System fails to post when RAM exceeds one stick.
System fails to post when RAM exceeds one stick.
I've been developing a fresh configuration and still struggle to send it with more than one DIMM installed. With just one memory card in the last slot, I usually manage to enter BIOS and work through Windows 10 smoothly. However, any other slot or mix of two or more DIMMs causes the board to freeze due to a DRAM problem, shown by the status LED. So far, I've tested: Lexar Hades RGB 3600MHz-CL18 2x8GB (two kits, tried all four DIMMs), Corsair Vengeance RGB 3000MHz-CL15 4x8GB (all four DIMMs, even had the kit returned because two wouldn't boot), Timetec Pinnacle Konduit 3200MHz-CL16 2x16GB (both DIMMs tried), and I've reset the CMOS many times before finally taking apart the build to check the CPU socket—no bent pins found, which was my initial assumption. The specs are: Intel Core i5-12400F, Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black, ASRock B760M Pro RS/D4, Intel 670p 1TB Gen3 M.2 SSD, EVGA GeForce RTX 3070, FTW3 700GD, 700W 80+ Gold PSU, Antec Dark Cube Inverted mATX case.
It seems the issue lies with the DIMM slot, causing weak connections despite single-channel functionality. At higher dual-channel usage there’s timing problems. Try reducing RAM speed in BIOS and then install a second stick. I’m not excluding the CPU entirely since the memory controller is built in, but Intel does handle each chip individually. If it’s a new unit, consider returning it to the store with the motherboard and replacing it.
Updated the CPU placement and attempted again today. I carefully cleaned out the RAM slots to ensure everything was free (just use an electronics vacuum, no worries). I have a spare Core i5-12400 (non-F) I could test, but the only other available board is ITX, which means I can't fit four RAM sticks inside. I set the RAM to DDR4-1600 and when I tried with the second stick it didn’t reach BIOS. I gave it another try and updated to the latest Version 2.05 from January, but the same problem occurred. I used isopropyl alcohol to clean the CPU after removing it for the photo, and it spilled a bit onto the Q-tip. The board was completely dry before I started troubleshooting today, so it had evaporated. To be honest, I’m really confused. I noticed the issue after taking the picture yesterday and when I rechecked it, it was gone. My guess is it was just a light reflection—there wasn’t anything obvious in the socket during the second look.
It turns out the CPU was actually bent at the edges, which caused the problem. I swapped in a different B760 board and added a Core i5-12400 that wasn’t F, and it worked right away. Now I’m dealing with eBay returns because I missed the money-back window due to being busy with school.