Computer doesn't see second memory stick

[ptcruiser70663]

I built my computer from a MSI board and dual core Intel processor kit. It works fine with the original 4GB DDR3 memory stick, so I ordered another, identical one, but the board won't recognize the stick in the second memory slot. Either stick is recognized when I put it in Slot 1, but no matter which stick is in which slot, the board will not recognize the 8GB of the two sticks. Other than the steps I've tried...trying both sticks in Slot 1 and Slot 2, how can I further troubleshoot this? Specs say the board will recognize up to 12GB, I think, well over 8GB, anyway. As you may gather, I have intermediate skills, I'd say.

 

[Henry]

You have an MSI MB of some , an Intel CPU of some kind and some unknown RAM of 4 GB each. Now maybe if you told us exactly what you have for all of it we could help you with your problem. Look at my signature below for kind of information to provide.

            >> Posting Guide <<

 

[ptcruiser70663]

I thought perhaps there were some general troubleshooting techniques that I may try regardless of model numbers, but here goes:
MSI H61M-P23 B3 Intel Sandy Bridge Barebones Kit - MSI H61M-P23 B3 Mobo, Intel Core i3-2100 CPU, Corsair 4GB DDR3 RAM, Seagate 500GB HDD, 24x DVDRW, Diablotek ATX Mid-Tower Case, Eagle 550W PSU

2 sticks 1x4GB Corsair XMS DDR3 CMX4GX3M1A1333C9.

Please tell me which makes a difference in tracing the problem. 

 

[DaLoona]

Please tell me which makes a difference in tracing the problem.  

Well it tells that these: 2 sticks 1x4GB Corsair XMS DDR3 CMX4GX3M1A1333C9, are not on the compatibility list.

http://eu.msi.com/file/test_report/TR10_2312.pdf (you get there from here: http://eu.msi.com/product/mb/H61M-P23--B3-.html )

Since they are 4GB sticks, compatibility can be an issue, due to the make/way of fabrication of the DIMM.
The fact that they arent on the list doesnt mean at all that they arent gonna work by the way, since MSI cant test everything.

And a word of advice (and no offense), but the PSU you are having, if its this one: http://www.eagletechusa.com/ET-PSVTX550E-BK.htm
then its unfit for todays computers.
Its clearly a Pentium2/3 era psu, ridiculous high amps on 3.3V and 5V and practically none on the +12V lines (+12V1 14A and +12V2 17A, which actually only can hold up to 19A/228W, according to specs) i.e. its rubbish.
12V lines are most important these days, not the 3.3V and 5V.
Read here for good reviews about psu's:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/index.php
Dont skimp on it, its the lifeblood of your system and if it goes, it might take the whole system with it.

 

[ptcruiser70663]

Thanks. I thought I was home free ordering the second identical stick since there was no problem with the first, which was packaged in the kit by TigerDirect. So you say a compatibility issue may arise with two sticks of identical memory that will not be present with a single stick? I do note at the top of the compatibility list that "The memory modules we list below are for reference only. Owing to massive memory modules selling on the market, we can only
verify some of them." What's a medium-skilled tinkerer to do? Rely on Dell or Compaq/HP to put it all together and guarantee it?   

Kingston's site does not list the H61M-P23 board in its search feature; closest is H61M-P33. Since I don't have time in my life to get an electronics degree and to search for all the options given in the compatibility list or the power supply reviews, I'll just have to live with 4GB of memory and the power supply I've got.

 

[Wonkanoby]

Have you tried this new dimm alone

 

[ptcruiser70663]

Yes, I have tried both the old and then new, individually and together, in both slots.

 

[cronnin]

Don't bash that PSU, it's not  from P2/P3 era

? Great for quad-core PCs with single PCI-E video card. (more than he's got)
? ATX12V v2.2 compliant  (standard introduced in 2006)
? +12V combined max load 228W (his whole system is under 110W)
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4083/the-sandy-bridge-review-intel-core-i7-2600k-i5-2500k-core-i3-2100-tested/21


It could be the opposite problem, if we did not hear it worked with just 1 mem stick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yiNEZWpLZ0#t=34

 

[HU16E]

Don't bash that PSU

Watts with some PSU's don't hardly mean squat these days. It's the +12V 'amps' they provide that matters. A quality single +12V rail PSU is a good way to go. PSU is the heart of the system, not a component to skimp on.

 

[Henry]

Providing it's not defective or outright junk it should be adequate for i3 with integrated graphics.

What OS are you using? Do you need 8 GB in the 1st place, if not then a 2x2 GB kit 1333 would be a better choice.

Re-seat CPU and check for bent/damaged pins in the CPU socket with a good magnifying glass. A lot of times RAM not detected like that is due to damaged/bent pins in the socket or poor contact of the pads on the CPU with the pins in the socket. Memory controller is in the CPU and this kind of problem comes up once in a while. Also check DIMM2 for bent/damaged contacts. 

 

[cronnin]

As I understand  system works fine with 4GB of RAM , whichever slot, whichever DIMM.
Problem is it can't see 2x4GB?

When you push both DIMMs, does it not boot up, or you can enter Windows which says you only have 4GB of RAM?

 

[Bernhard]

Start your system with 1 DIMM module. Enter the BIOS. If your BIOS has a XMP function, then disable it. Manually set your memory to 1066. Save, exit and restart to see if it starts at 1066.
Shut down, add the second module and see if it recognises both modules.
What OS and what version do you use ?