F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The motherboard fails to start when the same brand/model RAM is used, yet functions properly with different brands.

The motherboard fails to start when the same brand/model RAM is used, yet functions properly with different brands.

The motherboard fails to start when the same brand/model RAM is used, yet functions properly with different brands.

V
Violette159
Junior Member
Find
39
04-09-2025, 11:01 AM
#1
ISSUE
: System has been using identical RAM since 2020; it refuses to boot with the same configuration.

SPECIFICATIONS
:
Processor: Ryzen 5 3400G
Memory: MSI A320M-A PRO (Updated to Latest Ver. AMI BIOS 7C51v18 - 2023-05-09)
RAM: Kingston HyperX 8x2
(Confirmed compatible with MSI)
GPU: Integrated Graphics
Power Supply: Seasonic S12III (SSR-550GB3 550W 80+ Bronze)
Accessories/Misc: Case Fans and Chassis Controls removed for simplicity

FACTS
: In chronological sequence
- Current BIOS version is AMI BIOS 7C51v14 (version 2020-12-09)
R1: Swapped CMOS Battery (new, verified, full voltage) – No display
R2: Performed BIOS Reset (complete disconnect with battery removed) – No display
R3: Replaced RAM, cleaned RAM slots with Isopropyl Alcohol – No display
R4: Tested alternative RAM (8x2 Crucial Ballistix DDR4 3200 BL8G32C16U4RL) – Passed, booted normally to Windows
R5: Tested previous RAM (8x2 Kingston HyperX DDR4-2666 8GB HX426C16FB3/8) – Failed, display appears black
R6: Tested alternative RAM (8x2 Crucial Ballistix DDR4 3200 BL8G32C16U4RL) – Passed, booted normally to Windows
R7: Tested both old and new RAM simultaneously (Slots 1 & 2) – Passed, booted normally to Windows
R8: Tested both old and new RAM simultaneously (Slots 2 & 1) – Failed, display black
R9: Replaced CPU, confirmed no bent pins; ensured correct tightness for stock heatsink.
Same outcomes observed
R10: Reseated power cables, cleaned contacts, disassembled and rebuilt PC – Failed to boot

QUESTION
: I’m quite confused... Are there other options besides replacing the RAM? Is there anything else I should try before proceeding with a full RAM swap?
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V
Violette159
04-09-2025, 11:01 AM #1

ISSUE
: System has been using identical RAM since 2020; it refuses to boot with the same configuration.

SPECIFICATIONS
:
Processor: Ryzen 5 3400G
Memory: MSI A320M-A PRO (Updated to Latest Ver. AMI BIOS 7C51v18 - 2023-05-09)
RAM: Kingston HyperX 8x2
(Confirmed compatible with MSI)
GPU: Integrated Graphics
Power Supply: Seasonic S12III (SSR-550GB3 550W 80+ Bronze)
Accessories/Misc: Case Fans and Chassis Controls removed for simplicity

FACTS
: In chronological sequence
- Current BIOS version is AMI BIOS 7C51v14 (version 2020-12-09)
R1: Swapped CMOS Battery (new, verified, full voltage) – No display
R2: Performed BIOS Reset (complete disconnect with battery removed) – No display
R3: Replaced RAM, cleaned RAM slots with Isopropyl Alcohol – No display
R4: Tested alternative RAM (8x2 Crucial Ballistix DDR4 3200 BL8G32C16U4RL) – Passed, booted normally to Windows
R5: Tested previous RAM (8x2 Kingston HyperX DDR4-2666 8GB HX426C16FB3/8) – Failed, display appears black
R6: Tested alternative RAM (8x2 Crucial Ballistix DDR4 3200 BL8G32C16U4RL) – Passed, booted normally to Windows
R7: Tested both old and new RAM simultaneously (Slots 1 & 2) – Passed, booted normally to Windows
R8: Tested both old and new RAM simultaneously (Slots 2 & 1) – Failed, display black
R9: Replaced CPU, confirmed no bent pins; ensured correct tightness for stock heatsink.
Same outcomes observed
R10: Reseated power cables, cleaned contacts, disassembled and rebuilt PC – Failed to boot

QUESTION
: I’m quite confused... Are there other options besides replacing the RAM? Is there anything else I should try before proceeding with a full RAM swap?

Reply
Reply
J
Juan2610
Posting Freak
Find
875
04-09-2025, 11:01 AM
#2
Cleaning RAM Slots Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Just a note, you didn't have to clean the slots that way; all you had to do was clean the gold contacts on the RAM sticks with an eraser, wipe them clean, and then refill the slots on the motherboard. It's conceivable the Kingston RAM is the source of the problem, though I don't grasp why you're concerned. After all, your Ryzen platform would gain more from the DR4-3200MHz RAM kit compared to the lower clocked ones from Kingston.
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J
Juan2610
04-09-2025, 11:01 AM #2

Cleaning RAM Slots Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Just a note, you didn't have to clean the slots that way; all you had to do was clean the gold contacts on the RAM sticks with an eraser, wipe them clean, and then refill the slots on the motherboard. It's conceivable the Kingston RAM is the source of the problem, though I don't grasp why you're concerned. After all, your Ryzen platform would gain more from the DR4-3200MHz RAM kit compared to the lower clocked ones from Kingston.

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