Question My PC only boots with one ram stick after replacing CPU with new identical model

[megamatt705]

Hello, I recently broke my CPU trying to clean it and I've replaced it with a new identical model.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor
GPU: EVGA SC ULTRA GAMING GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER 6 GB Video Card
MOBO: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard
PSU: Corsair CX550M 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
MEM: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory / Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz C16 Desktop Memory Kit
All Parts: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Blowtorch101/saved/#view=KpbXbv

I installed the CPU with no resistance so I do not believe that any pins are bent or that it is installed in the wrong direction (arrows were aligned). The heat sink is also not screwed in very tightly, as I've heard that the heat sink being too tight can cause the RAM slots to malfunction. The PC can only boot with Single Channel RAM in A1 and A2 or with only one RAM in A2. I also recently received a BSOD in single channel mode, citing error code CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED. This BSOD also happened to me before with Game Boost on, but I've heard that MSI Game Boost is mostly a garbage feature that creates more problems than solutions.

Before I broke my old CPU like a fool, my PC had all 4 RAM slots occupied, so I know that they are all compatible.

The CPU allegedly does not need a BIOS update when replacing into the same system, but I had installed the most recent one for CPU compatibility with no change to the problem. Installing previous BIOS versions also did not help the situation. XMP is also enabled, using profile 1.

Are there any possible solutions to this problem? This PC was built in Jan of 2020.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Maybe reset bios to default settings? Possibly something with the board since you state the cpu is new, but the board was there when you damaged the original cpu. Not sure exactly what happened there. Only way to know would be a new board. If you can return the cpu to the store, maybe you would be able to trade up to a 5600 while you are at it since it’s not much more usually.

 

[megamatt705]

Maybe reset bios to default settings? Possibly something with the board since you state the cpu is new, but the board was there when you damaged the original cpu. Not sure exactly what happened there. Only way to know would be a new board. If you can return the cpu to the store, maybe you would be able to trade up to a 5600 while you are at it since it’s not much more usually.

I have resetted the BIOS to default settings several times, even removing the CMOS battery for 5 minutes to hard reset the BIOS. When I removed the battery and put it back in, a single RAM stick in A2 allowed for a regular boot but two RAMS in A2 and B2 respectively caused the pc to boot up, shut down, boot up, shut down, and finally boot with the CPU LED on and no display.

 

[thestryker]

You definitely need proper tension on the CPU or else you'll have problems. What CPU cooler are you using? Generally speaking unless you really crank it you shouldn't be putting too much tension, but if you're not tightening all the way you might not have enough.

 

[megamatt705]

You definitely need proper tension on the CPU or else you'll have problems. What CPU cooler are you using? Generally speaking unless you really crank it you shouldn't be putting too much tension, but if you're not tightening all the way you might not have enough.

The CPU has enough tension, it is all the way but not so tight that it is impossible to unscrew, I am using the heat sink that comes bundled with the Ryzen 5 3600, the same one that I used on my old one.

 

[thestryker]

The CPU has enough tension, it is all the way but not so tight that it is impossible to unscrew, I am using the heat sink that comes bundled with the Ryzen 5 3600, the same one that I used on my old one.

If you're not getting memory channels then you have a faulty CPU or the tension on the CPU is wrong. I'm working on the assumption that nothing is wrong with your motherboard since it was fine before you damaged the CPU.

If the cooler is the wraith stealth with springs on the screws you should tighten it all of the way down without worrying about it.

 

[megamatt705]

If you're not getting memory channels then you have a faulty CPU or the tension on the CPU is wrong. I'm working on the assumption that nothing is wrong with your motherboard since it was fine before you damaged the CPU.

If the cooler is the wraith stealth with springs on the screws you should tighten it all of the way down without worrying about it.

What would be the safest way to remove the heat sink so I can check the CPU? I don't want to remove it just to break it again like I did the original one.

 

[thestryker]

What would be the safest way to remove the heat sink so I can check the CPU? I don't want to remove it just to break it again like I did the original one.

Put the case on its side so the motherboard is flat with whatever surface it's on, unscrew all of the screws until they're loose and then gently turn the cooler clockwise then counter clockwise to break the seal (don't turn it very far and you may have to do this a few times).