Maximus IX Hero won't boot with more than 2 sticks of RAM

[Valethar]

Sorry for the late reply, had to work this weekend and haven't had much time to work on this.

try the new one kit 32gb with a Clear CMOS and left evrything on Auto to see if it post....

Did this, and still wouldn't post with four sticks. Post codes were CC and 55 at one point with all four sticks in. As soon as I went back to two sticks, everything returned to 'normal'. :/

Does the system pick up all 4 memory modules at stock speed (2133MHz)?

Negative. I can't even get to the BIOS with more than two sticks of RAM installed. Any combination of just two sticks works fine, and those show up in the BIOS at stock, but only if I just use two.

just asking.... What bios are you running?
*

The most recent one I can find on the website, 0701

Next step is to remove, inspect and reinstall the CPU and fan as bfollowell and robtherobot suggested, then see if I can get somewhere with the RAM.

Many thanks for all of the suggestions. If there's anything else I can check into that you think I may have overlooked, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm certainly not going to get offended for asking the obvious stuff either, so don't feel shy about asking.

[Valethar]

After examining the CPU and the socket, I could find nothing that looked damaged. PC still refuses to boot with more than two sticks of RAM in it.

In the OP, I mistakenly stated that I was using the gray sockets. This is incorrect, I had a brain fart on that one. The ones being used are B1 and B2. As soon as anything goes into any of the A sockets, the PC refuses to post, with only CC and 55 showing on the LED, rather than the usual march of codes as it works through it's diagnostics.

All four sticks of RAM work when used in the B sockets, in any combination, so I'm leaning towards the RAM being fine, but something amiss with the board itself. I suspect that the prior pair of 16 gig kits is also not to blame, which doesn't make me any happier.

Any other suggestions on what I should do or look for, before I inquire about an RMA via either Amazon or ASUS?

Again, many thanks for the help with this.

[Raja@ASUS]

If the use of only a single memory module in Channel A results in a non-POST, then something is amiss. You can try updating the UEFI to the latest with USB BIOS flashback. And you can even try configuring Maximus Tweak Mode 2 by using a memory module in channel B, applying the Maximus Tweak Mode 2 setting, save & exit UEFI, then once the board powers back up, enter UEFI, and press the power button to shut down the system (power off the PSU and let residual power drain). Insert a module into Channel A (use the corresponding slot to match the module in Channel B), then power back up. See if the board POSTs. If not, I'd RMA it.

[Valethar]

If the use of only a single memory module in Channel A results in a non-POST, then something is amiss. You can try updating the UEFI to the latest with USB BIOS flashback. And you can even try configuring Maximus Tweak Mode 2 by using a memory module in channel B, applying the Maximus Tweak Mode 2 setting, save & exit UEFI, then once the board powers back up, enter UEFI, and press the power button to shut down the system (power off the PSU and let residual power drain). Insert a module into Channel A (use the corresponding slot to match the module in Channel B), then power back up. See if the board POSTs. If not, I'd RMA it.

I'm currently running the most recent BIOS, should I roll back to the previous version instead? Just want to make sure I'm understanding you.

I'll give the tweak mode suggestion a shot and see what happens, then let you know the results.

[Raja@ASUS]

I'm currently running the most recent BIOS, should I roll back to the previous version instead? Just want to make sure I'm understanding you.

I'll give the tweak mode suggestion a shot and see what happens, then let you know the results.

Stay on the same UEFI build. Try the method I outlined with Tweak mode 1 and 2. Also try with System agent and IO voltage set manually to 1.25V, plus set DRAM voltage to 1.35V. Let me know if anything changes.

[Valethar]

Stay on the same UEFI build. Try the method I outlined with Tweak mode 1 and 2. Also try with System agent and IO voltage set manually to 1.25V, plus set DRAM voltage to 1.35V. Let me know if anything changes.

Sorry for the late reply. A coworker decided to hand out free cases of the flu to several people, and unfortunately I was one of them.

How do I get the BIOS to allow me to change those voltages? None of the settings I've applied let me change anything in those fields, regardless of how I try (mouse or keyboard). Is there a master setting somewhere I need to reset in order to open up those options so I can alter those values? Should I use the 'optimized defaults' option in the bios to reset it all?

Just for the sake of completeness, I removed the cooler and replaced it, making sure to only lightly tighten it. I also backed the 4 screws for the mounting plate off to the point that everything is literally finger tight and easy to turn. Didn't make any difference in detection. I haven't yet pulled the whole shebang out of the case and tried booting it sitting on the table. I'll try that as well if you think it'll help.

[Raja@ASUS]

Sorry for the late reply. A coworker decided to hand out free cases of the flu to several people, and unfortunately I was one of them.

How do I get the BIOS to allow me to change those voltages? None of the settings I've applied let me change anything in those fields, regardless of how I try (mouse or keyboard). Is there a master setting somewhere I need to reset in order to open up those options so I can alter those values? Should I use the 'optimized defaults' option in the bios to reset it all?

Just for the sake of completeness, I removed the cooler and replaced it, making sure to only lightly tighten it. I also backed the 4 screws for the mounting plate off to the point that everything is literally finger tight and easy to turn. Didn't make any difference in detection. I haven't yet pulled the whole shebang out of the case and tried booting it sitting on the table. I'll try that as well if you think it'll help.

You simply type the required voltage into the box that says auto. Scroll down to the setting until the highlight bar covers it, and then type in the value. If you want to set SA voltage to 1.25, then thats what you type in. Be sure to type in the voltage correctly, otherwise, you could end up with a nasty dose of misadventure...

Same goes for the Maximus Tweak option, as that is a multi-choice option, you simply press enter or click on the auto box, then click/scroll to the setting you want.

After that, press F10 to save an exit UEFI, which will apply your settings.

-Raja

[Gabrielmage]

After examining the CPU and the socket, I could find nothing that looked damaged. PC still refuses to boot with more than two sticks of RAM in it.

In the OP, I mistakenly stated that I was using the gray sockets. This is incorrect, I had a brain fart on that one. The ones being used are B1 and B2. As soon as anything goes into any of the A sockets, the PC refuses to post, with only CC and 55 showing on the LED, rather than the usual march of codes as it works through it's diagnostics.

All four sticks of RAM work when used in the B sockets, in any combination, so I'm leaning towards the RAM being fine, but something amiss with the board itself. I suspect that the prior pair of 16 gig kits is also not to blame, which doesn't make me any happier.

Any other suggestions on what I should do or look for, before I inquire about an RMA via either Amazon or ASUS?

Again, many thanks for the help with this.

I had this exact same issue (you have seen my post actually) and got to test my memory in a friends computer with his CPU, everything booted fine, but as soon as i installed my CPU on his motherboard, I experienced the same issues.

If you have a chance to test the CPU in another motherboard with you ram, do it. I'm hoping my issues get fix as soon as the new CPU arrives.

[chevell65]

How do I get the BIOS to allow me to change those voltages? None of the settings I've applied let me change anything in those fields, regardless of how I try (mouse or keyboard). Is there a master setting somewhere I need to reset in order to open up those options so I can alter those values? Should I use the 'optimized defaults' option in the bios to reset it all?

If you mean how to change the memory voltage you will need to change from XMP to manual in the memory settings.