GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5: Boot loop with 2 or more sticks or RAM

[milmber]

Hi,
I have a 'boot loop' with two or more sticks of RAM (Corsair CML16GX3M2A1600C10) in my GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 (1.0). This happens before POST (i.e. even before the screen is initialised and I get any display output).

My configuration is as follows:

• GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 (1.0)
• 2 x 8GB (Corsair CML16GX3M2A1600C10)
• Corsair RM750 PSU
• MSI Nvidia GTX 980
• 2 x SSD
• 1 x HDD
• Corsair H80i Hydro Cooler

I have tried the following with no success:

• Try using Corsair CMY16GX3M2A2400C11R RAM instead of the CML16GX3M2A1600C10 RAM
• Use slot DDR3_1 and DDR3_3 instead of DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 as per the instruction manual (page 16): http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-z97mx-gaming5_e.pdf. Oddly enough in this case the machine reaches POST but I can only see on stick on RAM in the BIOS.
• Remove the Graphics Card, Wifi Card, HDD, SDD's and see if it works
• Boot with default memory settings in BIOS
• Update to BIOS F7b and F7c as provided by Gigabyte tech support
• Use a Corsair 500W PSU instead of the RM750 PSU
• Loosen the Hydro CPU cooling plate (in case the motherboard is being 'bent' as per suggestions in other posts)

Any other thoughts or ideas of what I can try?

[shadowsports]

Neither of your memory selections appear to be on the QVL for the board.

http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z97mx-gaming5.pdf

First recommendation is to use approved RAM. 

CPU is the next determining factor.  If Devils Canyon (4th gen) I'd stick with approved CL9 (1333/1600Mhz).  We have seen plenty of reports from folks who have upgraded to 5th gen (Broadwell) BIOS using a 4th gen processor and they've had problems.  Primarily with core voltage and stepping (clock speeds)

You case however, is probably the RAM.  I'd try manual settings with the 1600 CL10 that you have and see if you can get the system to detect it properly .  If you want to experiment more, you can try with the 2400Mhz ram, but it will require that the CPU be over clocked slightly.