Faulty RAM causing no boot?

[Scott Sullivan]

I recently purchased an AMD Ryzen 5 1600, an MSI Tomahawk B350, and two sticks of G.Skill DDR4 RAM (2x4).

Once everything was in place, the system would not boot. The fans turned on, the CPU fan turned on, etc. This is not an indicator of anything though.

The CPU light came on, indicating a faulty CPU or a faulty motherboard. I reseated the CPU, tried again, no luck. I removed the entire motherboard from the case, and set it on the box to check for shorts in the case. Again, no luck.

Remembering that I'd forgotten to check the RAM, I removed Stick 2 (in slot 4, as the motherboard says to use 2+4 first). Instantly booted. Interesting.I reversed the RAM positions, with Stick 1 in slot 4, and Stick 2 in slot 2. No boot. It would only boot with Stick 2 in slot 2, or Stick 2 in Slot 4.

Unfortunately, while I have a second computer, it's not compatible with DDR4 so I have no way to test the RAM externally.

My concern is: with all this, is it likely that it's actually the RAM and not some kind of MOBO issue that I can't think of?

 

[SgtScream]

Due to Ryzen AM4 platform only being a couple years old, it is imperative you update the bios to ensure memory compatibility. Afer the bios update, follow your motherboard's recommendation for installing only one module, then see if the system will boot with both modules individually. It appears you've already done a lot of the basic troubleshooting. What is the part number for the memory kit? You can also contact G.Skill for warranty assistance.

 

[Scott Sullivan]

My problem was that it wouldn't boot at all in the original configuration, so I wasn't able to update the bios. No monitor signal, no nothing.

I contacted G.Skill for warranty assistance already, but:

On the back of my RAM stick it says:

882
F4-2133C15D-8GVR
04213X4841A
2018 Jul
SN: 18302245855
CL15-15-15-35 1.20v Plug and play

The second stick wouldn't boot in any slot originally, but I'll check the BIOS and see if it'll accept the second stick now.

 

[SgtScream]

Did you install a graphics card? The CPU does not support integrated graphics.
You stated:
"Remembering that I'd forgotten to check the RAM, I removed Stick 2 (in slot 4, as the motherboard says to use 2+4 first). Instantly booted."
Replicate this so you can update your bios.

 

[Scott Sullivan]

Yes, the computer has a dedicated graphics card.

The problem I'm encountering with the BIOS right now is that the listed BIOS under the BIOS Setup isn't matching anything I can find on the website.

The MOBO lists it's bios as "E7A34AMS.1G0" with a date of "03/16/2018". Microcode/CPUID 800F11/8001136.

I can't find any BIOS on the MSI website that lists such a BIOS. In fact, the MSI website lists them as 7A34v*, with no AMS or E. The MOBO was purchased directly from best buy still in package (the plastic wrap was sealed inside). It also doesn't list a single BIOS with that date on the website.

I'm not sure how to proceed. Should I simply ignore the fact that the bios, and the bios date, do not match any known version on the site and update with the newest one anyway?

 

[SgtScream]

Yes, the computer has a dedicated graphics card.

The problem I'm encountering with the BIOS right now is that the listed BIOS under the BIOS Setup isn't matching anything I can find on the website.

The MOBO lists it's bios as "E7A34AMS.1G0" with a date of "03/16/2018". Microcode/CPUID 800F11/8001136.

I can't find any BIOS on the MSI website that lists such a BIOS. In fact, the MSI website lists them as 7A34v*, with no AMS or E. The MOBO was purchased directly from best buy still in package (the plastic wrap was sealed inside). It also doesn't list a single BIOS with that date on the website.

I'm not sure how to proceed. Should I simply ignore the fact that the bios, and the bios date, do not match any known version on the site and update with the newest one anyway?

No, at this point stop. Call MSI support and tell them about the memory bios version issue you're having. Your motherboard is under their warranty and they will help you service it for free.

 

[Scott Sullivan]

All right, thank you.