New RAM, PC won't boot

[Jake Milliken]

I've already looked at other similar questions and their solutions don't work.

I recently tried to install 16GB 2400Mhz RAM(two 8GB sticks) after taking out my old 8GB 1600Mhz(one stick) RAM. My Motherboard is Asrock Z97 Pro3.

Upon booting my PC back up, it wouldn't load the mobo(so I can't access BIOS/CMOS upon startup AFTER the new RAM) or Windows 7. I can't reset CMOS manually because my GPU is right on top of it, and I don't want to fiddle with it just for CMOS.

Should I reset CMOS, then shut off my PC and install the new RAM?

Or should I reset the BIOS, then shut off my PC and install the new RAM?

Are there any compatibility issues with my mobo? Also, My RAM brand is Corsair Vengeance for both old and new RAM, and yes, they are both DDR3.

Also, will reseting BIOS or CMOS do anything to my PC other than reconfigure hardware? Like will it reset some Windows settings, or will it mess with Windows in any way? I also have a custom built from Ironside, so are any settings or data at risk? Or will it be like a normal boot after installing the new RAM?

I've seen heavily mixed answers from every similar forum post so far, so I don't know which is the safest/easiest. Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[TechiCanadian]

try placing both ram sticks in both black spots if that doesn't work try both blue spots and if that doesn't work let me know.

 

[William Norberg]

It will only reset the BIOS, it won't affect anything on your harddrive. Try it, it might work.

 

[Tradesman1]

What CPU and what are the models of the DRAM?