Unique Motherboard/RAM Issue

[Tim_83]

Alright so this is either bizarre or very simple. So I was having issues a few weeks ago with my RAM. The 2 slots closet to my CPU weren't working and causing my computer to be stuck in a restart cycle every time I plugged a stick of RAM in them.

After getting annoyed with troubleshooting I decided to upgrade all new components. I bought a new mobo, new CPU, and new ram. The only thing that was the same was my case, PSU, and H60 heatsink.

I built my new rig today and set up my ram in different colored slots and it wouldn't boot. So I played with the ram again and took one stick and tested all the ram slots and the 2 closest to my processor did not work.

I mean, is this really my PSU causing this? Is this a coincidence?

OLD System:
AMD FX-8350 CPU
GA-970A-DS3P rev 2.0 Motherboard
Corsair Vengeance 16gb DDR3 1868
800w Corsair PSU
CASE: Thermaltake Versa n21

NEW System:
i5-6600K Skylake
GA-Z170-HD3 Motherboard
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16gb DDR4 3000
800w Corsair PSU
CASE: Thermaltake Versa n21

 

[dark_lord69]

"... set up my ram in different colored slots and it wouldn't boot."
no surprise

"I mean, is this really my PSU causing this?"
No, your new motherboard could have a couple of bad slots. However motherboards are very picky about what slots you put the ram into. I highly recommend you take a good look at your motherboard manual for proper installation.

Often, you CANNOT use the 2 slots closest to the CPU at the same time.
Example:
Slots could be
Red - Black - Red - Black

They alternate colors to help you understand which dimm slots can be used together.
So with 2 dimms of ram you could use Red and Red or Black and Black but NOT Red and Black (unless all 4 dimm slots are filled).
This is why you need to check your motherboard manual.

 

[Tim_83]

I still believe it's a short, I'm going to run my motherboard out of the case tonight.

 

[Tim_83]

"... set up my ram in different colored slots and it wouldn't boot."
no surprise

"I mean, is this really my PSU causing this?"
No, your new motherboard could have a couple of bad slots. However motherboards are very picky about what slots you put the ram into. I highly recommend you take a good look at your motherboard manual for proper installation.

Often, you CANNOT use the 2 slots closest to the CPU at the same time.
Example:
Slots could be
Red - Black - Red - Black

They alternate colors to help you understand which dimm slots can be used together.
So with 2 dimms of ram you could use Red and Red or Black and Black but NOT Red and Black (unless all 4 dimm slots are filled).
This is why you need to check your motherboard manual.

I do understand the channels and a dual channel set up based on alternating colors.

I did mention "tested all the ram slots and the 2 closest to my processor did not work" I took a stick of ram and tested every slot and the 2 furthest from the CPU worked and booted just fine and the other 2 slots next to the CPU did not. So every time I try to set up my ram in DUAL channel, when a stick of ram is in either of the 2 slots that don't work, it wont boot.

Here's a diagram:

[CPU] [DIMM4](Black) [DIMM3](Grey) [DIMM2](Black) [DIMM1](Grey)

RAM IN 2,4 (Doesn't Boot)
RAM IN 3,1 (Doesn't Boot)
RAM IN 2,1 (Boots Fine)
RAM IN 1 (Boots Fine)
RAM IN 2 (Boots Fine)
RAM IN 3 (Doesn't Boot)
RAM IN 4 (Doesn't Boot)

 

[Calvin7]

CPU] [DIMM4](Black) [DIMM2](Grey) [DIMM3](Black) [DIMM1](Grey)

The manual uses a different numbering system than you do.

Check memory with http://www.memtest.org/

If no errors, remove CPU and check for damaged pins caused by faulty CPU installation. It may be possible to straghten bent pins.

It is always a good idea to watch a few YouTube videos and read a couple guides about installing an Intel CPU.