Question RAM slots 2 and 4 not working

Symbiot911

Junior Member
Jan 23, 2020
2
1
36
Hi all, hoping you may be able to help me here. I have an old GA-Z68X-UD-B3 build which has been working fine for years but suddenly I am unable to boot it. Basically, when I turn it on the fans start, it goes off, they start, go off, I'm sure you get my drift. I narrowed the issue down to ram slots 2 and 4 no longer working. I can boot with sticks in 1 and 3, and 1 or 3, but as soon as I put a stick in slots 2, 4 or both, or a combination of slots 1+3, or 2+4,basically any combo involving slots 2 and 4, I get this looping boot issue. I was using corsair xms3 CMX4GX3M2A 1600C9 ram and my CPU is an Intel 2600k. In researching this issue I actually noticed for the first time that Sandy Bridge chips are rated at 1.5v with a Max of 1.75v. My ram is 1.65v. This probably explains why I've never been able to OC my system or even initiate the xms profile without getting a BSOD, and so my ram has been running at 1333 and I think at default voltages. So I'm wondering, are those twerp ram slots dead or could I have burned out the memory controller in the CPU by having run out of speed ram for so long? I'm at my wits end and feel like just scrapping the whole system for something newer.
Thanks for any feedback.
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
Alternating slots on the board are generally A.) 2 Channels. B.) Only a single set of 2 channels if 1 and 3 are working, then its probably not the memory controller on the CPU, because you are still using the same memory controllers, the same channels. Now if you shorted out those slots connection to the CPU somewhere down the chain, I couldn't tell you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Symbiot911

Symbiot911

Junior Member
Jan 23, 2020
2
1
36
Alternating slots on the board are generally A.) 2 Channels. B.) Only a single set of 2 channels if 1 and 3 are working, then its probably not the memory controller on the CPU, because you are still using the same memory controllers, the same channels. Now if you shorted out those slots connection to the CPU somewhere down the chain, I couldn't tell you.
Thanks for the response. I've checked the slots thoroughly. I know it's certainly not the ram itself, the motherboard isn't bent or kinked due to the hs&f assembly, so I guess it's the end of the road for the ole 2600k build. I think I'll just sell off the parts that I can and start building a new ryzen rig.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DooKey

DooKey

Golden Member
Nov 9, 2005
1,811
458
136
Thanks for the response. I've checked the slots thoroughly. I know it's certainly not the ram itself, the motherboard isn't bent or kinked due to the hs&f assembly, so I guess it's the end of the road for the ole 2600k build. I think I'll just sell off the parts that I can and start building a new ryzen rig.

Excellent idea. You'll get a BIG boost going to a 3XXX Ryzen build.