Trouble adding RAM

Deathgazer · 07 Mar 2011

Alright so, I currently have Triple Channel (2gb x3) of memory installed. System properties shows Installed memory: 6GB. Now, I just recently bought another 2gb stick, exact same type and brand as the other 3 sticks. I place it into the correct slot (checked mobo manual to make sure), boot up the PC, check system properties again, except this time it actually shows me having LESS RAM. Now it shows Installed memory: 4GB.... I took the stick back out, and it shows me back up to 6GB. What's the problem here? >.o Thanks -DG

Maguscreed · 07 Mar 2011

That actually sounds like a bios issue to me.
Have you tried putting the new stick in place of one of the originals to make sure it works properly that way?

Deathgazer · 08 Mar 2011

Yep, works fine that way.

Maguscreed · 08 Mar 2011

have you checked the motherboard's manufacturer for bios updates?

TVeblen · 08 Mar 2011

Yes, sounds like a BIOS issue to me too. The X58 is designed to run 4 sticks in triple channel mode so it should work without this problem.

My default solution to any weird BIOS issue is to reset the BIOS - soft then hard.

Soft Reset: just "Reset Bios Defaults" and test (Be sure to note all your current settings beforehand so you can set them back again before trying to boot into Windows).

Hard Reset: Perform a CLRTC :

Note all your current BIOS settings
Shut down the computer > remove the power cord.
Remove the 3v battery.
Move the CLRTC jumper from pins 1-2 to 2-3.
Touch a metal part of the case and Press and Hold the reset button for approx. 30 seconds to discharge all power from the board.
Put the CLRTC jumper back on 1-2.
Replace the battery > replace the power cord > boot.
Immediately go back into BIOS and reset all your preferred settings. If the CLRTC worked you will need to reset the date and time.

bobkn · 08 Mar 2011

Deathgazer said:

Alright so, I currently have Triple Channel (2gb x3) of memory installed. System properties shows Installed memory: 6GB. Now, I just recently bought another 2gb stick, exact same type and brand as the other 3 sticks. I place it into the correct slot (checked mobo manual to make sure), boot up the PC, check system properties again, except this time it actually shows me having LESS RAM. Now it shows Installed memory: 4GB.... I took the stick back out, and it shows me back up to 6GB. What's the problem here? >.o Thanks -DG

I've never verified triple channel operation with 4 DIMMs in an X58 system, but it's supposed to be possible (using the correct 4 slots).

I have, however, used 6 DIMMs. I had to manually set the RAM voltages and timings to get the RAM to operate at its rated frequency (DDR3 1600). Had to back off a tick on the timings.

Maybe manually setting the volatge and timings would help you. If you get the full 8GB to show up in WIndows, I recommnd using a memory test utility (Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool) to verify that it's running stably.

Hopalong X · 08 Mar 2011

I know others have had problems putting a 4th stick on triple channel on the forum.
You could search though the Hardware forum.
I don't remember anyone actually getting it to work but they may have.