Strange RAM issue

[Guerforce]

Alright so this is either bizarre or very simple. So I was having issues a few weeks ago with my RAM. The 2 slots closet to my CPU weren't working and causing my computer to be stuck in a restart cycle every time I plugged a stick of RAM in them.

After getting annoyed with troubleshooting I decided to upgrade all new components. I bought a new mobo, new CPU, and new ram. The only thing that was the same was my case, PSU, and H60 heatsink.

I built my new rig today and set up my ram in different colored slots and it wouldn't boot. So I played with the ram again and took one stick and tested all the ram slots and the 2 closest to my processor did not work.

I mean, is this really my PSU or Case causing this? Is this a coincidence?

OLD System:
AMD FX-8350 CPU
GA-970A-DS3P rev 2.0 Motherboard
Corsair Vengeance 16gb DDR3 1868
800w Corsair PSU
CASE: Thermaltake Versa n21

NEW System:
i5-6600K Skylake
GA-Z170-HD3 Motherboard
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16gb DDR4 3000
800w Corsair PSU
CASE: Thermaltake Versa n21

 

[XavierMace]

It sounds to me like you probably aren't putting the memory in the right slots for starters. I haven't used a board where it was the two closest to the CPU since the pre-dual channel days. Beyond that we would really need more info to help. Details of your hardware, etc.

 

[Elixer]

Hmm, how did you mount the motherboard? If the standoffs are in the wrong position, you could be causing a short someplace.

I also have seen this when people put WAY too much AS5 (or another electrically conductive paste) and it got into places it shouldn't be in.

Highly doubt it is the PSU, doesn't sound like the symptoms of a failing PSU.

 

[Guerforce]

It sounds to me like you probably aren't putting the memory in the right slots for starters. I haven't used a board where it was the two closest to the CPU since the pre-dual channel days. Beyond that we would really need more info to help. Details of your hardware, etc.

I wasn't putting them both in the 2 closest slots I was just testing them

 

[Guerforce]

Hmm, how did you mount the motherboard? If the standoffs are in the wrong position, you could be causing a short someplace.

I also have seen this when people put WAY too much AS5 (or another electrically conductive paste) and it got into places it shouldn't be in.

Highly doubt it is the PSU, doesn't sound like the symptoms of a failing PSU.

The standoffs were already installed in the case and line up with all the holes on the mobo just fine.

And as far as thermal paste, I just use the same pea sized amount I always have

 

[VirtualLarry]

You're using a water cooler, yes? I've heard stories of heatsinks and whatnot being torqued down too tightly, or unevenly, and that affecting the RAM. (Due to the way the pads on the CPU contact the pins in the socket.)

 

[Guerforce]

I was very careful with installing the heatsink with that reasoning in mind. If anything I'm too cautious and don't tighten things enough.

The only thing I haven't ruled out yet is a short on the case of some sort. I'm going to run the mobo outside of the case and see what happens. This issue started with my other build when I got this case and heat sink. And I've loosened the heatsink to where it's almost sliding around.

 

[Guerforce]

I have updated the specs of both my old and new systems. I like to think I'm very careful when installing expensive computer parts as this is my 5-6th build and haven't had any issues. All these issues started when I got the new case/cooler.

 

[Elixer]

I supposed you also checked to see that there wasn't any dust/gunk in the DIMM slots, and no leaks (or condensation)?

And yeah, that would have been my next move also, test the mobo outside of the case, stick it on some cardboard or a antistatic mat if you have one.

 

[Guerforce]

I supposed you also checked to see that there wasn't any dust/gunk in the DIMM slots, and no leaks (or condensation)?

And yeah, that would have been my next move also, test the mobo outside of the case, stick it on some cardboard or a antistatic mat if you have one.

I have some canned air I'll try to see if maybe it's dust or something, but both slots being the problem and the fact that it's occurring again with completely different parts aside from the case and power supply makes me think this is going to be a tricky one.