One of the most common reasons a PC may refused to start or experience issues can be tied to an issue with your RAM. RAM issues can manifest in many different ways, including but not limited to:
- Applications or Games freezing, hanging, or crashing
- Random PC restarts
- Stop Codes or Stop Screens, also known as BSODs (Blue Screen of Death)
- No Signal to the Monitor
- Not Booting into Windows
- Failing to Install Programs
This guide will cover common RAM issues and how to resolve them.
Why are RAM issues more common than other hardware issues?
Like the tires on your car, the RAM is the part of your system that is going to see the most use and wear over time. Any time a file is opened or a program loads, the RAM will be be a part of that work chain. Because of this, RAM is a component that is more prone to wear over time.
How do I identify a RAM issue?
There are a few ways to confirm if your PC is running into a RAM related issue, however these will vary from system to system and if your PC can load into Windows. If you are experiencing an issue where the PC does not give a video signal to the monitor, your motherboard may have a debug LED or seven-segment display that we can use to identify the cause.
If you have an NZXT N series motherboard, these LEDs can be found along the bottom edge of the motherboard near the Power and Reset buttons.
If the PC can load into Windows and you are seeing a stop code screen (aka BSOD), you may get an error code that points towards the RAM. Common stop codes related to this issue include, but are not limited to:
- MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
- PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
- DATA_BUS_ERROR
- CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
- IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
If the system is experiencing any of the stop codes listed above or goes through random restarts, you can test the system using a software tool to check for hardware related errors. You can find more information on using a software tool at the link below:
NZXT Support - Checking RAM for Hardware Errors
Resetting CMOS
Step 1 - Reset your CMOS/BIOS Settings
Before tackling a hardware check, it is always recommended to reset your CMOS settings first. Certain RAM settings such as XMP/EXPO or manual overclocks can trigger memory errors. Because of this, it is always recommended to start from stock settings when confirming an error.
Checkpoint - Before continuing, if you are using BitLocker or any drive encryption reliant on TPM or Secure Boot settings it is recommended to disable your encryption before continuing or to have your decryption key/password ready, as well as back up any TPM and Secure Boot keys according to your motherboard user's manual. A UEFI/CMOS reset can result in total loss of these keys.
Before tackling the hardware itself, it may be best to start with a reset of the UEFI/CMOS settings.
If you can boot into the UEFI/BIOS, you can reset your settings using the Load Optimized Defaults setting or an equivalent depending on your motherboard. If your PC is not able to complete POST or gives no display, you may need to manually rest the CMOS. To do this, please check out the guide linked below:
NZXT Support - How do I reset CMOS?
Step 2 - Reseating the RAM
Reseating the RAM is the act of removing, checking, and re-installing the individual RAM modules in your PC. In many cases, a RAM error can be caused due to a loose or disconnected module.
Checkpoint - Whenever you are physically removing components from inside of the PC, it is recommended to shutdown your computer and turn off the power supply using the switch next to the power cable. Leave the PC plugged in to a grounded outlet and touch the metal chassis of the case to discharge any static electricity present on your body. If you own an anti-static wristband, it is recommended to use it here.
To start, make sure that the locking clips at the top and bottom of each RAM slot are open. With some motherboards, you may find that there is only a locking clip at the top of the RAM slot. This can be easily identified as the bottom of the slot will instead be slotted instead of closed like the top as shown below:
With the lock(s) open, pull the RAM module from the slot and inspect both the slot and the module for any potential damage or debris.
- If you notice any damage to the module such as a crack on the circuit board, torn contacts, or signs of scorching then this would be a sign that the module needs to be replaced immediately.
- If you notice any debris in the slot, compressed air and/or an ESD safe brush can be used to clear the slot.
When removing the RAM modules, it is recommended to keep match pairs of modules together at all times, as this can minimize the chance for another error to be created. With most motherboards, match pairs will be inserted in Slot 2 and 4 as well as Slot 1 and 3 respectively. To identify how match pairs should be installed, please refer to your motherboard user's manual
If you happen to mix these modules, it is fairly easy to identify match pairs based on their serial number. For a match pair of RAM, the serial numbers will generally only be off by a single digit. For example, if your PC has 4 modules their serial numbers may look like the following:
- xxxx-xxxx-xx01
- xxxx-xxxx-xx02
- xxxx-xxxx-xx03
- xxxx-xxxx-xx04
In the above example, 01 and 02 are one pair while 03 and 04 are another.
When reinstalling the RAM, choose a single match pair and install them into the appropriate slots according to your motherboard's manual. For most motherboards, the slots to use for a single kit of RAM will be Slot 2 and Slot 4.
With the lock(s) on the slots open, line up the module with the slot and firmly press the card into the slot, applying even pressure to the entire stick. If done properly, the lock(s) should close and the module will be secure. From here, turn on the PC and confirm if the issue is still occurring.
Checkpoint - If the PC is able to boot into Windows, be sure to check that both RAM modules are detected. This can be done by opening the Task Manager and going to the Performance tab. From here, hover your mouse over the Slots used information to confirm which slots are being detected. If a populated slot is showing empty, this could indicate a failed module.
If the PC is able to boot into Windows and no errors are shown in the Task Manager, shutdown the PC and repeat the steps above if you have a second memory kit.
These steps can also be repeated with other match RAM slots (i.e. 1 and 3) or be done on a slot-by-slot basis using a known working RAM module.
My PC is still giving a RAM error on boot, how do I fix this?
Depending on your system configuration, you may have either a faulted module, faulted kit, or there could be another component such as your motherboard or CPU at fault. To confirm this, you'll want to test and isolate the issue.
As before, with the PC off you'll remove the RAM and separate the match pairs if applicable. Choose one stick from the match pair(s) and install it in the 4th most slot and try booting the PC, repeating this step for each RAM slot as well as each module.
- If the PC is able to boot with a single module but not another, this could indicate a problem with a single module that will require replacement.
- If the PC is able to boot with either module by itself, but not with a second present then this could indicate an issue with the motherboard or CPU.
- If the PC is able to boot with a match pair in one set of slots, but the not using the other slots then this could indicate an issue with the motherboard or CPU.
Step 3 - Further Troubleshooting
If your PC is able to boot but you are still seeing RAM related issues such as applications and games crashing, random restarts, or stop codes then it is recommended to check out our guide for RAM software testing at the link below:
NZXT Support - Checking RAM for Hardware Errors
Do you have any questions not covered by this guide or need further assistance? Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team and one of our friendly support agents will be there to assist you.
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