Changing RAM from 2x8 to 4x8 causes some unusual issues.
Changing RAM from 2x8 to 4x8 causes some unusual issues.
Hey there! I recently purchased a new set of two RAM modules to upgrade my system, but things haven’t turned out as expected. I was looking for a compatible match to my previous setup since those exact parts are no longer available. After installing the new sticks, I didn’t even notice any issues at first. I skipped the memory test and started playing right away; after about an hour of gaming, my PC suddenly froze. Then I ran a memory diagnostic and it failed severely. Since my system was overclocked slightly, I restored everything to factory settings, but that didn’t fix the problem.
I tested the new RAM alone, and it worked perfectly. I also checked the unused slots one by one—both functioned without issues when disabled. However, after changing the slots, I encountered a BSOD, but once resolved, the RAM continued to work fine. When XMP was enabled, booting with just one stick in Slot 1 failed. I also tried installing two sticks in Slot 1 and three in Slot 2, but the PC wouldn’t start either. It seems there might be an issue with compatibility or configuration.
With four sticks installed, I faced errors whether XMP was active or not. I removed the CPU to check for a bent pin, but I’m unsure if that’s possible now. My current setup includes 4 slots, all working at stock speeds, yet problems persist. Could it be that this configuration isn’t designed for such setups? Thanks for your help ahead of time!
A bent pin would create even bigger issues. It seems slot 1 could be the source of trouble. Have you attempted using every slot except one? (Assuming you tried keeping only one stick in slot 3, it resolved the problem) Combining and swapping RAM modules can be quite risky.
I haven't done that yet, but now I'm considering selling my sticks and purchasing a 2x16 kit.