PC fails to start with dual-channel configuration? (Need some help)
PC fails to start with dual-channel configuration? (Need some help)
Hey everyone, just set up this account because I wasn't sure where to start. I'll keep it brief but try to clarify what's happening. I upgraded my CPU from an R5 3600 to a 3800X for better performance as I get more into productivity tasks. The current setup looks like: R5 3600 → R7 3800X, 4x4GB RAM at 3000MHz, Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x8GB), 3200MHz T-FORCE VulcanZ (optional), and an MSI B350 Tomahawk GTX 1660 650W power supply. I've recently updated the BIOS for the latest stability.
At first, I tried installing the new RAM with the old one, but there was no POST. The debug lights came on, and both CPU and RAM indicators lit up. My case fans sounded like a jet engine when those lights appeared. Then I removed the old RAM and entered BIOS, but I couldn't access Windows. It would crash every time the lights were on.
Once I switched to dual channel in slot 2 & 4, it worked fine—just once before. Every other time with the same lights on, it didn’t boot at all. I tried switching to slots 1 and 3, but again no POST. Eventually, I moved the RAM sticks into slots 1 and 2, which worked well. I played CS:GO for a while in that configuration before going back to the original setup.
My motherboard seems fine, so I thought about replacing the CPU. I ended up swapping it out and got it running just like before. The old RAM stayed, and everything functioned normally. BIOS confirmed dual channel was working.
It's strange because I bought the 3800X secondhand, but saw it work in a seller's room with a full motherboard setup. I've checked the CPU cooler, cleared CMOS, and even reset it multiple times without issues.
So what’s going on? It feels odd since I noticed the board was working well before the upgrade. Maybe the issue is more about how the BIOS handled the new RAM or something related to the slot configuration. Either way, it’s stable now, but I’m curious about the underlying cause. Thanks for your help!
It seems your 3800x is experiencing communication problems with Slots 3 and 4, even though it works fine with the 3600. This might be related to the 3800s model. I’ve faced a similar issue with PCIe lanes on my older machine—my i7 would only boot with integrated graphics when any PCIe device was connected, which isn’t ideal for gaming. With an i5 from a friend, everything ran smoothly using the same GPU.
Consider running a test on your brother's Ryzen setup with the 3800x to see how it performs on his X570 board.
Just checked and updated, looks like I lost a real one today. Super random process but ended up home from work, turned the PC on, and it just started writing the first post. Then three lights flickered—Ram, VGA, Boot. Nothing happened. It took ages to shut it down and after that nothing powered up at all. Nothing spins or moves. It’s now a rock. Planning to bring it to Canada Computers tomorrow morning.