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The System becomes unstable when RAM is placed in specific slots?

The System becomes unstable when RAM is placed in specific slots?

A
Almazik
Member
56
12-11-2021, 04:49 PM
#1
Back in 2019 I established my present setup. During assembly, I encountered a challenge where inserting the two RAM sticks into the A2 and B2 ports caused the machine to fail to start. Even when testing other RAM models, the issue persisted. Rather than following the standard return-to-shipment procedure, I opted to install the RAM in the B1 and B2 slots, which resolved the problem smoothly.

In recent times, it appears this challenge has returned. Several newer titles are underperforming relative to my hardware. While playing Space Marine 2, I experienced extremely poor performance with full CPU utilization. After researching, I updated my BIOS and experimented by placing the RAM in A2 and B2. The system launched successfully. Space Marine 2 achieved a noticeable 20 fps improvement, running at a stable 60 fps, and the CPU load dropped from 100% to normal. However, after roughly 30 minutes of gameplay, the machine froze, entering a boot loop with spinning LEDs and fans, ultimately crashing and shutting down repeatedly until I disconnected the power supply.

I subsequently reset the CMOS. The next day, I performed a full BIOS update on World of Warcraft Classic without issues. Yet, when I reinserted the RAM into B1 and B2, the game once again suffered performance drops but no more crashes. Over time, I've reinstalled the CPU multiple times for various reasons. I suspect any misaligned pins might be the root cause, though I’m open to other possibilities. Any additional advice would be appreciated?
A
Almazik
12-11-2021, 04:49 PM #1

Back in 2019 I established my present setup. During assembly, I encountered a challenge where inserting the two RAM sticks into the A2 and B2 ports caused the machine to fail to start. Even when testing other RAM models, the issue persisted. Rather than following the standard return-to-shipment procedure, I opted to install the RAM in the B1 and B2 slots, which resolved the problem smoothly.

In recent times, it appears this challenge has returned. Several newer titles are underperforming relative to my hardware. While playing Space Marine 2, I experienced extremely poor performance with full CPU utilization. After researching, I updated my BIOS and experimented by placing the RAM in A2 and B2. The system launched successfully. Space Marine 2 achieved a noticeable 20 fps improvement, running at a stable 60 fps, and the CPU load dropped from 100% to normal. However, after roughly 30 minutes of gameplay, the machine froze, entering a boot loop with spinning LEDs and fans, ultimately crashing and shutting down repeatedly until I disconnected the power supply.

I subsequently reset the CMOS. The next day, I performed a full BIOS update on World of Warcraft Classic without issues. Yet, when I reinserted the RAM into B1 and B2, the game once again suffered performance drops but no more crashes. Over time, I've reinstalled the CPU multiple times for various reasons. I suspect any misaligned pins might be the root cause, though I’m open to other possibilities. Any additional advice would be appreciated?

M
MagicKitties1
Member
145
12-11-2021, 05:05 PM
#2
You're already aware of the problem. What exactly are you seeking from us?
M
MagicKitties1
12-11-2021, 05:05 PM #2

You're already aware of the problem. What exactly are you seeking from us?

T
Tenghri
Junior Member
16
12-11-2021, 07:05 PM
#3
Have you attempted A1 B1 for dual channel? B1 B2 might only provide single channel. Also, consider testing one stick at a time using memtest to identify any errors.
T
Tenghri
12-11-2021, 07:05 PM #3

Have you attempted A1 B1 for dual channel? B1 B2 might only provide single channel. Also, consider testing one stick at a time using memtest to identify any errors.

X
xoi_icefire
Member
54
12-12-2021, 08:23 AM
#4
Bent socket pins often cause random system errors.
Problems can arise from a faulty slot or missing dual channels.
It’s simple to fix by forcing the CPU into place.
Just insert the component into the socket.
Inspect for any bent pins, which are very small and fragile.
Sometimes adjusting the pin back can resolve the issue.
Corsair offers a lifetime warranty.
Memtest86+ is a free, open-source memory testing tool that runs from a USB drive without needing Windows.
You can find it here: Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
It supports 32- and 64-bit systems with UEFI and BIOS compatibility.
Running multiple passes may reveal errors, though it requires more time.
Unless you strongly suspect a RAM problem, this is usually not necessary.
If B1/B2 tests pass without issues, your RAM should be fine.
It will operate slower in single-channel mode.
X
xoi_icefire
12-12-2021, 08:23 AM #4

Bent socket pins often cause random system errors.
Problems can arise from a faulty slot or missing dual channels.
It’s simple to fix by forcing the CPU into place.
Just insert the component into the socket.
Inspect for any bent pins, which are very small and fragile.
Sometimes adjusting the pin back can resolve the issue.
Corsair offers a lifetime warranty.
Memtest86+ is a free, open-source memory testing tool that runs from a USB drive without needing Windows.
You can find it here: Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
It supports 32- and 64-bit systems with UEFI and BIOS compatibility.
Running multiple passes may reveal errors, though it requires more time.
Unless you strongly suspect a RAM problem, this is usually not necessary.
If B1/B2 tests pass without issues, your RAM should be fine.
It will operate slower in single-channel mode.

K
karion90
Junior Member
18
12-12-2021, 03:37 PM
#5
So I opened up and checked, no bent pins from what I could see. There was a small speck of dust in between some pins that I was able to get out. After reseating the CPU, the computer will no longer boot again with the ram in A2/B2 or A1/B1. B1/B2 still boots fine. I'm guessing it's just a motherboard issue with no actual fix.
Yeah, this is what I've been doing for years with the build. The speed loss has never been noticeable until a few recent game releases being heavy on the CPU, where in Space Marine 2 it's been costing me a 33% performance drop .
K
karion90
12-12-2021, 03:37 PM #5

So I opened up and checked, no bent pins from what I could see. There was a small speck of dust in between some pins that I was able to get out. After reseating the CPU, the computer will no longer boot again with the ram in A2/B2 or A1/B1. B1/B2 still boots fine. I'm guessing it's just a motherboard issue with no actual fix.
Yeah, this is what I've been doing for years with the build. The speed loss has never been noticeable until a few recent game releases being heavy on the CPU, where in Space Marine 2 it's been costing me a 33% performance drop .

T
Tojamz
Member
213
12-14-2021, 01:30 AM
#6
The typical reason is a bent pin.
However, earlier I checked this scenario using another CPU and achieved dual-channel performance.
The outcome was that the processor was faulty, remained under warranty, and was replaced by Intel.
It can indeed happen.
T
Tojamz
12-14-2021, 01:30 AM #6

The typical reason is a bent pin.
However, earlier I checked this scenario using another CPU and achieved dual-channel performance.
The outcome was that the processor was faulty, remained under warranty, and was replaced by Intel.
It can indeed happen.

I
IPS10
Senior Member
623
12-19-2021, 06:47 AM
#7
I adjusted the screws on my heatsink slightly, and I managed to start with A2/B2 again, but the system still froze after about ten minutes of playing.
I
IPS10
12-19-2021, 06:47 AM #7

I adjusted the screws on my heatsink slightly, and I managed to start with A2/B2 again, but the system still froze after about ten minutes of playing.

C
CitchoR
Junior Member
34
12-19-2021, 03:35 PM
#8
Some motherboards need the initial RAM to go into a particular slot, usually DIMMA2.
This specific board?
https://download.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe...98v1.2.pdf
Make sure you’ve located the relevant user guide.
From Page 26:
"Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first."
Also, pay attention to the other important notes.
C
CitchoR
12-19-2021, 03:35 PM #8

Some motherboards need the initial RAM to go into a particular slot, usually DIMMA2.
This specific board?
https://download.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe...98v1.2.pdf
Make sure you’ve located the relevant user guide.
From Page 26:
"Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first."
Also, pay attention to the other important notes.