Q-Code 55 on PC-rig after 2.5y faithful service - no longer posts

[Arktok]

Before I get into details (and what I've tried to correct it), I wanted to make sure this was the right place to post for help on this issue...

edit: My profile has all the rig's specs listed.

[Nate152]

Yes, you're in the right place, tell us your problem please.

[Mark3]

Greetings Arktok,

More than likely this is a memory issue. Please see the below troubleshooting steps:

1. Clear the CMOS
2. Reseat the RAM
3. Try one stick of RAM and add more until the error comes back
4. Reseat the CPU cooler (don't over tighten)
5. Upgrade the BIOS

Let us know your results.

Regards,

Mark

[MeanMachine]

Hi Arktok

Qcode 55 is memory not installed, so you may have to run MemTest86 + on your DIMMs to see if any are failing.
Also try with one DIMM in first slot and swapping around, would also indicate if one of the DIMMs is failing and if so, return RMA the full kit.

[Heini]

While trying the Mark@ASUS "one stick at a time" suggestions yo may try different slots to check for dead ram slots.

[Mark3]

Any update on this case, good sir?

[Arktok]

Yea, sorry for taking this long to get back to y'all. Here's what's up:

-I've tried clearing the CMOS by using the button on the board (haven't removed the battery yet).
-I've removed the RAM sticks and tried all combinations (A2&B2; switch sticks; A1&B1; repeat) and the same for all slots with each single stick.
-I've removed the cpu fan, cleaned all dust, and replaced the thermal paste (after removing the old) and reseated. Also tightened till snug and tried backing off just to be sure.

All no go, still getting the 55.

-Will try MemTest86+ next; I'm still reading about how to use it although I'm not sure it will b/c I can't get past the 55 to access BIOS.
-Have NOT tried updating the BIOS b/c the last time I tried it caused problems and had to go back to the previous. Also why I don't mess with drivers after the initial install.

I spoke with a friend who's better at this than myself, and he suggested buying a new RAM stick or two and trying that out before paying someone to look at it or RMA-ing the mobo. I checked the QVL (my current sticks aren't on it) and think I've settled on trying the following, unless anyone has a better suggestion:

Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 DDR3 8Gb (2x4Gb)@1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5V (Frankly, I don't think I really 16Gb of RAM for most FPS.)

Just a reminder, I built in October 2012 so something could be just old but I really figured if the RAM was incompatible it wouldn't have worked in the first place.

I'm open to any more advice or opinions. Thanks for the help, btw.

[NemesisChild]

Why not try testing your friends memory in your PC?

Did you check the socket for broken or bent pins?

[Arktok]

Okay, problem solved.

The new 8Gb RAM let the PC boot and I'm running Memtest86 on them now.

I'll update with/without errors. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: Memtest86 came back clean. I've updated everything and I'm backing up all files now. Assuming they work, I'm interested in selling the 16GB RAM sticks if anyone's interested (I'll post in the appropriate forum, too).

Thank you all again for the help.

[Arktok]

:mad:

Spoke too soon. Despite the MemTest86 coming up clean, as soon as I moved her back to the usual spot, hooked up to the TV, and tried to start-up (like, just now) ... it won't work. Back to the Q-Code 55 with the new RAM, so I'm at a loss.
I've tried re-booting three times and always the same: 55.

I'll try again in a bit but I think I'm going to have to have someone else look at it.