Boots with one DIMM but not with two?

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claudione314

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 4, 2006
Messages
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P5B with Corsair 2x1Gb DDR2-800. Computer turns on, all fans run (including video card), but nothing shows on monitor.

If I remove only stick #1, the P5B splash screen appears... and then it freezes there. PS/2 keyboard is not powered so I can't enter BIOS POST setup.

If I remove only stick #2, black screen as always, nothing happens.

Stick #2 is clearly gone, but why won't it POST with just one module?
 
Is this a new build or an existing system? Also, have you tried each DIMM seperately? And, what PSU are you using?
 
Mike Clements said:
Is this a new build or an existing system? Also, have you tried each DIMM seperately? And, what PSU are you using?
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6-month old system that always worked perfectly. I took out the RAM to use it elsewhere in the last 2 months (worked fine), and when I put it back in its original system the problem arose.

I tried each DIMM separately (see the original post for results). I'm using an OCZ GameXstream 650W.
 
claudione314 said:
6-month old system that always worked perfectly. I took out the RAM to use it elsewhere in the last 2 months (worked fine), and when I put it back in its original system the problem arose.

I tried each DIMM separately (see the original post for results). I'm using an OCZ GameXstream 650W.
Click to expand...

OK, sorry, mebbe it's just me. I read your first post but I am not clear on some things. Did you try each module seperately? If so, what happened with each? Also, have you tried clearing the CMOS since this problem came up?
 
Mike Clements said:
OK, sorry, mebbe it's just me. I read your first post but I am not clear on some things. Did you try each module seperately? If so, what happened with each? Also, have you tried clearing the CMOS since this problem came up?
Click to expand...
When I try the first module alone, computer seems to run okay but I get a constant black screen on the monitor: nothing shows. When I try the second module alone, the BIOS post begins (I see the ASUS splash screen on the monitor) but freezes instantly.

I have not tried clearing the CMOS. Should I attempt that?
 
claudione314 said:
When I try the first module alone, computer seems to run okay but I get a constant black screen on the monitor: nothing shows.
Click to expand...
OK, this does not seem correct to me :confused: If it is black screening then the system is not running OK. So, I'm still not clear on what you are trying to say.

I suggest you try clearing the CMOS for sure. Then, try rebooting with 1 module and test it with Memtest. Load setup defaults, then set the RAM timings, and voltage manually. Test each module individually for 3-5 passes each. Disable Legacy USB Support in the bios for Memtesting.
 
Mike Clements said:
OK, this does not seem correct to me :confused: If it is black screening then the system is not running OK. So, I'm still not clear on what you are trying to say.

I suggest you try clearing the CMOS for sure. Then, try rebooting with 1 module and test it with Memtest. Load setup defaults, then set the RAM timings, and voltage manually. Test each module individually for 3-5 passes each. Disable Legacy USB Support in the bios for Memtesting.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry if I'm not clear yet. When I say I get a black screen I mean I can't see anything. The computer seems to be running (I hear it running and all the fans spin correctly) but nothing shows on the monitor. I can't run Memtest or anything. Even when I'm using the "good" module and I get to the BIOS post, it freezes there and the keyboard is not powered up, so I can't even enter the BIOS setup, let alone run anything.

To put it simply: with one module the computer might as well be dead. With the other I see the very first BIOS screen and that's it, freeze, so it might still as well be dead.

I hope that made a little more sense, and I apologize.
 
I suggest you try clearing the CMOS for sure. Then, try rebooting with 1 module and test it with Memtest. Load setup defaults, then set the RAM timings, and voltage manually. Test each module individually for 3-5 passes each. Disable Legacy USB Support in the bios for Memtesting.
Click to expand...

OK, now I got your meaning, thanks. I'd suggest what I posted above. Clear the CMOS and make sure you set the voltages manually.

Also, did the memory work fine in the last system you tried it in and can you test it again there?
 
Mike Clements said:
OK, now I got your meaning, thanks. I'd suggest what I posted above. Clear the CMOS and make sure you set the voltages manually.

Also, did the memory work fine in the last system you tried it in and can you test it again there?
Click to expand...
It worked just fine but I cannot test it there again (different home). I do think it might have been damaged in transport. I'll clear the CMOS and try again, and if that doesn't do it I'll try with two new sticks.
 
Cleared CMOS, no changes over the previous situation. Will test new RAM tomorrow morning, but I'm starting to think there might also be a mobo issue.
 
Disconect all drive and remove all cards.

With the black screen, do you get the post beep or not ?

If you boot without any memory in at all, do you get the bios beeps for bad memory ?

With a single memory stick in and without the vid card, do you the bios beeps for a bad vid card ?

Luck ...... :D
 
Problem solved. :) Tried two new modules (2x1Gb PC5400) and comp booted smoothly. Clearly the previous two were both damaged. I tried the new ones in all combinations of slots, and they work everywhere.

Thanks to all who helped, especially you, Mike.
 
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