Question Cannot install RAM modules in dual channel configuration on ASUS P8Z68-V PRO with i7-3770

[mfrbox]

Hello,

I have a hardware configuration issue and would like your help.

Originally, my PC had the following setup:
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
CPU: Intel Core i3-2120
RAM modules in dual channel:
2× Patriot Viper 3 Black Mamba DDR3 1600 16GB kit (2×8GB, PV316G160C9K)
2× Corsair Vengeance CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 4GB modules

Total RAM: 24GB

Everything worked fine with this configuration.

Later, I upgraded the processor to:
Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz CPU

To support this CPU, I updated the motherboard BIOS to version 3603. After updating, the motherboard successfully detected the new CPU, and the PC runs normally.

However, I now have a very annoying problem:

With the new setup:
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO with BIOS 3603
CPU: Intel Core i7-3770

I’m unable to install all my RAM modules in a dual channel configuration.

Currently, the only setup that works is using only the two 8GB Patriot modules (total 16GB), installed in different slots but not in a proper dual channel configuration.

If I try to install both pairs of RAM modules (Patriot and Corsair) in dual channel, at startup I get a solid red LED on the motherboard, and the PC does not boot at all—not even into the BIOS. The motherboard manual says this LED indicates an incorrect configuration or memory issue.

I have already:
Reset the CMOS multiple times
Replaced the CMOS battery

Unfortunately, these steps didn’t fix the issue.

I would really appreciate your help, because sometimes I run out of memory with only 16GB, and I’d like to use the full 24GB as I did before.

Could you please advise me what else I can try to make the dual channel configuration work again with this CPU and BIOS?

Thank you very much for your support!

Best regards, Thanks!

 

[Lutfij]

If the only thing you've changed is the processor to end up with instability issues, it's safe to assume that the integrated memory controller on the i7-3770K doesn't like the fact that you're mixing and matching ram kits.

Could you please advise me what else I can try to make the dual channel configuration work again with this CPU and BIOS?
Stick to one ram kit among those two. Seeing how the Patriot ram kit is 16GB's, you should stick to that. A thing to note, that if you want to fill up all ram slots on the motherboard, you should look at lower frequency ram kits or lower density, you can't have high frequency, high density ram sticks on all slots as that adds stress to the memory controller.

 

[Misgar]

Currently, the only setup that works is using only the two 8GB Patriot modules (total 16GB), installed in different slots but not in a proper dual channel configuration.

The manual for your mobo shows the recommended positions for two DIMMs as slots A2, B2 which should give dual channel operation.

If your RAM only works when installed in slots A1,A2 or B1,B2 (single channel) then I suspect one of the two Integrated Memory Controllers in your i7-3770 is not working.

Did you obtain the 3770 from a reputable source with a guarantee it was working? With a CPU of this age, it may have succumbed to ESD damage. Check also for tarnished gold pads.

Alternatively, remove the i7-3770 from the socket and check very carefully for bent pins with a magnifying glass or close-up photo. If you still have the i3-2120, fit the old CPU and see if all four DIMM sockets work. Bent pins are a common reason for memory faults.

I was gifted an old i7-3770K and it works fine with 4 x 4GB Kingston Hyper-X DDR3-1600.

 

[geofelt]

Ram issues such as yours are often caused by bent pins in the socket.
It is all too easy to do if you had to wiggle the chip to get it settled.
Look very carefully. With care, a needle can push the pins back into position.
It is possible that the new processor has a defect, but I think the bent socket pins are a more likely cause.

 

[mfrbox]

Really thank you for your help! I will try to lower the speed as I was also advised by chatgpt, I will try and hope to be able to use all the memory banks. At the moment I can use the 2 8gb banks together for a total of 16gb but without dual channel. If I use dual channel with any of the pairs the system does not start.

 

[mfrbox]

The manual for your mobo shows the recommended positions for two DIMMs as slots A2, B2 which should give dual channel operation.

If your RAM only works when installed in slots A1,A2 or B1,B2 (single channel) then I suspect one of the two Integrated Memory Controllers in your i7-3770 is not working.

Did you obtain the 3770 from a reputable source with a guarantee it was working? With a CPU of this age, it may have succumbed to ESD damage. Check also for tarnished gold pads.

Alternatively, remove the i7-3770 from the socket and check very carefully for bent pins with a magnifying glass or close-up photo. If you still have the i3-2120, fit the old CPU and see if all four DIMM sockets work. Bent pins are a common reason for memory faults.

I was gifted an old i7-3770K and it works fine with 4 x 4GB Kingston Hyper-X DDR3-1600.

To tell the truth I didn't think I could have problems of this type. Unfortunately I bought this processor used on ebay. It works well and is fast, obviously I'm not expert enough to understand that the damage on a processor can unfortunately also be partial. I hope this is not the case

 

[mfrbox]

thanks for the support, as soon as I can then I have to disassemble everything to check. But I will check first by lowering the speed. I am not thrilled to have to disassemble everything again 🙁

Ram issues such as yours are often caused by bent pins in the socket.
It is all too easy to do if you had to wiggle the chip to get it settled.
Look very carefully. With care, a needle can push the pins back into position.
It is possible that the new processor has a defect, but I think the bent socket pins are a more likely cause.