Question Memory issues on X58 Asus Rampage II Extreme + i7 920

[JettStream]

Hello TH community.

Recently I was able to score a bargain on an Asus Rampage II Extreme + i7 920 combo, and this gave me the idea of building a secondary gaming PC around it that I could put in the living room (sure this platform is outdated and not power efficient in the slightest but it can still pack a solid punch). Anyway, I found a 4x4GB 1333MHz DDR3 kit, but there seems to be what I assume is a memory channel issue: by installing the 4 modules in the recommended configuration (so slots A2, A1, B1, C1), the BIOS would only pick up 8GB, while in Windows it would state 16GB with 8GB usable.

After this I tried multiple different memory configurations while also swapping the modules around and these were the results:

• A1, B1, C1 --> still 8GB detected
• A1, B1 --> 4GB detected
• A2, A1, B2, B1 --> doesn't POST
• B2, B1, C2, C1 --> detectes the full 16GB and everything works as it should

I could just use it in the last configuration, but then it wouldn't take advantage of triple channel, and I probably wouldn't be able to upgrade to 24GB in the future if I wanted to.

So now I'm asking you for help: is there something I can try to do or do I just have to rule this off as a dead memory channel? I've already updated the BIOS to the latest version, reseated the CPU and checked the socket but found no bent or broken pins. I've heard some people say that excessive CPU cooler mounting pressure could cause memory issues: while I don't think I overtightened the cooler's screws, is it worth it to look into this potential solution or is it unlikely? And if it ends up being an actual dead memory channel, in your experience, is it most likely to be the CPU or motherboard's fault? I'd hope for the former since I was thinking of selling it and swapping it for a 6 core down the line anyway.

Tell me what you think about this, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[stonecarver]

I found a 4x4GB 1333MHz DDR3 kit

See if you can find 2 more memory 4Gb sticks that match yours for true triple channel. That's where these old girls shine and what still gives them life after all these years to still be in the game.

If not for it missing the AVX instructions a Xeon x5690 or 5680 can still play any game that does not require AVX. Not bad for a 13 year old CPU.

As time goes on the 1366 platform will be like a 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS, Not you daily driver but when you feel the need she still has kicks.

 

[JettStream]

If not for it missing the AVX instructions a Xeon x5690 or 5680 can still play any game that does not require AVX. Not bad for a 13 year old CPU.

As time goes on the 1366 platform will be like a 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS, Not you daily driver but when you feel the need she still has kicks.

Yeah, that's why I want to get it up and running to its full potential.