New RAM Upgrade Causing Boot Loop/Power Cycling

[pc17]

Edit: *fixed wrong part number that caused confusion.

I purchased this Cyberpower PC over two years ago, and I decided to upgrade the RAM, but am having trouble getting the RAM upgrade to take. Here are my specs:

Motherboard: GA-X99-UD3 (rev. 1.0)
Motherboard UEFI/BIOS Version: F4
CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3 GHz
Power Supply: 600W

The initially installed stock RAM is 2x 4GB Crucial with the same voltage and frequency. When I remove the old sticks and install the two new sticks of Crucial 8GB CT8G4DFS8213* and power back on, the fans light up and start, other components begin making noise, and then it'll kill off after about 3 seconds. It'll do this endlessly, and I can't seem to get any screen signal or access to BIOS.

Gigabyte lists supported RAM here, and my new RAM (CT8G4DFS8213*) is not on that list, but a stick with the P/N CT8G4DFD8213. Again, Crucial's configurator lists both.

I have tried other placement configurations with each 8GB in the recommended single slot by itself, the 8GB with the 4GB in appropriate slots. The only thing that works is the old 4GB sticks. I even accidentally stuck one 4GB in a non-recommended slots, and it booted up no problem. But I can't get anything with the 8GB sticks.

I've read most of the solved threads on similar issues, but they seem to have other more complex problems (checking other components) or suggest things I've already tried:

I've tried resetting the CMOS, with no luck for the double 8GB sticks. I haven't tried a single on alone after resetting, but the computer did indeed confirm the CMOS reset after start up, just with no luck getting uptake on the new RAM.

What I haven't tried is updating the BIOS, since the only version that describes improving memory functionality is F7b to increase to "Support 16GB DDR4 memory module." Since these were 8GB not 16GB modules, and I read that updating it can cause further issues, I wanted to see how likely it is that this would fix the problem, and if there are any things to try before going ahead with that.

I also found this site on memory support for my mother board that wasn't super helpful for troubleshooting: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/gigabyte-x99-ud3-motherboard/3/

Info on working memory sticks:
Link to Crucial page for stick with same number: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct4g4dfs8213
Brand: Crucial
Form Factor: UDIMM
Total Capacity: 4GB
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Specs: DDR4 PC4-17000 • CL=15 • Single Ranked • x8 based • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR4-2133 • 1.2V • 512Meg x 64 •
Series: Crucial

Info on new sticks
Link to Amazon page from where I purchased them
Crucial page for same part number.
Brand: Crucial
Form Factor: UDIMM
Total Capacity: 16GB kit (8GBx2)
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Specs: DDR4 PC4-17000 • CL=15 • Single Ranked • x8 based • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR4-2133 • 1.2V • 1024Meg x 64 •
Series: Crucial

These sticks are listed on Crucial's recommended upgrade page for my Motherboard, see that here, but not on the Qualified Vendors List that has a partial list of tested modules.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... some MB's are 'dual channel" only for Ram use... thus you need to use/install in pairs into the correct MB slots for this purpose (check your MB manual/PDF).

1)Did you remove the MB/CMOS battery first before doing the CMOS clear/reset?

Basically the memory controller is on the your CPU and lists these memory specs for it... DDR4 1333/1600/2133
http://ark.intel.com/products/82932/Intel-Core-i7-5820K-Processor-15M-Cache-up-to-3_60-GHz

 

[pc17]

...

 

[pc17]

Hello... some MB's are 'dual channel" only for Ram use... thus you need to use/install in pairs into the correct MB slots for this purpose (check your MB manual/PDF). Did you remove the MB/CMOS battery first before doing the CMOS clear/reset?

Okay. I can keep trying more placing both RAM in at once, but I did test that at some point before. The only reason I tried with one is that I had read the recommendation of trying with one. My PC will boot with one stick of the original Crucial 4GB RAM though.

I only removed the CMOS battery to reset the CMOS. I pushed the pin to release it, let it out for a minute, and put it back in.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... I give it a ~2-3 mins of battery removal and clear/reset... you are trying to discharge the back up capacitor to the CMOS CHIP, to set all the '1's" in it to zero.

Basically you need to satisfy the CPU memory controller with your RAM choices... the MB is just a "passive vehicle" to get the data between the CPU and RAM.

 

[pc17]

Hello... I give it a ~2-3 mins of battery removal and clear/reset... you are trying to discharge the back up capacitor to the CMOS CHIP, to set all the '1's" in it to zero.

Basically you need to satisfy the CPU memory controller with your RAM choices... the MB is just a "passive vehicle" to get the data between the CPU and RAM.

TY for the info. I'll give it another try for 2-3 min and add the new RAM set. I had been shown by a computer instructor in high school to just remove the battery, but this Gigabyte manual wants me to use a screwdriver to touch the place where people usually use jumpers.

 

[bgunner]

The battery only needs to left out for 30 seconds, and the power supply unplugged from the wall, for the capacitors to fully discharge. 1 minute is enough to reset the BIOS/clear the Cmos as long as the PSU is unplugged.

look and see if the new Memory is included in the memory QVL for your motherboard. While the memory controller is located in the CPU the motherboard is where you find out if the ram has been tested on the motherboard to be compatible.

 

[Calvin7]

Qualified Vendor Lists are not all-inclusive. They just show examples of what works.

You part number is a listing of a single module. Modules sold as singles are not meant to be combined and are not guaranteed to work in any other form than a single module.

Crucial guarantees the rated speed and timings of any memory to be obtainable only in the kit it is sold in. If you are adding an additional modules of memory, the rated timings may not work due to the extra stress on the memory controller. Therefore, you will need to relax the timings and/or frequencies in order to get two modules of memory to work. Another option you may need to do is increase the dram voltages or reducing the CPU multiplier.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Ok I used the Crucial recommendation/configurator for you... according to them... the problem is you bought 'dual rank" models... and they recommend 8GB 'single rank" models for a Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3. http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct8g4dfd8213

your purchase... http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct8g4dfd8213
return your Ram for the properly assembled DDR4 sticks for your current MB/RAM socket to CPU memory controller wiring. B )

DDR? is just a '"card factor" "PC board" what gets put on them and how it is wired can differ between MB's, makers, products and use.

 

[bgunner]

Qualified Vendor Lists are not all-inclusive. They just show examples of what works.

Actually the Qualified Vendors List (QVL) only shows modules/Kits that they have actually tested. While other memory can work, and often does, this list tells you that that particular ram will work on that exact motherboard and no guessing or extra BIOS manipulation is needed for them to work properly.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Basically the "Rank" to me? means single or double sided electrical connections... since your MB has 4 slots and a MAX of 64 GB's... it is wired for 8gbs per side on the MB Ram slots... a 8GB stick will need be "single ranked" and a 16GB stick will need to be "dual ranked" to complete the electrical connections to your CPU memory controller B /

Let me know anyone... if my logic and explanation is correct for the term "ranked" (they used to use double sided or single sided) B /

 

[bgunner]

For clarification of Single rank and Dual rank memory have a read of this: http://forums.crucial.com/t5/tkb/articleprintpage/tkb-id/dram%40tkb/article-id/71

 

[pc17]

The battery only needs to left out for 30 seconds, and the power supply unplugged from the wall, for the capacitors to fully discharge. 1 minute is enough to reset the BIOS/clear the Cmos as long as the PSU is unplugged.

look and see if the new Memory is included in the memory QVL for your motherboard. While the memory controller is located in the CPU the motherboard is where you find out if the ram has been tested on the motherboard to be compatible.

Here is a link: http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-x99-ud3.pdf

These modules aren't listed on that compatibility page, but were suggested by Crucial as the 16GB package.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... THX bgunner... I use 2Rx8's in my intel "77" MB's... ya it seems complicated to explain and read... If the CPU and MB makers would include this 'detailed" information about this... maybe it could better help us people upgrade... the memory makers have some great configurators to help this mystery out. B )

 

[pc17]

Qualified Vendor Lists are not all-inclusive. They just show examples of what works.

You part number is a listing of a single module. Modules sold as singles are not meant to be combined and are not guaranteed to work in any other form than a single module.

Crucial guarantees the rated speed and timings of any memory to be obtainable only in the kit it is sold in. If you are adding an additional modules of memory, the rated timings may not work due to the extra stress on the memory controller. Therefore, you will need to relax the timings and/or frequencies in order to get two modules of memory to work. Another option you may need to do is increase the dram voltages or reducing the CPU multiplier.

Here is a part number for two modules ct2k8g4dfs8213: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct2k8g4dfs8213

I purchased the RAM in a pack from Amazon under the same P/N after determining that it's compatible using the Gigabyte list and Crucial's website, but now I'm seeing that I also missed that difference in the part number.

So Gigabyte is definitely compatible with CT8G4DFD8213, and I have CT8G4DFS8213, but I had used Crucial's recommendation page to find the Single Rank or *s* part number for a two pack.

I only tried it with the older sticks and alone to see if it made a difference. I also tried the two new sticks as a pair.

 

[pc17]

Hello... Ok I used the Crucial recommendation/configurator for you... according to them... the problem is you bought 'dual rank" models... and they recommend 8GB 'single rank" models for a Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3. http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct8g4dfd8213

your purchase... http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct8g4dfd8213
return your Ram for the properly assembled DDR4 sticks for your current MB/RAM socket to CPU memory controller wiring. B )

DDR? is just a '"card factor" "PC board" what gets put on them and how it is wired can differ between MB's, makers, products and use.

Amazon lists the RAM that I bought as Single Ranked here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BIWKUVC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used the part number CT2K8G4DFS8213 to find it here on Crucial's website: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct2k8g4dfs8213

You have found CT8G4DFD8213 on Crucial's website, though I realize I used that part number, so sorry for the confusion (I pulled it off of the Gigabyte QVL list not noticing the difference). So the CT8G4DFD8213 isn't the RAM I have been trying, but both are actually considered compatible by Crucial, just the sticks I have aren't listed on the QVL page.

If you look lower on the page that Crucial's configurator generates, there are both dual and single rank ram sticks, but my set (of two sticks in a package) is definitely on that list.

I was hoping for a minute you were right!

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... ya that possible... sorry for picking the bad google search results on my(your) part B o... well if your sure you have the correct rank and set per crucial configuration... try giving the RAM stick gold connectors a cleaning with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab... and re-inserting them.

Maybe you need a BIO's update to get the 2133 or you need a Voltage increase to them B / ... OR?

 

[pc17]

What I did in between these responses was pull the CMOS out for 2-3 min while using a screwdriver to touch the jumper pins together, being as sure as possible to reset BIOS. I did it first with the 2 8GB sticks inserted. Turned on to power cycling no screen for BIOS. I did it again with just on 8GB stick, and same result.

My 2x 4GB pack is 2133 already.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... OK good tests... Did they come in a sealed bubble pack? used? new?

it seems that your NEW RAM is struggling with communications to the CPU memory controller with 8GB sticks... what are the posted specs (rank) on your current "working 2x4gb" ram sticks?

 

[pc17]

Hello... OK good tests... Did they come in a sealed bubble pack? used? new?

it seems that your NEW RAM is struggling with communications to the CPU memory controller with 8GB sticks... what are the posted specs (rank) on your current "working 2x4gb" ram sticks?

They came in new plastic container/shell like all the other RAM I have received. It was hard to open, so seemed completely new unopened. Very clean.

I didn't want to use alcohol on the RAM in case I can still send it back to Amazon and get something directly off the compatible list.

Here are the working sticks info, and I'll just post all old and new stick info in the original post too. They came with the computer and work fine together, so I assume they are a pack.

Link to Crucial page for stick with same number: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/ct4g4dfs8213
Brand: Crucial
Form Factor: UDIMM
Total Capacity: 4GB
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Specs: DDR4 PC4-17000 • CL=15 • Single Ranked • x8 based • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR4-2133 • 1.2V • 512Meg x 64 •
Series: Crucial

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... OK good same ranks and specs... as a another "simple test" what if you were to "good boot" with the 2x4GB sticks... save and exit BIO's... and then add the 2x8gb sticks into the other slots... what is the result?

 

[pc17]

Hello... OK good same ranks and specs... as a another "simple test" what if you were to "good boot" with the 2x4GB sticks... save and exit BIO's... and then add the 2x8gb sticks into the other slots... what is the result?

Not while the computer is on, right? Just after saving and exiting the BIOS, shutting down, unplugging, then installing RAM? I have tried that one before, but I can try that again.

If you mean add the sticks after it's on after exiting BIO's, is there a safe way to do that?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... never ADD any components to the MB while the power is applied B D.... Never... LOL ...GOOD question B )

I mean after you have saved a "Good Boot" (CMOS data) ... then power down and add the 2x8 sticks to the other slots... re-boot... your MB should/could boot in dual channel mode with 24GB of available RAM. B ) ...Will it?

 

[pc17]

Hello... never ADD any components to the MB while the power is applied B D.... Never... LOL ...GOOD question B )

I mean after you have saved a "Good Boot" (CMOS data) ... then power down and add the 2x8 sticks to the other slots... re-boot... your MB should/could boot in dual channel mode with 24GB of available RAM. B ) ...Will it?

Right. Okay, well that test didn't work when I just tried it now or when I tried it earlier :/ .

Would it be worthwhile to try the sticks in different arrangements? My motherboard doesn't have color coded RAM slots like most MBs. When I put the RAM in a two sticks, it asks me to put them in 2B and 4D, but when it shows four modules, it doesn't show a placement schema, just four dots in all four RAM slots.

This doesn't really matter since it won't even boot with the 8GB in 2 and 4, but I have been placing the secondary set in 1 and 3, since when there is two it asks them to be placed into 2 and 4.

Should I try other arrangements? Should I try arrangements not recommended by the manual?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Well your MB and CPU are capable of 2, 3, 4 channel operation with memory... just a "simple test" was suggested... time to RMA the RAM I feel at this point. You have done all you can... Good Job, DATA collection and efforts here. B ) GL on the next set.