RAM DIMM does not work in certain DIMM slot

[Senzelian]

Hey everyone,

 

I'm facing an issue with a friend's computer and specificly its RAM.

 

System specs:

• Intel i7 7700K
• 2x 8GB Crucial Ballistix DDR4 2400Mhz 16-16-16-39
• ASUS Z170I Pro Graming ITX
• NVidia RTX 3060Ti
• beQuiet Straight Power 10 600w

 

The computer was running fine with two DDR4 DIMMs in the past, but was previously facing also RAM issues. We're now facing the same issues again, but have found out what the root cause of the issue is.

With either of the two sticks put in the right DIMM slot the computer boots fine. No issues.

As soon as either of the two sticks is placed into the left slot, it does not boot anymore and we have no display output.

 

So clearly there is some issue with the left DIMM slot. We don't need to hear that its obviously broken and a new motherboard would fix the issue. The question is what could be done within the BIOS to possibly get it running.

[Levent]

Usually this kind of problems arise due to CPU socket pressure, have you tried with no CPU cooler on just to see if it posts? My MSI boards were always extremely picky and were a bitch to get the socket pressure right.

[Senzelian]

5 minutes ago, Levent said:

Usually this kind of problems arise due to CPU socket pressure, have you tried with no CPU cooler on just to see if it posts? My MSI boards were always extremely picky and were a bitch to get the socket pressure right.

Dude, you fixed it. 

 

Holy shit. I never would've thought that's the cause. Holy moly...

 

Edit: lol nope. Colleague was just too stupid to put the RAM in fully... xD

[RONOTHAN##]

Yeah, I know my Z170 OC Formula with my 7700K in it is very picky about how the CPU is mounted in it (doesn't help that it's got a floating IHS from a delid, but it was picky before the delid as well). If the ILM isn't on it perfect it loses a memory channel like that. It's worth a go reinstalling the CPU, cleaning off the pins/pads while your in there (can't hurt at least), and see if that does anything. 

[Senzelian]

4 minutes ago, RONOTHAN## said:

Yeah, I know my Z170 OC Formula with my 7700K in it is very picky about how the CPU is mounted in it (doesn't help that it's got a floating IHS from a delid, but it was picky before the delid as well). If the ILM isn't on it perfect it loses a memory channel like that. It's worth a go reinstalling the CPU, cleaning off the pins/pads while your in there (can't hurt at least), and see if that does anything. 

Good to know! We're playing around with it now. We had the CPU off to apply new thermal paste, because it is also delidded.

[Senzelian]

@RONOTHAN##@Levent

 

Guys, it works! It was indeed the IHS and mounting pressure that caused the issue. That's nuts...

 

Thank you so much!