DIMM Slots 3 and 4 not Recognizing Anything!

[AndrewZ22]

Hello, Ive looked everywhere but cannot seem to find a solution!

I had 8 gigs of ram (4 two gig sticks). After buying and trying to install two 8 gig sticks in DIMM slots 3 and 4 my computer only recognized FOUR gigs of ram. Then I tried the new sticks in the first two slots and BAM I have 16 gigs (not 20). No matter what ram sticks I put into DIMM slots 3 and 4 my computer is NOT recognizing them. Not through BIOs or CPU-Z. I'm hoping I didn't damage anything, its almost like my computer doesn't even recognize those slots anymore 🙁.

Computer Specs: Alienware Aurora R4
Processor: Intel Core i7-3820
OS: Windows 7 X64
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Memory: 16GB DDR3 (Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1600)

 

[Art Eren]

You cannot put two different gb sticks at the same time, they have to be in pairs. Like 8gb + 8gb + 8gb + 8gb and Not 8gb + 8gb + 2gb + 2gb.

 

[AndrewZ22]

Hello Art! And thanks for the reply

I did not know that. However, when I placed all the ORIGINAL ram sticks back into place: 2gb + 2gb+ 2gb+ 2gb, I STILL got 4 gigs of ram. I thought that if I replaced it all back to what it was, it should at least state 8, should it not?

 

[Tradesman1]

What CPU cooler? Might loosen it and then snug down screw tight. If too tight in a corner or side it can throw off the MC (memory controller) - Also set up the sticks (from CPU) as 8-4-8-4 this puts 12 GB in each channel to balance things (may also need additional DRAM and/or MC voltage for stability)

 

[AndrewZ22]

Hello Tradesman, I appreciate the reply

That is an EXCELLENT question. I have a thermal coolant that came with my alienware from dell. Its a great question because I was cleaning it out (gel buildup on these guys) and placed it back in, and in my opinion very tightly. I unscrewed them a little bit and even pulled it out and back in to make sure. I was really hoping that would be the problem. Also, I have tried mixing them just like you said. Only 10 gigs of ram showed up.

As for "may also need additional DRAM and/or MC voltage for stability", I apologize. I do not understand what that means.

Thanks for your time

 

[Tradesman1]

Intially try raising the DRAM voltage + 0.05 in the BIOS

 

[AndrewZ22]

Thanks again for the reply Tradesman,

Mixed the RAM slots again and increased the DRAM voltage by 0.05 just like you said with no luck 🙁. Computer still only recognizes 10 gigs of ram, showing no signs of my other DIMM slots (3+4) working. Its confusing, I thought computers cannot boot up properly if RAM is inserted wrong or not inserted at all! I'm really hoping I didn't damage pins or caused damage. I'm afraid all the signs point to it.

 

[Tradesman1]

Next step was/is to be checking the socket for bent pins

 

[AndrewZ22]

From my own observation I see no difference between the working slots or the "faulty" ones. There are many pins, maybe I am overlooking. I just don't understand how its not recognizing anything in these two slots. Its bugging me! I wish it would at least give me an error. If its a motherboard issue I may just have to live with 16 gb. Maybe upgrade the mobo when the time comes. Phoeey.

Thanks for the time and quick replies Tradesman.

 

[Tradesman1]

CPU socket for bent pins

 

[AndrewZ22]

Sorry for late reply, its that Final Exam season again

I will try this tomorrow, I have also done a little researching and bent CPU pins can be causing this. However, I am a little worried as its a risk that I could further damage CPU pins trying to fix or put them back together. Do you have any tips or tricks that will help? I heard tweezers or even a credit card can be useful.

Thanks!

 

[Tradesman1]

If any bent, I normally use a pair of razor blades from a box cutter

 

[AndrewZ22]

Hello

So.... I opened her up. There may be some bent pins in the lower LEFT corner of the socket! I'm guessing at least, the bottom left corner just looks off compared to the others. I provided some pictures

However, I'M TERRIFIED to make any changes. I had tweezers and a credit card to try and maybe make some fixes, but I felt like I was operating on my first born child. I kept thinking I was going to break a pin off or bend others. I'm happy my computer even turned on. What do you think? Should I risk it for this issue? Should I take it to a professional (if so, who even does this kind of thing?). Also, does there even appear to be any bent pins?

Thanks so much I appreciate your time

Pictures

 

[Tradesman1]

Give it a try, the 16th down and 21 from the right looks a bit off............just kidding, sorry, relax and give it a try 😉