Solved 16 GBs of RAM not working on ASUS motherboard

[Randomrocket]

Hey guys, I'm new here and I've been having a lot of trouble with my ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO motherboard. It's rated to be compatible with 16 Gbs of RAM but the last two sets I've purchased from newegg haven't worked at all!

I tried mixing old RAM with new and it still won't work. It only works if I use my old RAM

RAM that works: Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
First attempt at 16 GBs: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)
Second attempt: Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)

Only the original Crucial memory works. When i tried the other two, nothing would show on the screen.

Any help here would be awesome and much appreciated!

EDIT: I tried googling for help and found a forum post on here already on the same subject when my first attempt didn't work. That's what pointed me to buy the Kingston RAM. It was recommended by a user here and it still didn't work.

EDIT 2: Problem has been solved. I had to update the BIOS of the motherboard to fix the problem

 

[TVeblen]

Hello Randomrocket. Welcome to the forum.

I assume you have already checked to be sure all RAM you are trying to use is the same specs as the current RAM, most importantly the voltage spec, but also unbuffered, and the timings should be the same or very close.

That said, the first thing you need to determine is whether it is a bad stick of RAM or a bad RAM socket or a power problem.

The first thing to do is remove the old working RAM and add one stick of new RAM into the first blue slot (A1) and test. Test each new stick in A1.

If that works then install the 2 new sticks in the same locations as the old sticks (the 2 blue slots - A1&B1) and test.

Then, with the two new sticks still in A1 & B1, add one stick of the old RAM into the third slot (black - A2) and test. Then the second old stick in the last slot (black - B2).

Report back what you find.

 

[Randomrocket]

every stick of the new RAM doesn't work no matter what slot its in

the old RAM works no matter where.

 

[Randomrocket]

I assume you have already checked to be sure all RAM you are trying to use is the same specs as the current RAM, most importantly the voltage spec, but also unbuffered, and the timings should be the same or very close.

I made sure to be the exact same spec RAM as the old one this time.

 

[TVeblen]

That is bizarre! That indicates that the RAM sticks are no good. One stick - sure. Two, maybe. But 6?

I guess the best thing to do is RMA the two 4GB sticks and get another set of four 4GB. One of the sets has to be good.

 

[bobkn]

every stick of the new RAM doesn't work no matter what slot its in

the old RAM works no matter where.

Does the new RAM work if it's installed without the old RAM?

 

[thomas242]

i just built a rig about 2 weeks ago for a friend and i order some ram that just resused to let his pc boot up. to fix the problem i opening up the pdf on asus websight and make sure the Make and Modle of ram are on that list with that mobo. you can have several sticks or ram that all look the same but if they are not on that pdf they might run on that mobo. you might have just bought some rame thats the timing on them or the voltage is not liked by that mobo

 

[Randomrocket]

i just built a rig about 2 weeks ago for a friend and i order some ram that just resused to let his pc boot up. to fix the problem i opening up the pdf on asus websight and make sure the Make and Modle of ram are on that list with that mobo. you can have several sticks or ram that all look the same but if they are not on that pdf they might run on that mobo. you might have just bought some rame thats the timing on them or the voltage is not liked by that mobo

Yeah but the QVL list on the ASUS website only lists up to 6 GBs... which is kinda odd.

I tried doing lots of combinations of old/new and just new and it still wouldnt work.

ughh... I already RMA'd the last set...

 

[Randomrocket]

could it be a BIOS problem? I got the mobo in 2009...

 

[TVeblen]

It should not be. The board was designed for 16GB on the first version of the BIOS.
You could look to see if they have any BIOS updates that specifically address RAM issues. If so, then it would be worth the risk to flash.

And, while it should not make any difference at all, you could try resetting BIOS defaults (note your current settings first) and then try the new RAM.

 

[TVeblen]

Wow! I just took a look and there have been a few BIOS updates that deal with memory issues. I would jump right up to version 2105. That will contain all of the previous updates.

Hang tight, I've got a step by step for the safest way to flash the BIOS around here somewhere....

EDIT: Found it. You should use Asus EZ Flash2. Very safe if you follow the instructions:

EZ Flash 2 – the best, the safest and the most convenient way to update BIOS.

Revised February 4, 2010.

Updating BIOS is serious business!
Every precaution should therefore be taken to prevent that anything goes wrong. Above all: DO NOT USE ASUS UPDATE!!! AFUDOS is the only good alternative to EZ Flash 2.

EZ Flash 2 is a built-in function of BIOS. It is the safest way to update BIOS, because one is not dependent on the operating system, any application, internet connection, firewall settings, antivirus or anything else that can put the vital BIOS update at risk.

On a new build, BIOS can be updated to the latest version before installation of the OS, which may possibly make the installation go smoother and safer.


Note: All what's said below about loading BIOS defaults also applies to the other BIOS update methods (ASUS Update and AFUDOS)!

The PC must never be overclocked during the BIOS update! Always load and save BIOS defaults before and after a BIOS update (press <F5>). By loading and saving BIOS defaults before the update, CPU frequency, memory frequency and voltages are set to default (Auto).
Memory timings are set to SPD values which ensure that a PC with high performance memory that need a higher voltage than 1.8V for DDR2 or 1.5V for DDR3 is able to boot on the standard Memory Voltage. Save the default settings (press <F10>) before starting the update.

When these instructions are carefully followed, there will be no need for a CLRTC.

Preparation:

• Document all your preferred BIOS settings (i.e. the settings you have changed from the default setting).
• Download the BIOS file, which normally is compressed (zipped).
• Unzip the BIOS file to a FAT/FAT32 formatted USB Flash Disk with only one partition (or to a Floppy Disk or a CD-ROM). If the unzipped BIOS file is named like e.g. 'P5B-ASUS-Deluxe-1101.ROM', you can rename it to 'P5BD1101.ROM'. Otherwise a truncated name will appear as 'P5B-AS~1.ROM' due to a limitation to max 8 characters in the filename (8.3).

Update:

• Reboot.
• Press (tap) <DEL> during POST (Power-On Self Test) to enter BIOS Setup.
• Load BIOS Defaults (press <F5>).
• Insert the USB Flash Disk containing the BIOS file P5BDxxxx.ROM. (Note that the USB Flash Disk has to be inserted before boot to enter BIOS, otherwise it won't be detected).
• Save and Exit <F10>. (BIOS will now restart).
• During BIOS restart, press <DEL> to enter BIOS Setup again.
• Under Tools menu, select ASUS EZ Flash 2. It may take 20 seconds for the drives to show up. Select a drive in the left pane <Tab>. Use <Up> and <Down> arrows and <Enter> to select a drive. If you don't see the BIOS file in the right pane, check the other drives. Note that the drive letters may not be the same here as in Windows.
• Select the BIOS file (e.g. P5BD1101.ROM) and press <Enter> to start flashing. Supervise the update, which includes the following stages: Erasing - Flashing (writing) - Verification. BIOS will automatically restart when the update is ready.
• Disconnect the USB Flash Disk before/during the restart.
• Perform a C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) which resets the chipset. Power down, remove power cord from the PSU for 2 minutes and then power up.
• Enter BIOS and load BIOS Defaults <F5> again.
• Reenter your preferred BIOS settings - if you are using AHCI or RAID mode, don't forget to set 'Configure SATA as' to [AHCI / RAID]. Also remember the settings for the JMicron Controller, Audio and Memory Voltage. Check also that the Boot Device Priority is ok.
• Save and Exit <F10> (automatic restart).
• Press <DEL> to enter BIOS Setup and make a final check that all BIOS settings are ok. Save any changes.

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[scrooge]

Hey guys, I'm new here and I've been having a lot of trouble with my ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO motherboard. It's rated to be compatible with 16 Gbs of RAM but the last two sets I've purchased from newegg haven't worked at all!

I tried mixing old RAM with new and it still won't work. It only works if I use my old RAM

RAM that works: Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
First attempt at 16 GBs: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)
Second attempt: Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)

Only the original Crucial memory works. When i tried the other two, nothing would show on the screen.

Any help here would be awesome and much appreciated!

EDIT: I tried googling for help and found a forum post on here already on the same subject when my first attempt didn't work. That's what pointed me to buy the Kingston RAM. It was recommended by a user here and it still didn't work.

can your board use (Quad Channel Kit)? cause the (G.SKILL Ripjaws Series) are Quad.
maybe thats way there not working.
scrooge

 

[scrooge]

i just checked for you and your board can only use (Dual Channel kits). so you no the (G.SKILL Ripjaws Series) are not going to work. Newegg.com - ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard.

hope that helps you.

scrooge

 

[Randomrocket]

woah! aight, I'll print out your post and sleep on it tonight! I really don't want to do something as risky as that at 11:30 at night...

thanks so much for your help man! Ill post in the morning before I start.

 

[TVeblen]

i just checked for you and your board can only use (Dual Channel kits). so you no the (G.SKILL Ripjaws Series) are not going to work. Newegg.com - ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard.


scrooge

As far as I know a RAM stick is a RAM stick. The RAM modules in a Quad Channel Kit are just a matched set of 4. The timings are a tighter spec to work together better in a quad channel system, but there is no reason you should not be able to buy two dual channel kits or 4 single sticks all of the same spec in a quad channel system. And it works in reverse: it's just 4 sticks of matching RAM.

If anyone has some documented information that counters this I'd love to see it.

 

[Randomrocket]

Aight. I downloaded the file and unzipped it to a flashdrive. Does it matter if other stuff is on the flashdrive?

 

[Randomrocket]

Got it! Thanks so much TVeblen! I updated the BIOS then put the new RAM in and it works perfectly thank you so much for your patience with me

 

[thomas242]

ok hear is the list of ddr1333 that will work with your mobo.

and the list of faster ram you can stick in

TVeblen you can not allways just go to a store and grab any ram you think might work in your mobo becase the newest ram might require a voltage that your older mobo cant do or atleast the bios are not set up to do. I just did the same thing with my friends pc i built because the ram i bought my friend the 1st time around did not work and after looking it up the last 2 digets on the modle number was off i needed xxxxxxxx7d (1.5v) and i bought xxxxxxxx7q (1.7v) so my friend all ram is not the same

 

[pparks1]

Got it! Thanks so much TVeblen! I updated the BIOS then put the new RAM in and it works perfectly thank you so much for your patience with me

That's good news. While your board can work with 16GB, newer BIOS updates ensure that newer styles, speeds, and brands work as expected. Very glad you got this worked out.

 

[TVeblen]

Got it! Thanks so much TVeblen! I updated the BIOS then put the new RAM in and it works perfectly thank you so much for your patience with me

That's great news! Congrats!

Are you going to stay with 12GB or try and go back to the 16GB kit?