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Ram fails under specific setup conditions

Ram fails under specific setup conditions

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NINO93120
Junior Member
3
12-02-2022, 05:29 PM
#1
Hello. I shared some outdated components with a friend to help them build a budget gaming PC. It included an MSI MPG Z390 Gaming plus, an i5-8400 processor, and 2400 RAM (4x4GB). Before handing it over, I tested everything thoroughly and confirmed it was fully operational. They built the system but noticed the DRAM led would activate. Upon inspection, I cleared the CMOS, removed the GPU, and used the integrated one. After reconfiguring all connections, nothing worked. I then replaced the RAM entirely and fixed the issue. I suspected a faulty power supply, so I swapped in another stick to verify. That resolved it. I tried another slot after removing the old RAM, but it still wouldn’t boot. Eventually, I thought the slot itself might be the problem—removing all RAM and inserting one back worked. It booted fine. I experimented with different configurations and found a setup that ran smoothly with 12GB of RAM. I’m puzzled by this behavior; it worked perfectly before and now it fails despite no changes. Only cables, storage, and the cooler were installed. Could an incorrectly placed cooler be causing this issue? It seems they seem indifferent to the limited RAM now. My best guess is the cooler was installed incorrectly—if that’s the case, does it still matter if it’s functioning? Thanks.
N
NINO93120
12-02-2022, 05:29 PM #1

Hello. I shared some outdated components with a friend to help them build a budget gaming PC. It included an MSI MPG Z390 Gaming plus, an i5-8400 processor, and 2400 RAM (4x4GB). Before handing it over, I tested everything thoroughly and confirmed it was fully operational. They built the system but noticed the DRAM led would activate. Upon inspection, I cleared the CMOS, removed the GPU, and used the integrated one. After reconfiguring all connections, nothing worked. I then replaced the RAM entirely and fixed the issue. I suspected a faulty power supply, so I swapped in another stick to verify. That resolved it. I tried another slot after removing the old RAM, but it still wouldn’t boot. Eventually, I thought the slot itself might be the problem—removing all RAM and inserting one back worked. It booted fine. I experimented with different configurations and found a setup that ran smoothly with 12GB of RAM. I’m puzzled by this behavior; it worked perfectly before and now it fails despite no changes. Only cables, storage, and the cooler were installed. Could an incorrectly placed cooler be causing this issue? It seems they seem indifferent to the limited RAM now. My best guess is the cooler was installed incorrectly—if that’s the case, does it still matter if it’s functioning? Thanks.

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_ByWeed
Junior Member
16
12-02-2022, 05:29 PM
#2
Set up memtest86 on a USB drive and run tests sequentially or simultaneously across one drive at a time. Before starting, clean the RAM carefully using a pencil eraser (gently rub the gold contacts).
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_ByWeed
12-02-2022, 05:29 PM #2

Set up memtest86 on a USB drive and run tests sequentially or simultaneously across one drive at a time. Before starting, clean the RAM carefully using a pencil eraser (gently rub the gold contacts).

W
WPaige
Senior Member
377
12-02-2022, 05:29 PM
#3
I no longer have the RAM installed. It’s being used by someone else who is running the computer. All the RAM modules tested are working perfectly. The problem seems to occur only under specific setups. Earlier, when I used it, there were no issues. This suggests the issue might be related to something added during installation, such as a cooling system.
W
WPaige
12-02-2022, 05:29 PM #3

I no longer have the RAM installed. It’s being used by someone else who is running the computer. All the RAM modules tested are working perfectly. The problem seems to occur only under specific setups. Earlier, when I used it, there were no issues. This suggests the issue might be related to something added during installation, such as a cooling system.