Windows 7 - Windows 7 does not boot with 4 ram sticks (16gb)

aioros · 06-18-2011

I have just built a new pc with the following (all new components 6/17/2011):
os: Windows 7 64bit
mb: asus m5a88-v evo
hd: seagate 1.5tb 6gb/s
ram: g.skill ddr3 4gb each stick (3 installed)

I had a hard time trying to install windows until I disconnected the blueray dvd (sata) and pulled out 2 of the memory sticks. I've tried to have 16Gb of ram but windows doesn't boot if all 4 stick are installed. It works great with 3 sticks.

Sardonicus · 06-18-2011

The bios version is still at the initial stage.
I suspect that as ASUS posts new bios updates, more memory will be supported and bugs will get fixed.
You may want to check and see if your ram is on the Qualified Vendors List.
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Motherboards- ASUS M5A88-V EVO

Other members should weigh in after looking at your health report.

essenbe · 06-18-2011

p5bdkw may very well be correct about new technology. It also may be a bad stick of memory or a bad motherboard slot. You may want to read this tutorial about Memtest86. It is a very time consuming process but can usually narrow down the problem. I know as I have been through it. The idea is to test the ram as well as the ram slots. I'm not familar with the technology they have put in these AM3+ boards, but sometimes with AMD voltage adjustments need to be made with a large amount of ram.

bobkn · 06-18-2011

I don't know about your specific board, but in the past some motherboards had RAM problems if all 4 memory slots were populated.

A possible fix is to go into the BIOS setup and set the RAM timings and voltage to the ones recommended by the manufacturer. Sometimes the RAM will work OK if you use slightly slower timings (say, 9-9-9 instead of 8-8-8).

Incidentally, Asus has a qualified vendor list for the board:

http://support.asus.com/download.asp...XKRd8n3wWVKy2e

16GB kits are listed.

aioros · 06-18-2011

Thank you very much for your replies. i will keep an eye on the bios updates. I've switched the sticks to different slots and they all work.

Phone Man · 06-18-2011

What are your ram settings. The AMD CPU memory controller is designed to run at 1333 speed especially with all slots filled.

Jim

aioros · 06-19-2011

The only qvl for 16Gb is Geil. Does that mean that only i have to buy that brand to have 16GB of ram?
The ram settings are to 1333.
My BIOS is ver. 0215, the current is ver. 0402, so I will update the BIOS. The mb comes with a few utilities to do that, which I think pretty cool.
Thanks

Kipper · 06-19-2011

no, you are not limited to Geil; matter of fact half the time the memory listed on the QVL is no longer available.

Besides, I thought I read that you moved the sticks around to different slots and its all good now.

aioros · 06-19-2011

I meant that all 4 memory sticks are good, not that the problem using all 4 at the same time was resolved. I can use any 3 sticks in any 3 slots and the system is fine. Once I put the 4th = BSOD

So as long as i keep it to 1333MHz and 9-9-9-24 (as qvl shows) i can use any brand?

pooch · 06-19-2011

Hello aioros,

Have a look at the page I have posted from your manual. I use GSKILL F3-10666CL9-4GBRL 1333MHz RAM with no problems if you have the same brand I see no reason why it won't work for you. You may just have to use MemOK to help it on its way.
I hope this helps

Windows 7 - Windows 7 does not boot with 4 ram sticks (16gb)

Windows 7 does not boot with 4 ram sticks (16gb) problems?