B650E-F only picking up RAM inserted into A2

[facteau3]

Finally received all the pieces to my build today after spending weeks ordering and picking out parts.  Between NewEgg and PCpartpicker, I made sure they both said everything was compatible.

Unfortunately, I can only get my computer to boot with one T-Force Delta 1x16 6000mhz in the A2 slot.  Orange light blinds you.  Both individual sticks work in this slot, but can't boot with two in any slots.  Really sucks having to deal with issues on day 1 of a build and from what I can tell this motherboard has this issue a lot.

Here's what I've tried:

BIOS are updated - but it seems people are having better luck with older BIOS.  How do you roll it back?

CMOS cleared and i moved the overcharge jumper back and forth. Pages 1-16 and 1-17 in the manual (for those preparing to say, "what's the manual say"

Reseated the CPU - really don't want to do again and deal with thermal paste on day 1

Tried with EXPO disabled and enabled - What should this be set to in the long run?

Am I stuck removing my GPU to get to the circular battery?

I'm at a loss and thinking I may just return this motherboard and get away from ASUS if I can't get it to work tomorrow.  What other ideas are there?

[facteau3]

I took the CPU out anyways.  I'm assuming this is my issue?  The two spots that don't look like the others?

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @facteau3 

Thank you for reaching out to us, and sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delayed response.
ASUS has verified the motherboard for the best stability and compatibility when installed with the devices in the Memory QVL list. Please refer to [Motherboard] How to query (CPU/memory) QVL List? and the ROG STRIX B650E-F GAMING WIFI QVL if needed. 
For compatibility-related concerns regarding hardware, we would request you to share detailed specifications, including your BIOS version and other relevant information.
However, based on the CPU photo you have shared in your latest update, we recommend reaching out to your retailer for after-sales support and evaluating further diagnostics and assessing whether repair services are necessary.

Thank you.