F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The RAM slot isn't functioning even after removing dust from inside the PC.

The RAM slot isn't functioning even after removing dust from inside the PC.

The RAM slot isn't functioning even after removing dust from inside the PC.

R
RulwenJr
Posting Freak
786
02-14-2023, 08:45 PM
#1
Hi everyone. Seven months back, I performed a deep clean of my PC using compressed air, and since then, the fourth RAM slot has stopped functioning. Whenever I install a RAM stick, the system freezes completely after startup, sometimes even reaching the BIOS splash screen. I’ve only managed to run the PC under heavy load once—playing multiple games in succession and playing Ghost of Tsushima for five hours straight without any interruptions or freezes. Still, the PC froze solid after six hours while I was chatting with a friend on Facebook.

Yesterday, I ran a Memtest on this slot and it showed no errors. I also tested the RAM module in another machine, which worked perfectly. During that time, I also swapped out the CPU and GPU. The motherboard is an Asus Z690-E Gaming, and the RAM is Corsair Dominator 32GB at 5600MHz. I can’t test the first and third slots because the water cooler obstructs them. The problem seems to be isolated to the fourth slot. Right now, the PC runs smoothly with the RAM installed in the second slot without any issues.

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K (previously i9-13900K, same issue)
Motherboard: Asus Z690-E Gaming
RAM: Corsair Dominator DDR5 32GB 5600MHz (2x16GB)
Cooling: NZXT Z73 360mm
GPU: Asus RTX 4080S Strix (previously EVGA 3090 FTW3, same issue)
PSU: Seasonic Platinum 1300W
SSD: WD SN850 1TB
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 RGB
BIOS: Previously 2802, now 3701 (same issue)

I’ve attempted to enable and disable XMP profiles 1 and 2, reset the CMOS, and reinstalled Windows, but the problem remains. The PC occasionally shows a blue screen with various error codes, though it usually freezes entirely—even during BIOS setup. For example, the system froze when I tried adjusting BIOS settings.
R
RulwenJr
02-14-2023, 08:45 PM #1

Hi everyone. Seven months back, I performed a deep clean of my PC using compressed air, and since then, the fourth RAM slot has stopped functioning. Whenever I install a RAM stick, the system freezes completely after startup, sometimes even reaching the BIOS splash screen. I’ve only managed to run the PC under heavy load once—playing multiple games in succession and playing Ghost of Tsushima for five hours straight without any interruptions or freezes. Still, the PC froze solid after six hours while I was chatting with a friend on Facebook.

Yesterday, I ran a Memtest on this slot and it showed no errors. I also tested the RAM module in another machine, which worked perfectly. During that time, I also swapped out the CPU and GPU. The motherboard is an Asus Z690-E Gaming, and the RAM is Corsair Dominator 32GB at 5600MHz. I can’t test the first and third slots because the water cooler obstructs them. The problem seems to be isolated to the fourth slot. Right now, the PC runs smoothly with the RAM installed in the second slot without any issues.

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K (previously i9-13900K, same issue)
Motherboard: Asus Z690-E Gaming
RAM: Corsair Dominator DDR5 32GB 5600MHz (2x16GB)
Cooling: NZXT Z73 360mm
GPU: Asus RTX 4080S Strix (previously EVGA 3090 FTW3, same issue)
PSU: Seasonic Platinum 1300W
SSD: WD SN850 1TB
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 RGB
BIOS: Previously 2802, now 3701 (same issue)

I’ve attempted to enable and disable XMP profiles 1 and 2, reset the CMOS, and reinstalled Windows, but the problem remains. The PC occasionally shows a blue screen with various error codes, though it usually freezes entirely—even during BIOS setup. For example, the system froze when I tried adjusting BIOS settings.

K
Kohwelly
Member
97
02-21-2023, 04:51 AM
#2
Motherboard details provided include BIOS version updates, compatibility notes, and specific features such as Wi-Fi, power stages, and connectivity options. The recommended steps involve updating the BIOS and clearing CMOS to resolve issues.
K
Kohwelly
02-21-2023, 04:51 AM #2

Motherboard details provided include BIOS version updates, compatibility notes, and specific features such as Wi-Fi, power stages, and connectivity options. The recommended steps involve updating the BIOS and clearing CMOS to resolve issues.

F
FazeGames
Member
195
02-21-2023, 05:08 AM
#3
But I've already handled everything. I changed the BIOS multiple times before and still faced the same issue.
🙁
F
FazeGames
02-21-2023, 05:08 AM #3

But I've already handled everything. I changed the BIOS multiple times before and still faced the same issue.
🙁

M
matand_317
Member
168
02-21-2023, 06:40 AM
#4
Inspect CPU socket for bent or broken pins.
Capture several high-resolution images of the CPU socket from various perspectives and share them here (upload to imgur.com and include the link).
Consider rotating the CPU block to avoid interference with RAM modules.
M
matand_317
02-21-2023, 06:40 AM #4

Inspect CPU socket for bent or broken pins.
Capture several high-resolution images of the CPU socket from various perspectives and share them here (upload to imgur.com and include the link).
Consider rotating the CPU block to avoid interference with RAM modules.

A
arcdra
Junior Member
6
02-21-2023, 09:05 AM
#5
Some motherboards need the first RAM to be placed in a particular slot. Typically DIMMA2 is required. This specific model? https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...UM...?model=ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI. Make sure you locate the relevant user manual. Usually, the DIMMA2 condition is clearly mentioned in the User Guide or Manual. But the manual uses vague "1st" notes for RAM and slots. I recommend:
1) Confirm the RAM setup matches the diagrams in the User Guide.
2) Install the RAM modules exactly as shown.
A
arcdra
02-21-2023, 09:05 AM #5

Some motherboards need the first RAM to be placed in a particular slot. Typically DIMMA2 is required. This specific model? https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...UM...?model=ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI. Make sure you locate the relevant user manual. Usually, the DIMMA2 condition is clearly mentioned in the User Guide or Manual. But the manual uses vague "1st" notes for RAM and slots. I recommend:
1) Confirm the RAM setup matches the diagrams in the User Guide.
2) Install the RAM modules exactly as shown.

2
27Danick
Member
154
02-22-2023, 07:57 AM
#6
I installed it as instructed for the A2 and B2 slots. Once I tried to boot, my PC would freeze or sometimes freeze when loading into the BIOS screen.
2
27Danick
02-22-2023, 07:57 AM #6

I installed it as instructed for the A2 and B2 slots. Once I tried to boot, my PC would freeze or sometimes freeze when loading into the BIOS screen.