Windows 7: Can only run with one DIMM...

Hi all

I wasn't sure where to post this so apologies if you see this duplicated (& thanks for patience on this...)

SYSTEM SPECS
• ASUS P7P55D-E PRO
• Intel i5-760 with Thermalright MUX-120 cooler
• Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card
• 2 x Corsair DDR3 2GB DIMMs
• Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
• Seagate 500GB SATA HDD
• Lite On IHBS 112 DVD/CD/BluRay ODD
• Lian-Li Extreme Power 650W PSU in Lian-Li PC60FNWX case



All well cooled. Running IntelBurnTest only gets the CPU temp up to 50 deg C max.

Problem is this… built the system, installed Windows 7 successfully, all updated via Windows Update. Latest AMD drivers loaded for graphics.

It ran ok for a day or so then I started to get a problem which has got more consistent … If I boot with both DIMMs installed, Windows gets to ‘Loading Windows’ then the screen (a BENQ, HDMI connected) goes black and then after a few seconds an error “no signal” is displayed. As far as I can tell, other activity continues (HDD activity LED etc). This happens almost without fail… If I start in Safe Mode it does run Windows OK

Did some troubleshooting – tried different monitor, cable, used VGA rather than HDMI, moved the 5770 to different PCI slot – made no difference. I thought it must be the 5770 at that point… until I got Windows up & tried running IntelBurnTest again and got error before it could start saying “you can’t specify more memory than you have” or somesuch. So I shutdown, took out one DIMM and rebooted. Boots reliably now! Tried the other DIMM. Still boots reliably.

So I can then run Windows happily with either DIMM, but not with both. …
Another info point is that, if I (eg) boot a memory diagnostic utility from the ODD with just one DIMM installed, it loads and runs for ever – no errors no screen black out problem. If I install BOTH DIMMs then try to run the diagnostic, it starts to run the diag then the screen blacks quite quickly with “no signal” error displayed and we are back to the start again…

ANOTHER info point is that, having got Windows running successfully on either DIMM alone, I can happily launch apps, connect to the net, run (eg) YouTube or iPlayer vids… all seems good. If I then insert a disc into the ODD, close the drawer and try and access the disc, more often than not, I will get the same problem – screen goes black and a few seconds later I get the “no signal” message on the screen. If I don’t use the ODD, all seems OK.

I have tried running the system with both DIMMS with unneeded hardware (ODD, audio connector etc) disconnected and get the same problem.
I have updated the BIOS from the Asus website. I have loaded the latest 5770 drivers from AMD website.

All voltages & temps are in spec.

At this point I suspect the mobo but for no ‘logical’ reason, just gut feel, given the disparate ways to trigger the problem. But I am interested in any suggestions or similar (solved) problems…

Final info point is that the Asus website does not include the specific Corsair DIMM in their qualified list (although others (same manuf, same spec) are included). Additionally, the Corsair website does not list this particular DIMM as qualified for the ASUS P7P55D-E PRO mobo either, but is this a red herring as they probably only test / qualify with one DIMM anyway??? The DIMM was one recommended to partner the ASUS mobo on the retailer website so I didn’t find the Corsair / Asus website qualification lists til after…

Thanks in advance for any advice…

Ahhhh asus boards.... I love them and hate them. I have the asus maximus formula. I bought some lovely Blackdragon ram to replace my kingson value ram. It would only boot with one stick (of the four) If i had 2 or more sticks I would BSOD.

mckillwashere... so what conclusion should I draw from your post? cheers!

Did you test using both/all memory slots?

@piattj,

I've posted on you other thread in Graphics Cards. There seem to be some BIOS updates to your mobo that deal with the ODD and memory compatibility.
Screen blanks... "no signal" error

BTW, don't open threads with same question in different sections.

Sorry for dual posting - my mistake in doing that... but the BIOS is updated and still same problem.... so I'm thinking RMA'ing either memory or mobo now, cos they're both only a couple of weeks old.

Any suggestions / experience welcomed!

Sorry about the late response... My bios was fully updated.... So I had a 150 dollar set of ram lying around since it was to pretty to RMA. One stick got stolen, another is in my server, one in my rms machine, and the third my rm killed and refuses to pay me for it....