Reassure me that I found the problem (bad RAM) no post (first build)

danawesome89

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Nov 5, 2011
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Ok, so I got stuff from newegg for my first build, I was super excited etc.

I put the RAM and CPU in the mobo, connect the power and monitor, short the power..... and nothing (except for a heart attack).

Long story short, after trying all sorts of stuff I did this:

1) Pulled one of the memory sticks, and suddenly it starts up and gets to the asus screen just fine

2) put the other stick back in with it: dead screen

3) Pull both sticks, put the "bad" one where the first one was when it started ok. Dead screen

4) Pulled out the "bad" stick, put the "good" one there, and it starts fine again

CONCLUSION:
I am pretty sure that my only problem is that one of my sticks of RAM was DOA.

Please confirm since this is my first build.

Here are the parts in question if it matters:

mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157270

cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077

memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148463

thank you
 

danawesome89

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Also now, assuming I'm correct, should I return both sticks or just live with 4GB for now.

My main concern is that I would be limited to single channel with one stick right?

Does that actually make a performance difference (especially in gaming)?

I ask because:

1) I don't want to wait to finish building and use the computer until I can RMA my ram.

2) Is an RMA on ram really even worth it? Don't I have to pay shipping and stuff? How much am I really going to save?
 

danawesome89

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Wow. So I just looked into doing the RMA for a refund. The shipping would be about $10, and then for a refund the might charge a 15% fee.

The orginal price was only 37.99. So basically, to get a refund, I would have to go through the hassle of returning it, not have use of my computer for quite a while, and by the time it's all done, only get about $23 back.

Think I might just live with the 4gb stick so my new build is up and running. Not worth the hassle, and I can buy another pack of memory at some point.
 


Was that through Newegg or Crucial? Any warranty issues should go through the manufacturer (unless told otherwise).
 
Yeah I would contact crucial first. I have no idea what they'll tell you but it's most likely better than Newegg. Luckily RAM isn't a bulky item to ship so you can usually do it for pretty cheap (Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or something).