if I try using all 16gb. But when using only 8gb on the blue slots the computer starts.

I thought I planned out all the specs pretty well for compatibility. Not sure what the issue is here. Still has the manufacture bios. But shouldn't the default bios be able to run 16gb as advertised?

Thanks,
John

 

[Proximon]

You can't just get two 8GB kits and expect them to work right automatically, on any motherboard. Whenever you populate all 4 slots you are going to need a voltage increase.

You will need to adjust the BIOS settings manually, increasing voltage probably to get these to work.

 

[john_oneill]

Increasing the voltage eh? I see. And what voltage do you recommend for 16gigs?

 

[Proximon]

I would probably try a .05V increase to start, and if that resolved it I would shave it down from there, maybe try .02... depends on what is available with that board.

Also, checking available BIOS updates to see if anything applies is a good idea. I know Intel is hoping to break into the enthusiast market more, so they should have a decent BIOS selection and it should have lots of options.

 

[john_oneill]

Okay I'll try that.

Is it normal to have to increase the voltage when using all 4 ram slots in this situation (with 16gig total as two kits)?

I ask because the motherboard's default voltage for ram slots is 1.5v. I researched the ram and its also 1.5v. So I figured it would all work perfectly from the get go.

But I'm guessing in this situation when all 4 slots are being occupied at the max allowed memory, that it needs the voltage slightly increased to work? Also I have a 1K watt PSU.

Sorry for all the novice questions! Thanks for your patience, Proximon.

EDIT: Also the ram slots on this particular motherboard can go up to 1.67 or something. So 1.55v won't be an issue at all.

 

[Proximon]

The kits were rated individually to run at 1.5V, but together is different. It's common to have to increase it in that respect, yes.

That's why you pay less that way. For instance, Corsair might use the same basic RAM in a 16GB kit, but run it at 1066 CL 7 1.5V... whatever happens to work to get those RAM modules working in a set of 4.

So a G.skill 16GB kit costs $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231309

While 2 8GB kits of slightly faster RAM cost only $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231274

 

[john_oneill]

Sorry, still not solved. (not sure how to remove the Solved tag)

I tinkered with it and increased the voltage on all ram slots as far as 1.65volts and still doesn't work. I went into the bios settings and everything. Even saw that after the restart with 8gigs again it did indeed have 1.65v per slot.

Theres another option in the BIOS (same menu that let me change the voltage) to change the memory "Multiplier". Is this something I should try as well? And if so...what number to set?

Man this is a pain. First time ive ever had so much difficulty with RAM! It has always been the absolute easiest part to install! =/

 

[Proximon]

You can reduce the multiplier so that it is running at or around 1066.

I suggest you run CPU-Z and look at the SPD tab. Look at each stick of RAM in that tab, there is a box to select the slot. Also the memory tab.

Make sure all 4 sticks display the same. The SPD tab gives you potential settings to try.

Are you certain that one stick is not defective? Have you successfully used both pairs?

It may be time to upgrade the BIOS also.

 

[john_oneill]

You can reduce the multiplier so that it is running at or around 1066.

I suggest you run CPU-Z and look at the SPD tab. Look at each stick of RAM in that tab, there is a box to select the slot. Also the memory tab.

Make sure all 4 sticks display the same. The SPD tab gives you potential settings to try.

Are you certain that one stick is not defective? Have you successfully used both pairs?

It may be time to upgrade the BIOS also.

So, Update: I updated the BIOS completely.

Still no work.

So, I then tried swapping the current pair out with the ones in it now (still doing 8gigs (its identical memory).

Guess, what, it didnt turn on! Which means: Dun dun dunnnnnn: The ram is defective. Crazy huh? I bought the identical ram x2 and one pair is defective. Well I guess on the bright side, good thing I bought two pairs!

Anyway, I will be giving corsair a very bad review for wasting my freaking money. Because at this point I think I am no longer able to return it and I could have used that extra money to buy some food tonight. I'm sooo hungry!

 

[Proximon]

Huh? Just RMA the bad sticks to Corsair. They have a lifetime warranty.