The PC fails to start after installing additional RAM.
The PC fails to start after installing additional RAM.
I purchased a third RAM module and an HDD. Previously, my system used dual-channel RAM. I've lost four hard drives and looked everywhere online; this forum is my final option. Each attempt works, but I can't get a signal to monitor. I've described the situation below. Between each attempt, I reset the CMOS by removing the battery. Try 1: Installed the third RAM. The PC booted normally and displayed all RAM sizes. But after installing the HDD, the system still won't start. Try 2: Disconnected the GPU. From now on, only the integrated GPU will work. No boot. Try 3: Swapped the RAM slot of the third RAM. Still no boot. Try 4: Removed the third RAM. Booting successfully now. I can see the new HDD as well. Try 5: Replaced the dual-channel RAM with just the third RAM. No boot. Try 6: Changed the slot of the third RAM while keeping the two original RAMs. Still no boot. Try 7: Added both old RAMs and the third RAM. No boot. Try 8: Removed the third RAM and replaced it with the two original RAMs. This was the same setup before adding the third RAM. No boot. P.S. I've checked the monitor and GPU cables.
Ensure that disabling the battery is sufficient to reset the CMOS on your computer. Typically, you need to short two additional pins in addition to removing the battery, though this varies by manufacturer. Refer to your user manual for precise instructions. Adding a third RAM stick is generally not recommended; RAM is usually sold in pairs, and mismatched timings or frequencies can cause issues. Based on your tests, using the original two RAM sticks and installing the new HDD worked well. For the third stick, consider returning for a refund or exchanging it for two identical sticks.
The issue lies in differences between the versions tested. Try 1 functioned well, but later versions caused problems, especially with older RAM setups. Now even the original configuration isn't working.
Review my latest message for further details about the CPU - i5 6500, motherboard, and added components. The ASUS B150M gaming RAM is 2*4GB, HyperX RAM added an 8GB module at 2666MHz. Both are 2666MHz, but timing seems slightly off. I managed to install the third RAM in my first try, and both Windows and Cpuz confirmed it. Currently, I can't boot even with the 2*4GB RAM, which previously worked well.
It could be due to variations in how the sticks were inserted or your CMOS not being reset after removing the battery, causing the BIOS to misinterpret the RAM setup. Mixing RAM modules can be tricky. The sequence in which you install hardware might also play a role. My best suggestion is to test your parts on another reliable machine to eliminate any issues.