F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Only one of the four RAM slots is not functioning. Could it be a faulty motherboard or another issue?

Only one of the four RAM slots is not functioning. Could it be a faulty motherboard or another issue?

Only one of the four RAM slots is not functioning. Could it be a faulty motherboard or another issue?

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MrZezeu
Member
57
02-01-2026, 11:37 PM
#1
my pc functioned well this morning. i upgraded my ram and replaced the old sticks with new ones in the same slots. after resetting the cmos and testing one stick at a time, everything worked except when using both A2 and B2 slots. only the A2 stick lights up, and bios/task manager shows memory for just one stick in A2. having all four slots causes a 0d error again. i’m unsure if the issue is with the ram slot itself, but i’m hoping it’s not a hardware problem and that something else is affecting performance.
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MrZezeu
02-01-2026, 11:37 PM #1

my pc functioned well this morning. i upgraded my ram and replaced the old sticks with new ones in the same slots. after resetting the cmos and testing one stick at a time, everything worked except when using both A2 and B2 slots. only the A2 stick lights up, and bios/task manager shows memory for just one stick in A2. having all four slots causes a 0d error again. i’m unsure if the issue is with the ram slot itself, but i’m hoping it’s not a hardware problem and that something else is affecting performance.

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Xandariellol
Member
65
02-02-2026, 12:26 AM
#2
A possible fix could be a BIOS update, but it seems the issue might stem from RAM mismatch. If XMP is enabled, turning it off might help quickly. Personally, I avoid mixing RAM even though it sometimes works; I just prefer not to take risks. AMD tends to use all channels, so 4x8 would likely perform better than 2x16 in most cases.
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Xandariellol
02-02-2026, 12:26 AM #2

A possible fix could be a BIOS update, but it seems the issue might stem from RAM mismatch. If XMP is enabled, turning it off might help quickly. Personally, I avoid mixing RAM even though it sometimes works; I just prefer not to take risks. AMD tends to use all channels, so 4x8 would likely perform better than 2x16 in most cases.

K
ktown_carcar
Member
84
02-02-2026, 01:11 AM
#3
Thanks for your feedback. It seems using just the two new sticks is limiting you to slot A. Could using all four sticks resolve this issue? I’m open to testing the 32GB option with both old and new sticks, even if it’s a bit more complicated. Right now I’m stuck with just one 16GB stick.
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ktown_carcar
02-02-2026, 01:11 AM #3

Thanks for your feedback. It seems using just the two new sticks is limiting you to slot A. Could using all four sticks resolve this issue? I’m open to testing the 32GB option with both old and new sticks, even if it’s a bit more complicated. Right now I’m stuck with just one 16GB stick.

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josh_k1310
Member
224
02-11-2026, 07:19 AM
#4
I can't think of just using the RAM to harm the slot unless you accidentally push something in the wrong way, like before noticing. I’d also recommend bringing a small light source—such as a flashlight or old torch—and inspect the dim slots closely. A tiny bit of debris might be the problem. You might also try using a soft toothbrush with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the inside of the slots. Simple dirt issues are often ignored. A good light and inspection can help you spot any visible damage.
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josh_k1310
02-11-2026, 07:19 AM #4

I can't think of just using the RAM to harm the slot unless you accidentally push something in the wrong way, like before noticing. I’d also recommend bringing a small light source—such as a flashlight or old torch—and inspect the dim slots closely. A tiny bit of debris might be the problem. You might also try using a soft toothbrush with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the inside of the slots. Simple dirt issues are often ignored. A good light and inspection can help you spot any visible damage.

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Babogamer4563
Member
69
02-14-2026, 02:23 PM
#5
Thanks for your input. It seems some cat hair might have been the cause, especially after a quick air cleanout. My cat wasn’t near during that time, but it’s possible such things can still happen.
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Babogamer4563
02-14-2026, 02:23 PM #5

Thanks for your input. It seems some cat hair might have been the cause, especially after a quick air cleanout. My cat wasn’t near during that time, but it’s possible such things can still happen.

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Azastias
Member
223
02-15-2026, 04:56 PM
#6
Cats and computers... LOL, great job and happy to hear your dimm slot is working.
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Azastias
02-15-2026, 04:56 PM #6

Cats and computers... LOL, great job and happy to hear your dimm slot is working.