Here is the RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231223
I know this is NOT one of the supposed supported brands which I found out after my purchase. I'm sorry but the MSI site is painfully difficult to navigate: I saw some user comments on Newegg that indicated GSkill worked for them in the board, and it was DDR3 within the correct voltage rated at 5 eggs so I figured what could go wrong?
Alright, now, I know a lot of people are going to ask me what I feel like are unnecessary questions about PSU, Vid Card etc. 750 watt PSU, ATI HD 4870. Windows Vista. i7 920, stock heat sink+fan. I strongly do not think any of that is involved here. I don't know the BIOS version as I literally turned the PC on with the intention of checking the BIOS number and then wandered off; it's early for me and I have yet to have my coffee.
Please read the situation below:
Computer posts if I have exactly ONE DIMM installed in the #1, black slot (2nd board slot). I know I'm supposed to fill the black slots first (I know that I start with the 2nd slot because they are numbered 2,1,4,3,6,5). I have 3x, 2gig sticks.
I have rotated all of the sticks into DIMM #1 and EACH ONE of them works. The PC will post and go to Vista no problems. The PC will run programs with no problems. I have not run a memory test but am doing so while I wait many painful hours - still do not feel it's the RAM but will be checking anyways.
If I put in 2 or 3 sticks of RAM into DIMMs #3 and/or #5 in any possible order, the PC will power on for a bit not post and then shut down. I don't seem to be getting beeps and I do not know how to read the LEDs but even with 2 or 3 sticks in the green "all clear" light is on anyways until the machine powers itself off without posting.
Now, obviously, the $200 question is:
A) Is the RAM simply not compatible with the board? (This seems silly to me considering I installed an entire OS and can run apps on every stick)
B) Is there some kind of BIOS setting I have not configured? I understand that my RAM is rated for 1333 but should automatically be under-clocked to 1066 - I understand and am fine with that. I am very much hoping it's a BIOS issue someone can help me with.
C) Is the board faulty and needs RMA'd? I have burned CDs and DVDs, I can get online, I can start up games as is. Is it really just some faulty DIMM slots?
D) Is it a combination of slightly beat up DIMM slots with slightly incompatible RAM?
E) Random, unexplainable issue that only happens to me because God hates me?
F) All of the Above.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am on eastern time and must wait forever and a day for west coast 8A.M. to roll around in another 3+ hours so I can get on hold with tech support/Newegg to RMA.
If you require additional information feel free to post I will be scanning this thread for the next 3 hours and will respond promptly.
In the meantime here are the next couple of steps I am going to take:
1) Run Memtest and check the RAM.
2) Go to a local retailer and buy some DDR3 from one of the MSI listed retailers.
3) Smash face into desktop a couple of dozen times.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
I know this is NOT one of the supposed supported brands which I found out after my purchase. I'm sorry but the MSI site is painfully difficult to navigate: I saw some user comments on Newegg that indicated GSkill worked for them in the board, and it was DDR3 within the correct voltage rated at 5 eggs so I figured what could go wrong?
Alright, now, I know a lot of people are going to ask me what I feel like are unnecessary questions about PSU, Vid Card etc. 750 watt PSU, ATI HD 4870. Windows Vista. i7 920, stock heat sink+fan. I strongly do not think any of that is involved here. I don't know the BIOS version as I literally turned the PC on with the intention of checking the BIOS number and then wandered off; it's early for me and I have yet to have my coffee.
Please read the situation below:
Computer posts if I have exactly ONE DIMM installed in the #1, black slot (2nd board slot). I know I'm supposed to fill the black slots first (I know that I start with the 2nd slot because they are numbered 2,1,4,3,6,5). I have 3x, 2gig sticks.
I have rotated all of the sticks into DIMM #1 and EACH ONE of them works. The PC will post and go to Vista no problems. The PC will run programs with no problems. I have not run a memory test but am doing so while I wait many painful hours - still do not feel it's the RAM but will be checking anyways.
If I put in 2 or 3 sticks of RAM into DIMMs #3 and/or #5 in any possible order, the PC will power on for a bit not post and then shut down. I don't seem to be getting beeps and I do not know how to read the LEDs but even with 2 or 3 sticks in the green "all clear" light is on anyways until the machine powers itself off without posting.
Now, obviously, the $200 question is:
A) Is the RAM simply not compatible with the board? (This seems silly to me considering I installed an entire OS and can run apps on every stick)
B) Is there some kind of BIOS setting I have not configured? I understand that my RAM is rated for 1333 but should automatically be under-clocked to 1066 - I understand and am fine with that. I am very much hoping it's a BIOS issue someone can help me with.
C) Is the board faulty and needs RMA'd? I have burned CDs and DVDs, I can get online, I can start up games as is. Is it really just some faulty DIMM slots?
D) Is it a combination of slightly beat up DIMM slots with slightly incompatible RAM?
E) Random, unexplainable issue that only happens to me because God hates me?
F) All of the Above.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am on eastern time and must wait forever and a day for west coast 8A.M. to roll around in another 3+ hours so I can get on hold with tech support/Newegg to RMA.
If you require additional information feel free to post I will be scanning this thread for the next 3 hours and will respond promptly.
In the meantime here are the next couple of steps I am going to take:
1) Run Memtest and check the RAM.
2) Go to a local retailer and buy some DDR3 from one of the MSI listed retailers.
3) Smash face into desktop a couple of dozen times.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
