Computer won't boot with added memory

[WizDawg]

In 2009 I put together a computer using an ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO motherboard and G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ memory.

ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Newegg.com
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ - Newegg.com

I recently had the hard drive fail and in addition to ordering a new hard drive, I ordered the EXACT same memory sticks from Newegg. They still offered it and it was a lot cheaper than what I paid in 2009, so figured why not. I would be upgrading from 4GB (2 x 2GB) to 8GB (4 x 2GB).

My original 4GB (2 sticks) were installed in DIMM_A1 & DIMM_B1. I installed the new 4GB (2 sticks) in DIMM_A2 & DIMM_B2, and the machine would not boot properly.

The machine boots if:
2 old sticks only are in DIMM_A1 & DIMM_B1
2 new sticks only are in DIMM_A1 & DIMM_B1

The machine does NOT boot is:
all 4 sticks are installed in any configuration

I have not tried installing only 2 sticks in DIMM_A2 & DIMM_B2. I will try this after work as its probably a good way to determine if there is something wrong with DIMM_A2 & DIMM_B2 slots.

Any ideas? BTW, I am running the latest BIOS, Version 2104.

Thanks,
Brian

[Jbc223456]

Have you tried going into the BIOS settings and seeing if all four sticks are recognized by the motherboard? What about the new sticks? Have you tried each new stick singly? What about clearing your CMOS?

What operating system are you running?

[glc]

From a Newegg review of that ram:

Pros: Works great if you are only ever going to use 2 DIMMS. Cons: This memory does not work if you are going to put in 4 DIMMS. Here is what the G.SKILL tech support told me when I could not get my system to run stable with 4 DIMMS: "We don’t recommend to run 4 modules at the same time" Other Thoughts: Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45T-UD3P Memory: 2 packages (4 x 2 GB DIMMS) F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Problem: System is not stable. Intermittent lockups or reboots. I ran memtest86+ and it failed on the second pass with 296 errors. I ran prime95 and it failed twice in less then a minute. If I remove two of the DIMMS the system is rock solid. I tried one pair of DIMMS in slots 1 and 3. Works great. I tried the same pair of DIMMS in slots 2 and 4. Works great. I tried the other pair of DIMMS in slots 1 and 3. Works great. I tried this second pair of DIMMS in slots 2 and 4. Works great. I tried running with one pair of DIMMS in 1 and 3 and the other in 2 and 4, prime95 immediately fails. I tried switching the pairs of DIMMS and prime95 immediately fails. The System Temperature is never higher then 36 C. The CPU Temperature is never higher then 38C. Manufacturer Response: . Dear customer We guaratne this model to run at DDR3 1333 CL9. however, We donot guarantee to run 4 modules at the rated speed because 1st we didn't test all 4 sticks together and 2nd the north bridge memory controller might be one of the reason which reduces the memory speed down Thank you GSKILL SUPPORT Quality and customer service are our top priorities. Tech Support Email: ustech@gskill.com RMA Dept Email: rma@gskill.com G.SKILL Forum: G.SKILL- World leading DDR3 computer memory and SSD manufacturer -Home

With 2 sticks in, try going into the bios and changing the speed from 1333 to 1066.

[WizDawg]

GLC, stupid question, but I can't for the life of me find memory speed settings in the bios.

[glc]

Advanced, JumperFree Configuration.
Memory Clock Mode - change from Auto to Manual.
Then set it to 533MHz.

[WizDawg]

Originally Posted by glc Advanced, JumperFree Configuration. Memory Clock Mode - change from Auto to Manual. Then set it to 533MHz.

I changed memory clock mode from AUTO to Manual, set to 533MHz as you suggested. It booted up fine with 2 sticks. I then added all 4 sticks and it booted right up!!! Thank you so much for your help.

Am I understanding this correctly... I reduced the speed of my memory's bus clock speed from 666MHz to 533MHz?

So, in your opinion, what is better. 4GB at 666MHz or 8GB at 533MHz.

[glc]

I usually go for quantity over speed when it comes to ram.

[WizDawg]

Originally Posted by glc I usually go for quantity over speed when it comes to ram.

Great. I guess I will keep it then. Thanks for all your help. You know, when I went to upgrade, I thought I was doing myself a favor by buying the EXACT same RAM. I figured there would be no compatibility issues then. Guess not!

[glc]

Well, G.skill has had a history of compatibility and quality issues. We no longer recommend it.

[David M]

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Quality and customer service are our top priorities.

Heh

[larrymoencurly]

I think most BIOses automatically slow down the memory timings when 4 DIMMs are installed, but the problem may be with that 1333 MHz G.Skill memory being made from slower chips, a common practice with retail memory, and not tested very thoroughly (using just PCs, not machines that cost several Lamborghinis). After all, this is the company that once bragged it allowed its slower DIMMs to show no more than 2 errors apiece in final testing (policy changed about 12 months ago).