[RESOLVED] Memory not recognized

[Scott101]

I just finished upgrading my system from XP to Win7 64, mainly to get the benefit of the extra memory available to the system. My mobo holds a max of 16GB. I originally had 4GB of 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Memory (9-9-9-24)(CL 9)(1.5V).

I ordered a 4-pack of 4GB sticks DDR3 1600, CL 8, 8-8-8-24, 1.5V that were selected and supposedly compatible for my mobo. I remover the 2-2GB sticks and installer the four new sticks. Turned the system on and no beep, no nothing. The system would not recognize the memory.

I removed all the new sticks and reinstalled the original two sticks and it started right up. I removed the two sticks and installed a single stick and tried to start the system. Nothing. I tried each stick individually and nothing. I tried two sticks and nothing. I requested an RMA from the seller, but was wondering if there is something that I have not tried to get the system to recognize the memory?

[glussier]

You might have tried resetting the bios. Sometimes, you need to do so, so the new ram timings are detected.

[Scott101]

Resetting or flashing? Reset to default config? Please explain further. Thanks!

[glussier]

Reset via the reset jumper on the motherboard.

[DanceMan]

Pretty sure he meant reset to defaults.

Filling all four slots on a motherboard always introduces more issues than only two irrespective of the total amount of ram. Sometimes increasing the ram voltage slightly when all four slots are used will solve issues. Backing off timings is another solution. Neither of these explains why your board would not boot with only one or two sticks of the new ram. Let us know if resetting the bios works.

[equinoxe3d]

Just resetting (Clear CMOS) should do fine at first.

If you decide to RMA the memory, check the Memory QVL on Asus's site if you have not already to ensure you get compatible memory. If it helps, I used the exact same motherboard in an Athlon II X2 build for my aunt and it worked great with a 4GB of this memory (yes I know, not in the QVL but close ).

[Scott101]

Reset the CMOS, reinstalled memory. Still no POST, black screen, no beep. Tried again with a single stick, still nothing. Funny thing, I used the online memory check on Crucial, I I came up with a different memory recommendation that when I entered the Mobo number.

The manufacturer is on the QVL, but the memory model number is not. The QVL must be several years old because the kit/model numbers I looked up were no longer listed by the manufacturers.

[glussier]

I think you have to rma this memory for another type.

[Shinma]

Ditto.
Contact store/manufacturer for RMA.

[Scott101]

RMA'd the memory. Spoke to CS rep and they indicated that the memory they originally suggested was too dense. They are sending replacement that should work.

[Shinma]

Out of curiousity,
What was the brand and model of the memory?

[Scott101]

Crucial...I have purchased from them in the past and always had good service and never any problems

[glussier]

Great, you should be back in business soon.

[Scott101]

OK, I am returning the third set of memory. The installation of all three sets have resulted in the same performance, or lack thereof. I tried all combinations of placement, one stick, two sticks, then three and four. When I restart, the system powers on, then at the point I should get the beep, nothing. I let it run for 2-3 minutes and still nothing. I reset the CMOS. I looked at the ASUS website and see that there are 18 BIOS updates I can download. Since I have never flashed a BIOS before, do I download the most recent version and that will contain the previous 17 versions? One earlier version actually solves a problem with hanging during a post with some brands of DDR3 memory. Which update should I download?

[DanceMan]

Bios updates are cumulative. You only need to install the latest one. I've flashed a lot of bios but only by floppy (old school), but I recently used a program called Rufus to make a usb flash drive bootable, in my case with a live linux distro. The info I've read in the past always advised avoiding flashing a bios through Windows. Personally I would use a flash drive and not flash through Windows.