Asus Gryphon z87 - RAM issues, only boots with single channel RAM Slots.

[Smart-Idiot]

Hi all,

I cannot figure this out, so I now turn to you, possibly at the worst time of the year too! Hopefully I can get this working sooner than later though, anyways, on with it.

I am a newbie, and I just completed my first build. To cut to the chase, I ran into an issue, where the CPU light, light up and stayed red, and would not display anything on my monitor. Once we flashed the BIOS and upgraded it we were in business... kind of.

The system boots with my two RAM stick in the wrong slots (i.e. 1 in the brown slot, 1 in the beige spot), so in effect will act as single channel to my understanding. It will not boot any other way. I have tried every configuration, but it will only work in slot 3, and 4 (The last two and furthest Beige + Brown slots from the CPU).

When the RAM is in the correct spots (The two Beige or two Brown slots) the computer will try to boot, and then start cycling. So the computer kicks on, the LED's on the board lights up, then the power cuts, and keeps going and looping for all eternity.

Anyways long story short, I am writing this FROM the computer, but with the RAM in the wrong slots. I would like to have my RAM in the proper spots as to my understanding the performance is much better (single vs dual). Yes I tried the XMP profiles as well.

Oh, and in the BIOS, the RAM sticks show up as 1600, they are indeed 1866's though?

Here are some of my specs:

Asus Gryphon z87 (MOBO)
Intel i5 4690k (Stock fan)
G.Skill DDR3 1866 (2x4GB) (RAM)
EVGA GeForce GTX 660 (Video Card)
Corsair CS 650 (PSU)

I believe I have included all the info I can think of, if you require any more please let me know.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate it!

Smart-Idiot

 

[photonboy]

I have the EXACT core setup (same motherboard, CPU, 2x4GB DDR3).

I have Slots #2, and #4 (A2, B2?) working perfectly so I'm not sure what your problem is.

I'd guess an issue with the motherboard though that surprises me considering the quality control.

*You likely need to contact Asus Tech Support. They'll either sort you out or tell you to RMA the board.

You can also try THIS:
1) Create a MEMTEST disc
2) Test with a SINGLE stick only on the slot the motherboard recommends for one stick setup (for a full pass. roughly 15 minutes)
3) REPEAT TEST with the other stick

I doubt it's a memory issue since you can boot already but can't in normal setup but you should test the DDR3 sticks anyway.

 

[photonboy]

Update:
The CORRECT slots as per your motherboard manual are:

1 stick: A2
2 sticks: A2, B2
4 sticks: all

Note there's no recommendation for A1, B1 (#1, #3 left to right).

So if A2 works with one stick, but A2 and B2 do not then it may be a defective memory slot. Be sure the memory was inserted fully but otherwise it's likely a bad board.

The performance loss due to being in Single Channel mode isn't huge (in some cases nothing) but you want a functional board.

 

[Smart-Idiot]

Yeah its not the memory for sure. I'm pretty sure it's the board, urgh! I was hoping to not have to deal with anyone and solve it myself. Just more time wasted!

Thanks buddy.

Anyone else?

 

[Smart-Idiot]

Oh, also @photonboy, does you 1866 RAM show up as 1600 in BIOS, or does it show properly?

 

[norsestar]

I assume that if you try a single stick in each of the slots you get: A1 -- fail, A2 -- fail, B1 -- boot, B2 -- boot? If so, the problem is with memory channel A and in either the mobo or the CPU. I'm guessing the problem is in the CPU socket: either a bent socket pin or dirt on one of the CPU's pads. To check, remove the CPU and inspect both sides carefully with a magnifying glass and good light.