Computer only recognizes 2 sticks of RAM at once.

[TheComputerDewd]

Hey guys, I've been trying to figure out what's wrong with my computer but cant seem to find it.

Can you guys help me out!?

My Parts :
Motherboard : ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
CPU : Intel i5-3550 LGA31155 Quad x4 core 3.3 turbo boost to 3.8 processor Sandy Bridge
RAM/Memory : 32GB G.Skill Ripjaws 1600 Speed Gaming Ram
Power Supply : Corsair AX850 Modular Power Suppler Professional Series Gold Certified


Today I realized that only 16GB of my 32GB of ram is showing up in My Computer.
I checked BIOS, and it was showing the same result. (Only 2 slots had been registering).

**So, here's a sort of "timeline" of what i've tried:
(The names of the RAM slots are A1,A2,B1,B2)**

When I realized only half of the ram was showing up:
A1: Stick in, not showing
A2: Stick in, showing
B1: Stick in, not showing
B2: Stick in, showing


----------


I tried a bios reset and had the same result. I took out the CMOS battery, same result.
I check memtest(x86) and it only showed half of the ram as well.


----------


I tried this configuration:
A1:
A2: Stick in, showing
B1:
B2: Stick in, showing
This displayed 16GB as well. (Blank means no stick in the slot).
I also tried swapping these two sticks for the other two sticks I have, and got the same result, so the RAM is not the problem.


----------


I tried this configuration:
A1: Stick in, showing
A2:
B1: Stick in, showing
B2:


----------


I then tried this configuration:
A1: Stick in, not showing
A2: Stick in, showing
B1:
B2: Stick in, showing


----------


I then tried this configuration:
A1:
A2: Stick in, showing
B1: Stick in, not showing
B2: Stick in, showing


----------


I then tried this configuration:
A1: Stick in, showing
A2:
B1: Stick in, showing
B2: Stick in, not showing


----------


So basically, whatever configuration I try, it only registers two of the ram sticks.

My BIOS is set to automatic for RAM speed, and it's set to Dual Channel.


Please help me and sorry if this is a bit much to read, I organized it the best I could.

Thanks,

 

[Outlander_04]

what operating system are you using?

 

[TheComputerDewd]

Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

Also, whenever I say "Not showing" and "Showing," i'm referring to it showing or not showing in BIOS.

 

[photonboy]

It's got nothing to do with Windows since the problem occurs in the BIOS and Memtest.

Other than UPDATING the BIOS I'm stumped.

If the above doesn't work, contact Asrock.

 

[TheComputerDewd]

It's got nothing to do with Windows since the problem occurs in the BIOS and Memtest.

Other than UPDATING the BIOS I'm stumped.

If the above doesn't work, contact Asrock.

It's just odd that it randomly started happening..
I have used 32GB for years, and it just started. I haven't changed my hardware config at all.

Should I still try updating BIOS?

 

[photonboy]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/314275-30-asrock-extreme3-gen3-problems

Problem not resolved above, but some useful info:

1. May be a slightly bent CPU PIN (carefully inspect).

2. The issue in the above link was not resolved with a new motherboard (meaning CPU or Memory issue).

3. The responder said he had a similar issue and it was the DDR3 sticks themselves (despite working separately) and that a different kit DID work.

Sigh.

 

[Outlander_04]

Intel cpu's dont have pins

But the cpu's memory controller might be the problem .
What voltage has the RAM been running at ?

 

[photonboy]

Intel cpu's dont have pins

But the cpu's memory controller might be the problem .
What voltage has the RAM been running at ?

He's running 1600MHz DDR3 on automatic settings, so 1.5Volts likely.

Since it's apparently worked for a long time, I'm thinking it is the motherboard. His troubleshooting seems to rule out EVERYTHING so I think it's likely an intermittent fault with the board perhaps a crack or loose connection.

As I look over everything I doubt it's the CPU.