New RAM prevents GA-P55-USB3 from starting

[Sajber]

I recently bought 4 GB of new memory to my computer, but when I try starting it after putting them in the slots the computer doesn't start - no BIOS, no startup screen, just a black monitor. The motherboard in question in GA-P55-USB3, and the memory is Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 4 GB (2x2). I picked this memory because they are the exact ones that are in the computer to start with, so that I wouldn't have any compatibility issues - that worked out well...

My old RAM was in slots 1 and 3, and I put the new ones in 2 and 4. I can start the computer without any problem with both the new and old RAM, as long as it's only 4GB (i.e. one pair) and they're in slots 1 and 3 - as soon as I try to go up to 8 GB the computer won't start.

What is the problem here? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[dmdilks]

Do you have the memory set to 1600 speed in the bios. Have you tried to set it to auto and see what happens. What CPU are you using? Yes the board supports 16gb.

But the more memory you put in that the CPU has to work harder that it doesn't support. The more you have a chance it will not work. Support for DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules.

Like I said go in and set it to auto or 1066 or 1333.

[Sajber]

I think I have it to auto, but I'm only slightly above average in tech-savvyness, so please see attached pictures. It seems to be in auto and be running in 1333 Hz, at least. This is, of course, without any of the new memories in, as it doesn't even start with them. Should I change the settings, or is the problem somewhere else?

[dmdilks]

Have you tried them in just slots 2 & 4. It should still boot in those slots. Try them in 1,2, & 3 or 1,3, & 4. You could have a bad memory slot too. One other thing is what bios version you running?

Plus there is two version of that board 1.0 & 2.0. Look at the bottom left corner of the board the version # is there. F8 will might help you out too, Enhanced memory compatibility.

[Tiger]

Mixing multiple memory kits, regardless of model number or brand, is not recommended by memory manufacturers. Mixing multiple memory kits is not guaranteed for compatibility because that combination has never been tested together by the memory manufacturer. By mixing memory kits together, there may be compatibility issues such as unable to boot or unable to operate at rated specifications.

When using a single kit of memory on your motherboard, you can enter the Advanced Frequency Settings menu on your BIOS and [Enabled] X.M.P. eXtreme Memory Profile. By enabling XMP you can run a memory kit at its RATED speed and timings.

If you enjoy doing your own compatibility testing, then continue to mix memory kits. I would suggest using a single guaranteed for compatibility kit.

[dmdilks]

the memory is Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 4 GB (2x2). I picked this memory because they are the exact ones that are in the computer to start with, so that I wouldn't have any compatibility issues - that worked out well...

All the memory is the same. So what you are saying is that if you buy 2 kits. That are the same they will not work with each other? I'm just asking because I much be doing something wrong than. I have been doing it that way for almost 20 yrs.

Plus you are the 2nd or 3rd person that has pointed that out. I understand what you are saying. To me that is a money making statement from those companies that are throwing that at use.

I have just build 5 computers. A computer repair shop bought one and it had 8gb ddr3 1600 G-Skill memory. They were going to add 8gbs more. I said I have another 8gb kit. I'll just put it in and you give me 8gbs in return. That way it is all the same. They have been repairing computers for years they didn't say hey you can't mix kits.

I would take one stick from each kit and run them together and see what happens.

[Sajber]

Okay, I tested using just slots 2 & 4 using both sets of memories, and neither worked (the other combinations of 1,2 & 4 or 1, 3 & 4 didn't work either), so maybe this is a slot issue?

The BIOS version is F8, but I couldn't see any version 1.0 or 2.0 - where should I find that?

I changed eXtreme Memory Profile from "disabled" to "Profile1", but that didn't help.

So, what's the next step? Updating BIOS, or something else?

[dmdilks]

I would take one stick from each kit and run them together and see what happens.

Did you try this?

One other thing I would look at is the CPU socket. To make sure that a pin isn't bent. The Ver. # is at the screw hole at the left of the com 1, floppy, USb connection are at.

[Sajber]

I did now, and there was no issues. I found a small text of "Rev: 2.0" at one of the corners, so that's the version I've got apparently.

[dmdilks]

So if you tried the memory with using one stick of each kit then it isn't memory. It has to do with the board.

[Sajber]

Figures. So, what do you think I should do next, update the BIOS or something else?

[dmdilks]

How long have you own the board? Maybe the two slots have to be clean.

[Sajber]

I think I bought it somewhere between 2008 and 2010, so it's not exactly new. How would I go about cleaning them? (And thanks for the continued help, by the way, I very much appreciate it!)

[dmdilks]

I don't know if you did this but I would still check the CPU socket first. I know you might not like to do it, but it will take that out of facter here.

Unplug the computer and put some rubbing alcohol on one of the stick of memory. Then work it in out of the slot. Plus get a can of air to blow into the slot after you are done.

Or see if you can find some contact cleaner like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/CRC-QD-11-oz-Contact-Cleaner-02130-6/202262505

If after all is done and it still doesn't work. The only other thing you can do is buy two sticks of 4gb each. You know those two slots work.

[Sajber]

I wasn't sure what you meant by checking CPU-socket, but I found on other threads semi-related to this (which I searched for before starting this thread, but none of the other threads seemed to solve my problem) that what you're asking is if any of the contacts are bent? I looked, but I couldn't see anything with my untrained eye, so I took a picture (attached). The picture is obviously not of very good quality, but it's the best I could do. Do you see anything?

I have yet to do the alcohol cleaning, as I haven't been able to get to a store that has them. I updated my BIOS to F9, though, just to get that out of the way as well, and it didn't do anything.