Only single ram channel works...

[Jaisunny]

So, short story is.. I needed to build my son a system so had to use used parts (apart from ssd, ram, case) and I have run into a problem that I'm stuck in diagnosing.

Both my new and QVL confirmed ram sticks only work when ONE is in A1 or A2. The B channel does not work at all. I will get no display when I insert the second ram stick (in any combo).

I have tried to update bios, reset bios, removed cpu, inspected pins, loosen cpu fan, turned on xmp before and after cmos reset, boot system up with only 24 pin connected and ram. I've spent 2 days on it now so, probably done some other things but can't remember. My mind is boggled. Because parts are bought used, other than ram, it's difficult for me to determine what is the problem.

Specs:
Ryzen 5600x
Klevv 8gb 3600mhz (x2 sticks, same spec)
Gigabyte Aorus elite v2
Cv550 psu
Radeon 6650xt

 

[faye]

Do you have other RAM to test in the board / another board to test that RAM in? Because that's really the only way forward at this point.

 

[Jaisunny]

Do you have other RAM to test in the board / another board to test that RAM in? Because that's really the only way forward at this point.

Nope, sadly. I could order a new board off amazon.. Worse case scenario I can return it.

Problem is, if it does work.. We known it was the board. If it doesn't work it could still be the cpu, ram or... Dare I guess.. Psu.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Are you saying when you install 2 x 8Gb sticks in any slot, you only see 8GB? You never see the full 16GB regardless which slots you use?

If only 8GB, are you sure both sticks work?

Are you being careful to observe ESD precautions? That is, are you ALWAYS unplugging from the wall and ALWAYS touching bare metal of the case interior BEFORE reaching for the RAM when pulling or inserting?

 

[Macro Device]

Since Ryzen 1st gen CPUs are in high supply and low demand just grab one for testing and see if it changes anything. Yes? Dead CPU. No? Dead motherboard.

 

[Jaisunny]

Are you saying when you install 2 x 8Gb sticks in any slot, you only see 8GB? You never see the full 16GB regardless which slots you use?

If only 8GB, are you sure both sticks work?

Are you being careful to observe ESD precautions? That is, are you ALWAYS unplugging from the wall and ALWAYS touching bare metal of the case interior BEFORE reaching for the RAM when pulling or inserting?

Nope, if I install both 8gb sticks then the system will have no display at all but everything lights up and powers up as it would normally (apart from led strip on the system board and display)

It only boots with one ram stick.

Best practices always followed...

Since Ryzen 1st gen CPUs..

Ryzen 5 1600?

 

[Macro Device]

Ryzen 5 1600?

As an option, yep. You can go as low as Ryzen 1200, I saw them selling on the aftermarket for as low as $20 where I live. YMMV.

Just make sure it works properly before actually paying for it.

 

[Jaisunny]

As an option, yep. You can go as low as Ryzen 1200, I saw them selling on the aftermarket for as low as $20 where I live. YMMV.

Just make sure it works properly before actually paying for it.

Costs about 35$ in the UK that I can see. But, at least I could resell it on once I'm done with it.

Amazon have the same mobo on offer on black Friday deal which in tempted by as well. I'm not 100% confident in this mobo as the guy listed is as faulty but said the only issue with it is the USB 3.0 plastic shield had come off, said everything else works. But, I suspect he knew about the second channel.

Don't buy used parts peeps lol

 

[Macro Device]

Don't buy used parts peeps lol

I do it for the last couple decades and never regretted doing so. Insisting on thorough testing before buying is a key.

 

[Jaisunny]

I do it for the last couple decades and never regretted doing so. Insisting on thorough testing before buying is a key.

I've not had much luck. Are you US based? My friend from DC buys used parts all the time on ebay and rarely gets any problems. In the UK it seems way more people are less honest.

 

[Bill_Bright]

It only boots with one ram stick.

With either one? I am trying to determine if one stick is bad. If it boot with either stick inserted (understanding you mean one at a time), that still suggests both sticks are good. And in that case, points to the motherboard.

 

[maxfly]

I suspect he knew about the second channel.

Id say you're right on the money there. And if you try to return it he will undoubtedly say, "but I told you it was faulty".

 

[Jaisunny]

Id say you're right on the money there. And if you try to return it he will undoubtedly say, "but I told you it was faulty".

Its ebay, so I'll be OK. I'll say it was further damaged as he threw the cpu rear mounting plate ONTOP of the mobo and not in a compartment under it in the box.(which is true)

With either one? I am trying to determine if one stick is bad. If it boot with either stick inserted (understanding you mean one at a time), that still suggests both sticks are good. And in that case, points to the motherboard.

Each stick works when inserted and booted one at a time. Which should lead us to assume both sticks are good?

 

[Vya Domus]

Most likely : B channel is busted on the motherboard
A lot less likely : damaged memory controller on the CPU

 

[Jaisunny]

Appreciate all comments. Will give an update on what it was in the end.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Which should lead us to assume both sticks are good?

"Should" is the operative word. "In theory" and "reality" don't always see eye to eye.

To conclusively test your RAM, you need to use sophisticated and very expensive test equipment, like this $2,495 Memory Tester (and that's for the cheap model)!

So it is usually easier (and cheaper!) to try those same two sticks in a different board and/or try two different sticks in this board.

 

[Marcus L]

Found a "good deal" on a used motherboard myself on eBay and it was in more of a state than the seller let on, wouldn't post even though the CPU, ram, PSU etc was taken out of my old rig and working when I transferred the parts over, after a few hours of troubleshooting I bit the bullet and ordered the same board from Amazon, new, swapped it out and it worked straight away with 0 issues, went through eBay and got my money back, I would suggest you do the same

 

[Macro Device]

Are you US based?

Nah, Russia. Never bought anything in the US because shipping makes it too long and too expensive.

 

[Jaisunny]

Update..

Just got myself a ryzen 5 2400g with a wraith prism cooler for 30$...so I plan to keep that cooler instead of the stock cooler.. Anyway, 2400g installed, one ram stick in... Zero display. Mobo doesn't have the amber led on to indicate its operating properly.

Pulled bios battery, same issue.

Should I try a bios flash again? Or?

 

[wNotyarD]

Update..

Just got myself a ryzen 5 2400g with a wraith prism cooler for 30$...so I plan to keep that cooler instead of the stock cooler.. Anyway, 2400g installed, one ram stick in... Zero display. Mobo doesn't have the amber led on to indicate its operating properly.

Pulled bios battery, same issue.

Should I try a bios flash again? Or?

Hold on: if this Aorus motherboard you're using is capable of running a 5600X, chances are it won't run a 1st-gen Ryzen (2400G is Zen 1, not Zen 1+) no matter what as it stands due to BIOS restrictions (to add support to newer CPUs support for earlier was dropped). In this case, your best bet would be getting an Athlon 3000G for as cheap as you can get it.

 

[Jaisunny]

Hold on: if this Aorus motherboard you're using is capable of running a 5600X, chances are it won't run a 1st-gen Ryzen (2000G is Zen 1, not Zen 1+) no matter what due to BIOS restrictions (to add support to newer CPUs support for earlier was dropped). In this case, your best bet would be getting an Athlon 3000G for as cheap as you can get it.

You're joking?

 

[Bill_Bright]

I sure don't understand what you are doing here. Your CPU was working before. The fact the computer did not boot with two sticks installed points to the motherboard. So I fail to see why you think a different CPU is going to change things.

 

[Jaisunny]

I sure don't understand what you are doing here. Your CPU was working before. The fact the computer did not boot with two sticks installed points to the motherboard. So I fail to see why you think a different CPU is going to change things.

Because everyone was saying that either the dual channel on the cpu is at fault. Or the motherboard. Someone advised that I should get another ryzen cpu to rule out cpu problem and so I did.

 

[wNotyarD]

I sure don't understand what you are doing here. Your CPU was working before. The fact the computer did not boot with two sticks installed points to the motherboard. So I fail to see why you think a different CPU is going to change things.

In the event the computer worked with two memory sticks bolted in using another CPU, it would condemn his 5600X memory controller.

You're joking?

No, I'm not. If your motherboard is a B550 Aorus Elite V2, it never supported the 2400G. If it is a B450, it probably dropped support for it with BIOS F61 (which enabled using Zen 3 processors).

 

[AleXXX666]

So, short story is.. I needed to build my son a system so had to use used parts (apart from ssd, ram, case) and I have run into a problem that I'm stuck in diagnosing.

Both my new and QVL confirmed ram sticks only work when ONE is in A1 or A2. The B channel does not work at all. I will get no display when I insert the second ram stick (in any combo).

I have tried to update bios, reset bios, removed cpu, inspected pins, loosen cpu fan, turned on xmp before and after cmos reset, boot system up with only 24 pin connected and ram. I've spent 2 days on it now so, probably done some other things but can't remember. My mind is boggled. Because parts are bought used, other than ram, it's difficult for me to determine what is the problem.

Specs:
Ryzen 5600x
Klevv 8gb 3600mhz (x2 sticks, same spec)
Gigabyte Aorus elite v2
Cv550 psu
Radeon 6650xt

lol, get some REAL RAM. Klevv? You got it on sale from Aliexpress?