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Question

Motherboard suddenly won't detect installed RAM

Mar 3, 2015 3:08PM PST

ASUS P8Z77-V Pro

I left my computer on sleep when I went out- I came back and it had shut down. When I tried turning it back on, I was greeted with the "Cannot detect any RAM installed" beep code (One long two short).
Since the computer wouldn't even boot, I had limited options.
So I took everything out. I cleaned the front and back of the mobo, cleaned the RAM contacts, switched the positions (2-8GB; 2-2GB modules) and used that MemOK button. Nothing. (If you're wondering why I have 20GB of ram, it's because I use Autodesk applications and other similar programs.)

Is there anything I can do to remedy this issue? (Short of buying all new ram.)
I'm wondering what happened, and am thinking there may have been a power surge or something similar, but that doesn't really explain why only the ram modules are not working.


~Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: RAM
Mar 3, 2015 4:31PM PST

So it's either the RAM that broke down or the motherboard. Your choice how to find out.

Kees

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Testing
Mar 4, 2015 12:26AM PST

I tried testing the memory sticks in every possible configuration, no dice. Since I don't really have a good way to test my ram (this computer is a MacBook) that option was out as well.
So, I ran over to the electronics store and picked up some new 2x4GB PNY Memory.
Plugged the new sticks in and got the same results - which leads me to conclude that the whole motherboard is dead.

Any suggestions for a comparable replacement? I built this PC from scratch, but have never needed to take out and replace the mobo before. Anything in particular I should look out for?

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Answer
The last test I do.
Mar 4, 2015 12:34AM PST

Is to put ONE stick of ram in the slot mandated by the motherboard manual for such a configuration and retry with the sticks I have on hand.

Now it is possible for some boards to be so badly configured that I'll do a CMOS RESET to get the defaults and re-try the ONE stick tests.

If that fails we move the motherboard out of the case onto a chunk of cardboard to repeat the test with the bare minimum parts. We don't need drives, and may not need a video card. Then we're down to a few bad parts.
Bob

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CMOS
Mar 4, 2015 8:53AM PST

Did a CMOS reset. Same results.
I finally convinced a friend to let me inside his PC, and my ram is working fine. So it looks like a new mobo for me.