ram/motherboard issues

[Gunslngr21]

Here is the original post, i thought i might get more help if i posted in the right area. I am really stuck ladies and gents. I spent all the money on hardware and it turns out that the guy helping me build this computer didn't know his stuff. So here i am and here is the original post(updated):

Here is the motherboard:
MSI

Here is the ram:
PQI

The system has been showing 1/2 of the actual ram.

I recently bought both of these things at newegg.com and i would rather not return the motherboard unless i absolutly have to.

I went to MSI's website and it does not list PQI as a supported brand but i do have ram that should technically be compatable otherwise.

Someone please tell me that its just my ram and not my motherboard. Another note for those who might have this motherboard.... if i put a sick in slots 1 and 3(or 2 and 4) the screen won't display anything.

when i go into the system information utility (start/programs/accessories/system tools/system information) it will show all of my ram but the available is always under what it displays when i go to properties when i click on my computer. I can only get the computer to work when i put it in slots 1 and 2.
I don't have a problem exchanging my ram for supported ram, but i will only do this if you think it will actually solve anything.

So my options at this point are to
: return the ram for a refund to buy "supported" ram (15% restocking fee)
: return the motherboard for a new one
: return the motherboard for a different one (15% restocking fee)

 

[meltdown75]

Well Gunslngr21, welcome to the forums although I wish it had been under different circumstances... problems suck!

The only way to know is to test & troubleshoot by swapping out parts... as far as your RAM slot issues, you should be adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations as far as what slots to use. Some boards use different slots to enable dual channel. Consult the manual and stick to that.

I don't know if you have tried updating the BIOS yet and seeing if that remedies the problem...

For the ram that is "supported" by your board, in my experience these are only guidelines. I used generic ram for my build and it works fine, you won't find it on the Asus website as recommended but I wanted to save a few bucks.

Hopefully you don't have to RMA your board... I guess you won't know until you can try another stick of ram or a new mobo!! good luck

 

[fishmonger12]

the ram slot issues have to do with dual channel. i know if i put a stick in dimm 1 and dimm 3 on my gigabyte board, it just beeps at me.

as for one stick not being detected, try putting 1 stick in, running memtest86 and prime95, then replacing it with the other stick and doing the same. one of your sticks might be damaged. also make sure you are running the most up-to-date bios.

 

[dataxpress]

Make sure your motherboard doesn't have integrated video that's stealing some ram. It then won't be available.

 

[Gunslngr21]

Thanks for all the advice. I just RMA'd the motherboard. $14 damn dollers for shipping...

I have to assume it is a problem with the motherboard. I swapped out the ram stick to get the same results. when i took the motherboard out i noticed that the 2 slots that i was having trouble with were not mounted on the board correctly.

The person who was helping me build this, while really nice and eager to help did not know what he was doing. He didn't even mount the board correctly.

Moral of the story:
RTFM and do it yourself. Then again its really frustrating when you spend all this money and don't have a product that works so next time i am computer shopping the DIY/newegg route won't be such a slamdunk.

 

[mechBgon]

What are (were) the full system specs, including the brand and model of the power supply and the model of processor?

 

[Gunslngr21]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
What are (were) the full system specs, including the brand and model of the power supply and the model of processor?

MB MSI|VIA K8T800 PRO K8T NEO2-FIR mobo
CPU AMD 64 |3000+ ATHLON 939P 90 RT CPU
PQI POWER 512MB DDR PC3200 x 2 ram
FD 1.44MB|SONY MPF920 Black
HD 120GB|SAMSUNG SP1213C 8MB 72R
CDRW DVD COMBO ROSEWILL


The power supply is the one that came with the case. Yes, i know better. I didn't think it would be the source of any problems right off the bat and hopefully this wasn't the case (no pun intended).

DYNAPOWER Silver/Blue ATX Mid-Tower Case with 430W Power Supply & Acrylic Window
PSU sticker

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, you don't say what video card you're using, but freebie PSUs are a consistent troublemaker and I make no apologies for suspecting it as the cause or at least a contributing factor :evil: Why why why, do people let themselves in for this (yes I know why, it's because they want their dasm cheap ricer case with the window, and it happens to come with a "power supply" ).

So I would suggest trying a high-quality power supply. If you are running something hefty like a 6800GT or higher, then it wouldn't hurt to go into the 450W+ range, such as an Enermax WhisperII 460W with its 33-amp 12-volt rail. But make sure it's quality.