GA-P55-USB3 RAM/DIMM slot issue

[Jae]

The problem is shown in the photo:


I rebuilt my PC from bare to improve cable management and swap out my CPU HFS, using the same components of course. At POST it shows that only 2GB is usable and when I go into the BIOS/CMOS --> M.I.T Status, it detects my other stick but my 3rd slot is not enabled.   XMP is always turned off so my memory frequency is running at 1333 and I also reset to optimized default settings.

 Is it possible to manually enable the DIMM slot or some other solution? 

OS: Windows 7 Pro x64
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P55-USB3  Rev1.0/Bios v.F8
RAM: GSkill 2x2GB DDR3 1600

[Aussie Allan]

 Static is invisible and sadistic to system builders.

 Memtest both modules , one at a time in slot one to kick things off......going off your snap shot , dimm 2 might be toast......might!

  before you test......swap the two around and see if it does the same!

 Aussie Allan

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

When you rebuilt the system did that entail removing the CPU ?

I would certainly check your memory starting with the second suspect module.

Please follow these instructions exactly.

I would suggest that you download and run the latest version of  Memtest86+ to check your RAM first.

Memtest86+        http://www.memtest.org/

Insert one stick of memory in slot 1 and run Memtest on it for at least 10 complete loops/cycles and if there are no errors then swap it over with the next one and continue untill you have checked all  modules.
 
If you have any errors the module is faulty.

If you have any faulty modules you will have to return the whole kit as they are matched.

Post back when you have done that with the results.

[Jae]

Hi, I have tried the hardware fixes before hand, just didnt mention it in my post.

I tried swapping the modules and run them individually in the first slot, both RAM sticks work.

The status screen still shows that the bios detects both modules but, the underlying issue was still the 3rd slot is not enabled.

No matter which module I set into the 3rd DIMM slot, it does not automatically enabled, only the 1st slot is enabled.

And, yes I did remove the CPU when I rebuilt my PC.

I will memtest both modules individually just to make sure.

[Jae]

Ive memtested both modules individually for 10+ passes, no errors.

The problem must be the mobo, dont have another set of DDR3 modules to check. 

[Aussie Allan]

 Pilot error is looking less and less.... sounds like MOBO Me thinks!

 Give it a day or two, somebody else might have a trick or two you can try!

 Aussie Allan

 

[Jae]

Looks like I might need to replace this board... Only lasted 6 months. 

[Aussie Allan]

  Thank the "Gigabyte god" for a fair warranty policy

 Aussie Allan

[Dark Mantis]

Hi I would suggest checking the CPU socket for bent/damaged pins. Not the easiest job in the world but quite possibly the problem.

Take all the usual anti-static precautions.

Very carefully remove the heatsink and fan. Probably a slight twisting motion is best to release the two as the thermal paste can act like a glue.

Once off remove the CPU taking extreme care both physically and electrically(static) and place somewhere safe.

Make sure that the lighting is very good and even.

Now scrutinise the socket for any pins that are out of alignment, even slightly.
If in any doubt whatsoever take a couple of macro (close up) photos of the socket and post them on here for us to check.

Also look at the bottom of the CPU at the lands (little copper circles) and make sure that there is a mark in each somewhere near the centre.
If there are any missing marks or any of the pins are obviously bent then that is your problem.

Before refitting the CPU clean off all residue of the old thermal paste and the same on the heatsink and then apply a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) to the centre of the CPU once it is inserted in the socket.

[Jae]

Thanks for the tips, the new HFS is a Hyper 212+. The problem is the amount of effort I needed to center it, takes forever.

Not to mention I dont have much elbow room in my Antec 300 case for this ginormous heatsink.  

I will check the socket and reset the CPU.

[Dark Mantis]

From what you have just explained it could well be a problem with the CPU socket then. If too much pressure is applied sideways or downwards it can distort the board and in the worst cases eve break the tracks in that area. So as well as checking for bent pins make sure that the HSF isn't bolted down too tightly.