One stick functions, but two prevent usage
One stick functions, but two prevent usage
The issue seems to have started after several months of regular use for gaming, school, and other tasks. Suddenly the system displayed a blue screen indicating memory problems. I double-checked everything, including replacing RAM with the same brand but 3200MHz, which worked perfectly. The slots were functioning correctly, and using one stick of 8GB or multiple sticks without issues. However, adding another identical 8GB stick triggered a blue screen after a few minutes. Possible causes included NTFS.sys errors, memory faults, system problems, Windows issues, or even a corrupted drive. Fortunately, the drive passed checks—optimized, cleaned, CHKDSK, and SFC/scannow all reported 100% health. I ran memory diagnostics which showed problems and advised contacting the supplier, though I don’t have receipts and the purchase was in 2021. I confirmed the RAM was fine and runs well with one stick, but two sticks caused errors. After reinstalling Windows multiple times and updating all drives to 8GB, the PC operated smoothly for hours without any issues. I’m considering testing on another motherboard but haven’t yet due to budget constraints. I also replaced the CPU, RAM, rebuilt the PC, and even upgraded the PSU, which now runs flawlessly.
You can still attempt various troubleshooting methods because your board supports four slots. Consider testing RAM in different slots to see if the issue persists. Determine whether a specific stick consistently causes problems or if any stick works across all slots. Also, check if the problem occurs regardless of which slot the second stick is placed in.
Initially I thought slot 4 would start near processor 4,3,2,1 as usual, before my RX 580 2x8Gb RAM was installed on slot 3 and 1, which has been functioning normally for a year. Now I'm experiencing BSODs. I checked other slots and only one worked, but I can't recall if it also caused the issue. It seems the problem started after I kept forcing the same RAM configuration. I decided to stick with one RAM only since changing it feels too exhausting. Sorry for the delayed reply—happy birthday! I'll try 2x8GB next, but my mind is tired of this process.
It was always set to the default 2666mhz. (Also checked an 8GB 3200mhz unit from the same brand, two units bought separately from the same seller—each had only one 8GB stick instead of two 8GB sticks. Could it be that because these aren’t sold as two 8GB modules, they’re incompatible?) I tried 2400mhz and BSOD, so I’m sticking with a single 8GB stick for now. I might visit a shop to have it tested once I have some cash.
Attempting another lower installation to verify. Just completed a complete Windows reset and refreshed all settings. Could BIOS influence memory BSOD? Also, I usually update my PC regularly. It’s been two years since the last upgrade, and now it feels like a heavy loss.
A BIOS can trigger a BSOD when issues arise. Updating to a newer BIOS might help, or if it's outdated, reinstalling the current or older version could resolve the problem. Just ensure you do this during a stable power situation.