GSkill & Z97 ASRock Extreme 6

[mydogmuppet]

I think I should just stick to jigsaw puzzles. Am too stupid for all this.

ASROCK Z97 Extreme 6 with Bios P1.40 fresh out of the box. Factory settings. 2 x 8Gb in slots 2 & 4. As Cooler obscures Slot 1.

I tried my build with GSkill Ripjaws X - F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL (2 x 8Gb). Would only POST with 1 x 8GB installed.
So I assume that the CPU is working. But would not POST with 2 x 8Gb.

This was just now replaced with GSkill Ares 2 x 8Gb F3-1866C10D-16GAB. Shown as compatible by Gskill.

RAM GSkill 8Gb module x 2. F3-1866C10D-16GAB

1. Listed on GSkill site as compatible with above motherboard.
2. NOT listed on ASRock site as compatible.

PMW & CPU fans spin. MB lights glow but...
Error Code 55 from Dr Debug.
No POST, at all, even with only 1 x 8Gb installed.
Reset CMOS. No change.
We know CPU works from first attempt with 1 x 8Gb Ripjaws X - right ?

Now I get Code 55 = Indicating the RAM is not detected - incompatible.

HELP please.

(all suggestions on 2 x 8Gb RAM that does actually work on this motherboard gratefully received)

 

[brispuss]

G.Skill memory part numbers F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL and F3-1866C10D-16GAB are (or should be) compatible with the Z97 Extreme 6 motherboard.

Assuming the four memory slots are numbered from 1 to 4 starting at the CPU end, then slots 2 and 4 are the correct slots to be used for installing two dual channel DIMM's. So there is no issue there.

Remove the CPU and very carefully examine the CPU and its socket for bent, missing, or damaged pads and pins. And make sure there is no dust nor debris of any kind present on the CPU or in the socket. Re-seat the CPU and its cooler carefully and evenly to ensure proper connection between the CPU pads and socket pins.

Make sure DIMM's are inserted fully and properly within their respective slots. If issues persist, try exchanging the DIMM's (DIMM in slot 2 goes in slot 4, and other DIMM in slot 4 goes in slot 2).

 

[Tradesman1]

Before going into the CPU and socket, might try loosening the CPU cooler then snugging it back down, people often overtighten the third party coolers too much in a corner or side which throws the CPU out of level and it doesn't get full contact to all pins in the socket. Also make sure the DRAM slots are clean as well as the contacts on the sticks

 

[jonathan1683]

Yikes I just ordered similiar ram and I have the same board. I noticed on their website they had like a 2.40 version of the bios yesterday. Maybe that would help if these other reasons have not fixed the issue?

 

[mydogmuppet]

I may be moaning and bitching about my Z97 Extreme 6 coming out of the box with a version on the Bios burned into the EPROMs from before the Biblical Flood.

But.....

I can't fault the ASRock Customer Service.

Whining this Friday just gone to ASRock.... long time after the last mail collection.
In this mornings post ( Monday!) two chips with P2.30 on them.
I live in the UK.
ASRock are in Nimegen, Holland.

Credit where credit is due. Let's hope it works.

 

[Tradesman1]

WIll be looking for an update 😉

 

[mydogmuppet]

Grrrrrr.

Bios Chipset P2.30 now installed.

RAM is , QVL certified, GSkill Ares F3-1866C10D-16GAB

8Gb in Slot A2 we get POST.
Both RAM sticks work in slot A2 to give UEFI POST.

But - Dual Channel no go - 8 Gb in Slot B2 & 8 Gb in Slot A2 = NO POST.
Dr Debug 55.

Note - I had exactly the same problem with GSkill F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL that I RMA'd

Therefore it seems it is not a GSkill RAM issue but an interoperability issue.

Royally screwed.

 

[jonathan1683]

Sorry to hear I got my ram today and will install it when I get home and let you know if it works.

 

[Tradesman1]

Did you check cooler, socket, etc?

 

[mydogmuppet]

Too tired. CPU etc is tomorrows task.

 

[mydogmuppet]

Sorry to hear I got my ram today and will install it when I get home and let you know if it works.

I'd be interested in your results. Not wanting to remove CPU & HSF assembly. There were 2 of us undertaking the install. Four hands is good...two is awkward.

 

[jonathan1683]

Sorry I ran into some non-related issues with my computer. I installed my ram and it went fine no issues at all, but I also noticed I have a Z87 not the Z97 like you have, but I dont see why that should matter as yours is newer. I installed this ram as per Tradesman1.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231589

the price just dropped 20 bucks since I got it a few days ago as well. I might grab another kit.

 

[gskill support]

mydogmuppet--

need to get that motherboard replaced ASAP, that should solve the problem.

Though you can check the mobo CPU pins and installation again to make sure there are no issues.

 

[mydogmuppet]

Update

New board supplied...god bless you Amazon. I can put the club hammer away.
All fired up and working......but wait

Windows 7 Pro SP1 the preferred OS of choice. All stops on install at the Licence Terms Accept page. Mouse & Keyboard become unresponsive.

Bootable USB stick. FAT or NTFS makes no difference. Set to GPT not MBR for the AsRock UEFI

1. Full Retail copy - no go
2. OEM cheapo copy - no go
3. 2 copies alledgedly Digital River clones - no go

It all stops in the same place. Accept Licence Terms on the install - Mouse & Keyboard become unresponsive.

Yes, I've put a PID.txt file in their with the CoA's product code on it.
Yes, I've checked with pidgen.exe ( V1.1.3.590) that the CoA is kosher. Not blacklisted by MS.
Yes, I've written my own little ei.cfg file and popped that in the 'sources' folder of the install media.

Over to the Windows Forums. Sigh. Never Ending.

 

[Tradesman1]

Try doing install with a single stick of DRAM

 

[jonathan1683]

I had this happen it's usually something plugged in that shouldn't be.

try these things

unplug all unused drives especially usb stuff use a dvd to install it even download a new image allowed by Microsoft they supply on their website I think.

make sure you are not plugging in anything into the last 4 data ports close to the ram sticks. especially dvd drives it's not supported use the Intel sata ports to the left side closer to cmos reset. make sure ur mouse is working if it's not detecting use your keyboard to navigate with the tab button enter button or space bar. after windows installs and u run service packs and updates then start adding new hardware