Question RAM slot isn't working after cleaning dust from inside PC ?

[ceka6697]

Hi everyone. Seven months ago, I cleaned out my PC with compressed air, and since then, the fourth RAM slot hasn’t been working. As soon as I install a RAM module, the system freezes solid after starting up, sometimes even at the BIOS splash screen. Only once have I been able to use the PC under maximum load, running multiple games consecutively and playing Ghost of Tsushima for 5 hours straight without any errors or freezes. However, the PC still froze solid after 6 hours while I was just chatting with a friend on Facebook.

Yesterday, I tested this slot with Memtest, and it reported 0 errors. I’ve also tested the RAM module in another PC, and it works fine. Additionally, I’ve swapped out the CPU and GPU during this time. The motherboard is an Asus Z690-E Gaming, and the RAM is Corsair Dominator 32GB 5600 MHz. I can’t check the first and third slots because the water cooler blocks the first slot. The issue is specifically with the fourth slot. Currently, the PC is running fine with the RAM installed in the second slot without any problems.

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K (previously i9-13900K, same problem)
Motherboard: Asus Z690-E Gaming
RAM: Corsair Dominator DDR5 32GB 5600MHz (2x16GB)
Cooling: NZXT Z73 360mm
GPU: Asus RTX 4080S Strix (previously EVGA 3090 FTW3, same problem)
PSU: Seasonic Platinum 1300W
SSD: WD SN850 1TB
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 RGB
BIOS: Previously 2802, now 3701 (same problem)

I’ve tried enabling and disabling XMP profiles 1 and 2, cleared the CMOS, and reinstalled Windows, but the issue persists. The PC sometimes displays a blue screen with different error codes, but most of the time it just freezes completely—even on the BIOS screen. For instance, the system froze when I tried configuring BIOS settings

 

[Lutfij]

Motherboard: Asus Z690-E Gaming
BIOS: Previously 2802, now 3701 (same problem)

ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI Intel LGA 1700 ATX motherboard, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, 18+1 power stages, WiFi 6E, Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet, M.2 Combo-Sink , USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB Type-C®, SATA and Aura Sync

rog.asus.com

Flash the BIOS to version 3802 then clear the CMOS. See if that helps.

Try and clear the CMOS like so:
Disconnect from the wall and display, then remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard, press and hold down the power button for 30secs, then replace the battery after 30mins.

 

[ceka6697]

Motherboard: Asus Z690-E Gaming
BIOS: Previously 2802, now 3701 (same problem)

ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI Intel LGA 1700 ATX motherboard, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, 18+1 power stages, WiFi 6E, Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet, M.2 Combo-Sink , USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB Type-C®, SATA and Aura Sync

rog.asus.com

Flash the BIOS to version 3802 then clear the CMOS. See if that helps.

Try and clear the CMOS like so:
Disconnect from the wall and display, then remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard, press and hold down the power button for 30secs, then replace the battery after 30mins.

But I have already done all of this. I updated BIOS several times before and all the times I had the same problem 🙁

 

[SkyNetRising]

since then, the fourth RAM slot hasn’t been working. As soon as I install a RAM module, the system freezes solid after starting up, sometimes even at the BIOS splash screen.

Check cpu socket for bent/broken pins.
Make several high resolution photos of cpu socket from multiple different angles and show here.
(upload to imgur.com and post link)

I can’t check the first and third slots because the water cooler blocks the first slot.

Try reorienting cpu block, so it doesn't interfere with ram modules.

 

[Ralston18]

@ceka6697

Some motherboards require that the first physically installed RAM be placed in a specific slot.

Usually DIMMA2

This motherboard?

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...UM_WEB.pdf?model=ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI

Do verify that I found the applicable user manual

Normally the DIMMA2 requirement is stated quite clearly in the User Guide/Manual.

However, the User Manual is using little "1st" annotations for RAM and slots. Reference Page 1-5.

I suggest two things:

1) Double check the RAM confiiguration to ensure the the modules are installed per the User Guide diagrams.

2) Physically install the RAM modules in the order shown.

 

[ceka6697]

@ceka6697

Some motherboards require that the first physically installed RAM be placed in a specific slot.

Usually DIMMA2

This motherboard?

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1700/ROG_STRIX_Z690-E_GAMING_WIFI/E18785_ROG_STRIX_Z690-E_GAMING_WIFI_UM_WEB.pdf?model=ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI

Do verify that I found the applicable user manual

Normally the DIMMA2 requirement is stated quite clearly in the User Guide/Manual.

However, the User Manual is using little "1st" annotations for RAM and slots. Reference Page 1-5.

I suggest two things:

1) Double check the RAM confiiguration to ensure the the modules are installed per the User Guide diagrams.

2) Physically install the RAM modules in the order shown.

Yes sir this MB. I install it as it says to A2 and B2 slots . After a little beat load, my PC just freezes or sometimes it freeze on the BIOS loading screen.