Memory only working in one slot

[Extelleron]

I recently purchased an OCZ 4GB memory to kit to replace the 2GB of memory (1GBx2) I had before. Yesterday, I installed the memory into the first two slots on my motherboard and powered up the system...it didn't make any beeping noise to signify that there was no memory detected, but it didn't post either - it just sat there with the fans @ 100% like it always does for a short time when booting up.

I think I might have had the memory in the wrong way, but I'm not sure if it matters which way the memory is turned.

Anyway, I've tried a lot since then but right now I have found that the only way I can get the system to work is to put a single module in Slot 4. If I put both 2GB sticks in Slot 3 & 4, the system works fine, but only the 2GB in Slot 4 is recognized. If a single module is placed anywhere but Slot 4, the system will give a beeping noise at startup which I know means that there is no memory detected. This is true with both the 2GB modules that I purchased and the 1GB modules that I previously had

I'm wondering if anyone has an idea as to why I'm having this problem. The only thing I could think of is that I somehow damaged the slots by putting the memory in incorrectly. However, if this were the case, I doubt I would have killed 3 slots and also I would think my memory would be damaged as well. My system is stable right now with the one 2GB module in Slot 4 and runs at the specified 800MHz 5-4-4-15 at 2.0V, the memory is fine.

Thanks.

BTW, my motherboard is a Biostar tForce 550 SE (AM2).

 

[Mondoman]

Originally posted by: Extelleron
...
I think I might have had the memory in the wrong way, but I'm not sure if it matters which way the memory is turned.

The modules are keyed so you would have had to apply substantial physical force to put the memory in the wrong way. However, if you were able to force the modules in the wrong way, you could easily damage the MB and/or the modules, as many traces were in effect shorted together. This could certainly damage the MB but not the modules or vice versa.

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: Extelleron
my memory would be damaged as well. My system is stable right now with the one 2GB module in Slot 4 and runs at the specified 800MHz 5-4-4-15 at 2.0V, the memory is fine.

Generally a motherboard will set the DDR2 voltage to the JEDEC spec value of 1.8V but will set the DDR2 speed and timing per those contained on the ram's SPD.

This causes computers to have issues on initial installation of RAM which require higher voltage (>1.8V) to run at those higher timings listed in the SPD.

It is very typical for people to find that they can get one stick of ram to operate at the stock 1.8V but not more than one at a time.

What you need to do is boot with 1 stick of ram, go into your BIOS and find the option to manually set your DDR2 DIMM voltage. Set it to 2.0V (or whatever the ram mfg spec lists).

Shut down the system and install the rest of your ram. Reboot. Now the system should operate with the SPD set timing and your manually set ram voltage.

Good luck, I hope this is the root of the problem.

 

[ryderOCZ]

What is the part number of your ram?

Does each stick run fine in slot 4?

Did you clear the CMOS before installing the OCZ ram?

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: ryderOCZ
What is the part number of your ram?

Does each stick run fine in slot 4?

Did you clear the CMOS before installing the OCZ ram?

The part # is OCZ2N800SR4GK, its the SLI kit: http://shop1.outpost.com/produ...e6IHQsilOOdpKBEDQMJ5vA**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Haven't checked today but I'm pretty sure both worked fine in Slot #4. I'm 99% certain the problem is not the memory, because my previous 1GB modules exhibited the same problem.

I hadn't cleared the CMOS originally, but I did so just now and it made no difference.

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: Idontcare

Originally posted by: Extelleron
my memory would be damaged as well. My system is stable right now with the one 2GB module in Slot 4 and runs at the specified 800MHz 5-4-4-15 at 2.0V, the memory is fine.

Generally a motherboard will set the DDR2 voltage to the JEDEC spec value of 1.8V but will set the DDR2 speed and timing per those contained on the ram's SPD.

This causes computers to have issues on initial installation of RAM which require higher voltage (>1.8V) to run at those higher timings listed in the SPD.

It is very typical for people to find that they can get one stick of ram to operate at the stock 1.8V but not more than one at a time.

What you need to do is boot with 1 stick of ram, go into your BIOS and find the option to manually set your DDR2 DIMM voltage. Set it to 2.0V (or whatever the ram mfg spec lists).

Shut down the system and install the rest of your ram. Reboot. Now the system should operate with the SPD set timing and your manually set ram voltage.

Good luck, I hope this is the root of the problem.

I wish this was the problem, but I have it set in the BIOS for 2.0V voltage. The motherboard just completely ignores anything but Slot 4.

Mondoman, I'm thinking you might be right. I do remember that when I first powered the system on, the fans just kept running with no post.... when I powered down the system and took out the memory, the sticks were pretty hot. Still, if this is the problem, why would 3 slots have been killed?

 

[AmberClad]

Do you remember if the white latches on the sides of the slots were completely locked into the semicircular grooves in the RAM dimms? I don't think that's possible if they were in backwards (they wouldn't go down far enough into the slot to be able to lock if that were the case).

 

[Idontcare]

After having spent the last year taking memory of many kinds in and out of my striker board I got very used to which way they had to go (labels facing the right) for the DIMM slot key to always be matching up.

I assumed this was actually a standard, the DIMM orientation.

Then I recently got my P5E Pro to replace the striker, and I was pushing and pushing on those damn Mushkin dimms and I could NOT get them to go in. I was definitely having one of the "what the hell" moments.

Then I realized Asus inverted the DIMM slot orientation for the P5E Pro versus their Striker Extreme. What the heck?! Now the system is running.

Moral of the story - I was pushing ridiculously hard to get that memory into those sockets and it was a no go. I cannot imagine how much force (and what kind of garage tools are being used) it would take to actually break a DIMM slot or memory PCB and force a DIMM to go in the wrong way.

 

[AmberClad]

OP - Have you taken a close look at the TForce 550 SE manual available from the Biostar-USA website? Specifically section 1.3.

DIMM Slots x 4
Each DIMM supports 256/512MB & 1GB DDR2
Max Memory Capicity 4GB
Dual Channel Mode DDR2 memory module
Supports DDR2 533 / 667 / 800
Registered DIMM and ECC DIMM is not
supported

I would chat up Biostar and find out what's up, and if that board can actually take 2GB dimms.