Install Memory ?

Today I upgraded the memory in my PowerSpec desktop. I had a very hard time installing the two 8Gb modules and getting the computer to boot. I did finally get it to work but I don't understand why I couldn't get it to work as the order shown in the manual. The computer came with 4GB memory module in B2. I put one 8GB in B2 and one in 8GB in A2 and the computer would not boot. Then I tried 8GB in B1 and 8GB in A1 and the computer wouldn't boot. Trying just one 8GB stick in all the slots the only slots that the computer would boot with is B1 or B2. I put the memory in B1 and B2 and the computer booted and all 16Gb is recognized. Anyone know why the memory locations showed in the manual wouldn't let my computer boot. the memory is two 8GB dual channel DDR4 2400MHz. They came as a set.

By manual I assume you mean the paper one that came with the motherboard. If so it is likely a typo or some such, as the PDF available for download,
PRIME B360M-A Manual | Motherboards | ASUS USA

clearly shows A1/A2 and B1/B2 as the correct location for each memory channel (P.S. it isn't the memory that is dual channel, but the memory controller in the CPU that is).

As you read in the manual, the preferred slots for a pair are A2 and B2. (That's why they are the same color/shade.)

You may not get dual channel performance if they're in B1 and B2. I'm not sure.

I had something similar happen with an Asus AM4 motherboard. It turned out to be defective. I hope that's not the case here.

One thing I can suggest trying is clearing the CMOS. There's a jumper for that.

Did you buy RAM from the QVL (qualified vendors list)? https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/m...079.1549860802 RAM that's not on the list should still work, but tech support may give you a hard time about it.

Good luck.

stormy13 said:

By manual I assume you mean the paper one that came with the motherboard. If so it is likely a typo or some such, as the PDF available for download,
PRIME B360M-A Manual | Motherboards | ASUS USA

clearly shows A1/A2 and B1/B2 as the correct location for each memory channel (P.S. it isn't the memory that is dual channel, but the memory controller in the CPU that is).

I have the ram installed in what is shown in the pic as A1 and A2. The Bios shows them B1 and B2. The next page in the manual shows them correctly. The problem I had is that when I install them as shown in the manual the computer won't boot.

bobkn said:

As you read in the manual, the preferred slots for a pair are A2 and B2. (That's why they are the same color/shade.)

You may not get dual channel performance if they're in B1 and B2. I'm not sure.

I had something similar happen with an Asus AM4 motherboard. It turned out to be defective. I hope that's not the case here.

One thing I can suggest trying is clearing the CMOS. There's a jumper for that.

Did you buy RAM from the QVL (qualified vendors list)? https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/m...079.1549860802 RAM that's not on the list should still work, but tech support may give you a hard time about it.

Good luck.

On the motherboard A1 and A2 are not only not the same color but the Bios list them as B1 and B2.

Edit: Going by the above pic A1 matches B1 and A2 matches matches B2

I just ran CPU-Z and the memory is running in single mode. Is it worth the effort to try changing the memory configuration or is the performance difference not worth it?

For basic tasks you're not gonna get significant changes. For gaming and other heavy tasks, it does.

RoasterMen said:

For basic tasks you're not gonna get significant changes. For gaming and other heavy tasks, it does.

Thanks! I tried a few suggestions I found on other sites but nothing work. One suggestion I found had to do with either a bent pin on the CPU or uneven pressure on the cooler. The system does work so I'm not going to mess with the CPU. Upgrading the memory does seem to make the system run faster.

Winuser said:

Thanks! I tried a few suggestions I found on other sites but nothing work. One suggestion I found had to do with either a bent pin on the CPU or uneven pressure on the cooler. The system does work so I'm not going to mess with the CPU. Upgrading the memory does seem to make the system run faster.

Your CPU is an LGA (land grid array) one, so it has no pins. Just flat pads (lands), which contact pin-like structures in the socket. It's a distinction without much of a difference.

If the motherboard is damaged, it's probably not repairable by the user.

I suppose that the system is out of warranty. You probably don't want to mess with it, but I see that Newegg sells its motherboard for about $90, shipped (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-086-_-Product). If it was me, I'd probably swap out the board; using a partly broken PC would gnaw at me.

bobkn said:

Your CPU is an LGA (land grid array) one, so it has no pins. Just flat pads (lands), which contact pin-like structures in the socket. It's a distinction without much of a difference.

If the motherboard is damaged, it's probably not repairable by the user.

I suppose that the system is out of warranty. You probably don't want to mess with it, but I see that Newegg sells its motherboard for about $90, shipped (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-086-_-Product). If it was me, I'd probably swap out the board; using a partly broken PC would gnaw at me.

I think your right about it being the motherboard. I'll check with Micro Center and see what I have to do to get it fixed.