I've been building a media server and started with a single 8GB DDR4 stick I had. Now, I've upgraded to a 16GB setup using four 4GB sticks, but the PC won't post with the new RAM. The DRAM LED stays lit, and it only boots with the original 8GB stick. I've got other similar RAM sticks, and they all have the same issue. I've tried resetting the CMOS, but that didn't help. I even checked the BIOS with the old RAM at a lower frequency, yet nothing changed. My motherboard is an MSI Pro B760M-A WiFi DDR4, and I'm using an i7-13700K CPU. After a while of troubleshooting, I even bought a new identical motherboard, but the same problem persists. The only slot that works is Slot 4. I've ruled out defective RAM or slots because they work individually but not in pairs or quads. BIOS doesn't allow me to activate XMP profiles either, which seems to be a recurrent issue with other MSI boards. I'm really stuck here and looking for any help since I'd like to get this media server up and running for some occasional gaming too. Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
It sounds like a classic case of RAM compatibility issues. Even though your sticks are the same brand and type, not all RAM plays well together. Consider looking into a matched set of RAM or a higher capacity single stick instead of mixing them. Also, make sure you're populating the correct slots on the motherboard; sometimes motherboards have specific configurations to follow for dual-channel RAM setup.
I've seen this before; some motherboards are pretty picky about how RAM is set up. Since you've already tested other sticks, think about running them in different combinations. Try just two sticks at a time in the recommended slots. If that still fails, you could consider purchasing a single 16GB stick. It might not be the optimal dual-channel configuration, but it could simplify your setup and get you back to gaming!
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload