Experiencing issues starting your computer.
Experiencing issues starting your computer.
Hey all, So recently I've started having a few concerns with my computer that I want to solve. I'll start off with a little backstory and my build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Cxf7BZ The other day, I decided I wanted to upgrade the RAM on my computer. I opened the case, cleaned out the dust with compressed air, then took out the RAM sticks to figure out what model they were (for compatibility issues). After putting them back in, I noticed that my computer wouldn't turn back on. After some trial and error (including switching the ports that were holding the sticks), I figured out that my computer wouldn't turn on unless I was directly pressing on one of the RAM sticks while holding the power button. I had a few concerns about this, since now every time I shut down my computer and want to turn it back on, I have to open up the case and press on the RAM sticks while pressing the power button. I checked System Information to see if one of the sticks was loose but it showed the full physical memory of both sticks (8 gb). I've also noticed that it doesn't matter what configuration I put my RAM in, I still have to press on one of them to turn my computer on. For example, I tried putting stick 1 in port A1 and stick 2 in port B1 and had to press on stick 1 to make it work. I also tried putting stick 1 in port B2 and stick 2 in port A2 and this time around I had to press on stick 2 to make it work. What is the cause of this, and is there any way I can fix this? On a related side note, I've seen forum posts stating that if I want to upgrade my RAM, I should get another set of 2x4 gb sticks rather than swapping my current sticks to 2x8 gb sticks. Any recommendations? I was planning to get the 2x8 versions of the sticks I'm currently using but the whole startup issue has me worried that maybe the ports for holding the RAM are bad and I'll get the same issues even if I upgrade.
It seems the setup isn’t fully aligned. I’d expect a click at each end. If you’re limited to two sticks, they should be in slots A2 and B2.
I believe they fit perfectly, I made sure to hear two clicks each time I inserted them. I'm using DDR4 RAM modules, and when I put them in I notice a small click followed by a larger one. This might be due to the connectors only having one clip to secure the sticks. Are there other reasons this could occur, or am I just not tightening them properly?
Let’s shut down the system and take them out. Check the slots to confirm they’re uniform—look for any signs of damage or debris blocking the memory slot at the bottom. Once everything appears fine, reinsert the memory. That’s about it.
I just tried taking them out and everything seems fine now. This time I realized pressing on either stick would power the computer on, so it’s probably not about how they’re placed. I also want to mention that once it’s on, it stays active. If that helps, I figured out the RAM press issue because my mouse and headphones would light up then. Is there a way not applying pressure to the RAM could influence power? Maybe it’s a motherboard problem? I’m not very familiar with building computers, so I don’t know what else to do besides securing a RAM stick, which doesn’t seem like a good plan to me.
Could be a motherboard issue. There's always a chance there. I would check surrounding hardware. Perhaps reseat the CPU and heat sink. Yes both. Double check the 2 pin power to the motherboard. Reseat that as well. I would also check the standoffs on the motherboard. Be sure they all line up with the holes and there's not a stray. You do have an interesting issue, definately hardware related
I’m not sure what happened, but I managed to fix it. I was applying pressure to the motherboard and noticed the lights on my mouse and headphones staying on. It might have been something loose on the board that I shifted back into place. I’m still trying to figure out what caused these problems, but thank you for your assistance! I’d like to prevent this when upgrading RAM in the future, so if you have a moment, please share more details and I’ll help solve it. I also couldn’t put my computer to sleep without it cutting power to everything, which meant turning off all devices and rebooting repeatedly. It seems pressing on the RAM might not have been the main issue, but the motherboard connection could be the problem. I’ve attached a photo of the setup in case it helps clarify.
Thank you so very much for this photo. I have modified it for technical purposes. So to clearify my statement earlier about the standoffs. My fear is you look to be missing screws in places and there's a line of stand-offs along the bottom. Circled in red are missing screws and possibly missing stand-offs. The Green are screws that look to be proper placement. You get to rebuild your PC.
Will do, I guess this gives me a chance to clean up the wiring haha. It does make sense to me though seeing that I can wiggle my motherboard around a bit. I might just end up doing the rebuild tonight with all the extra free time I have. Just to clarify before I start taking it apart, how many standoffs should be attached to the motherboard? Or would that depend on the model? Thanks again for all the help!