DIMM Slots not working
DIMM Slots not working
Posting this as maybe a last option, who knows, maybe someone has some insight I'm missing. Two of the four DIMM slots on my motherboard aren't functioning properly. I assembled my PC in 2018 with just one 8GB RAM stick in the last slot. Last year I added another stick and configured it in dual channel: X 1 X 2, where X is an empty slot, 1 is the new stick, and 2 holds the old one. The DRAM indicator would light up and flash to the CPU indicator several times before the PC would shut down and restart repeatedly. I thought this was a RAM issue since trying 1 X 2 X also produced the same outcome, and the new stick came from a prebuilt system. Yesterday I purchased an 8GB stick I know works with my board and got the same result. After extensive testing with all three RAM sticks I currently have, I believe the two remaining slots are faulty. No matter which stick I insert into either of the two left slots, I experience no startup and the DRAM light stays on, flickering to the CPU until it powers off.
What steps have I already tried?
1. Clearing CMOS
2. Updating BIOS to the latest version
3. Inspecting the CPU slot for bent pins
4. Removing both the CPU cooler and motherboard screws
5. Testing all possible combinations with the three RAM sticks I own
At this stage, the only option seems to be purchasing a new motherboard, as it's been five years since my original purchase and I doubt a replacement will be available through the manufacturer. Any suggestions before making a decision?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
If the motherboard was manufactured in 2018, it should have a label indicating which slots they are, for example, slots A2 and B2.
When sharing a troubleshooting thread, it's standard to provide your complete system specifications. Please list your build details clearly, such as:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Include the age of the PSU along with its make and model. Also, mention the BIOS version for your motherboard at this time.
Currently, I can only purchase a new motherboard.
Ultimately, it's your investment, but we usually work through the issue by offering solutions through troubleshooting.
CPU is an Intel i5 8400, cooler is stock, motherboard model B360M Aorus Gaming 3, RAM includes Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR4 2400MHz (first one), a generic 8GB stick, and the most recent purchase was a Husky Gaming 8GB DDR4 2666MHz stick. SSD/HDD is a 1TB NVME Kingston SSD. GPU is GTX 1060 6GB. PSU is a 500W Aerocool KCAS 500W unit, five years old. BIOS version is F15. Please note these details were not mentioned earlier.