New build not booting

[xnax2802]

Hey forum, the tech noob is back

As some of you might know, I've been trying to get my new (first) build running for a couple of months now with no luck.. Now it's the RAM screwing me over again.. So;

Recently I bought a Sabertooth 990FX hoping it would solve the RAM problem I had back then, but I've still got problems.. I had two sets of RAM; a set of HyperX and a set of Vengeance, and the rig couldn't boot with either set, so I tried to buy a set of Vengeance from the QVL, but still no luck.. I've tried using the MemOK! with all the sets but all of them give me the DRAM_LED with a fixed light, and the speaker says nothing, and it makes me wonder; is it possible to install RAM wrong?? I am so close to giving in and buying a complete rig, giving up all sort of customization, so PLEASE help me sort this out

Thanks in advance

 

[PetrolHead247]

What are the speeds, timings and voltages of the two sets of RAM you used? Also, does your PC post when you switch it on, or does it just not turn on at all?

 

[xnax2802]

All three are 1600MHz

Kingston HyperX 9-9-9-27, 1,65v

Corsair Vengeance 8-8-8-24, 1,5v

Corsair Vengeance 9-9-9-24, 1,5v (QVL)

My PC doesn't POST but it does power on, giving me the DRAM_LED.. From there I try to use the MemOK! and it runs the tests, but then it just goes back to sitting there with the DRAM_LED lit

 

[SieB]

Are you running those three sticks all at once? if yes that is going to cause you problems, you need to use ram with the same timings and voltage.

Try clearing the CMOS, remove the CMOS battery and disconnect all power connectors form your PSU to your motherboard, wait 10 minuets and try again with one stick. You might also need to have that one stick in a certain slot for it to work, seen as it's an Asus board, and dual channel, i'd say the it's the second slot down from the CPU socket. If not that one try the one nearest the CPU socket.

 

[xnax2802]

I'm only trying with one set at a time.. I've never mixed RAM

I've already tried the set from the QVL one stick at a time in every slot but the first one, even running MemOK! every time, and it's all the same; CPU_LED is lit and the MemOK! isn't solving it..

Can the CMOS really have an influence, seeing as the system has never actually gotten to the BIOS?

 

[PetrolHead247]

I'm only trying with one set at a time.. I've never mixed RAM

I've already tried the set from the QVL one stick at a time in every slot but the first one, even running MemOK! every time, and it's all the same; CPU_LED is lit and the MemOK! isn't solving it..

Can the CMOS really have an influence, seeing as the system has never actually gotten to the BIOS?

Definitely try clearing the CMOS. If that doesn't work check all your cable connections are as they should be. If all else fails i have a feeling it could be your CPU screwing you over as it's near impossible that all 3 sets of RAM could be DOA, plus your system isn't posting at all.

 

[xnax2802]

Definitely try clearing the CMOS. If that doesn't work check all your cable connections are as they should be. If all else fails i have a feeling it could be your CPU screwing you over as it's near impossible that all 3 sets of RAM could be DOA, plus your system isn't posting at all.

Before I put it all on the Sabertooth, I had a Crosshair V Formula which did infact POST, but that one couldn't detect the RAM (one long and two short beeps), but before that I got a DOA 1100T that I got RMA'd, and then I bend two rows of pins, and then I bought the FX-8120 that I currently have, so if that's fucking with me too, then just FML

A quick question, though: is it possible to break the stick or the DIMM slots by applying force to get it in place?

But anyway, I'll try and clear the CMOS and get back to you with the results

 

[PetrolHead247]

Before I put it all on the Sabertooth, I had a Crosshair V Formula which did infact POST, but that one couldn't detect the RAM (one long and two short beeps)..

A quick question, though: is it possible to break the stick or the DIMM slots by applying force to get it in place?

But anyway, I'll try and clear the CMOS and get back to you with the results

If you apply too much force yes you could damage the stick or the slots, but its unlikely as RAM is super easy to install.

If clearing the CMOS has no effect check all your power cables are connected properly. You could also remove your RAM and check the teeth on them if you're concerned that you may have damaged them when installing.

On a side note i assume you are using Dual Channel Memory (2 sticks of RAM), yes?

 

[xnax2802]

If you apply too much force yes you could damage the stick or the slots, but its unlikely as RAM is super easy to install.

If clearing the CMOS has no effect check all your power cables are connected properly. You could also remove your RAM and check the teeth on them if you're concerned that you may have damaged them when installing.

On a side note i assume you are using Dual Channel Memory (2 sticks of RAM), yes?

I've now cleared the CMOS, checked the teeth/pins on the sticks (they look fine) and made sure the power cables are secured, but I'm still being mocked by that DRAM_LED..

Where is the CMOS battery located and how do I take it out?

 

[PetrolHead247]

On your board it's a small circular battery located near the middle of the board. To remove it there should be a tab that you can push down, which will release the battery allowing you to remove it. Sometimes the tab can be a bit tricky to spot at first as it's quite small so it might be a good idea to look in your motherboard manual to help you locate it if need be

 

[xnax2802]

I just tried to boot with no RAM installed and it gives me the same result.. Could the mobo be shorting out on the case or something like that? The stand-offs are installed btw

 

[PetrolHead247]

I just tried to boot with no RAM installed and it gives me the same result.. Could the mobo be shorting out on the case or something like that? The stand-offs are installed btw

It's a possibility but if it did get shorted out the board would no longer work at all so i'm not too sure it did get shorted. I'd say try what SieB said and try using a single stick. If still nothing then my only other thought would be that it might be your PSU causing the problem or that your mobo did indeed get shorted.

On a side note is the RAM your using Non-ECC & Unbuffered? If not it would mean the RAM is incompatible with your board. Although saying that i think the MemOK feature would solve some issues with the incompatibility.

 

[xnax2802]

It's a possibility but if it did get shorted out the board would no longer work at all so i'm not too sure it did get shorted. I'd say try what SieB said and try using a single stick. If still nothing then my only other thought would be that it might be your PSU causing the problem or that your mobo did indeed get shorted.

Ah, shit.. Will try SieB's suggestion and the try to boot it without the case, and if that doesn't work I'm just gonna have to swallow my pride and take it to a professional..

On a side note is the RAM your using Non-ECC & Unbuffered? If not it would mean the RAM is incompatible with your board. Although saying that i think the MemOK feature would solve some issues with the incompatibility.

I have no idea what that meant, sorry :/