Issue in new build

[smgunsftw]

I'm relatively new to the world of computer building and would like some help with the issues I'm having with my first build. I have listed the specs of my system below:

Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB)
EVGA SuperClocked w/ACX Cooling GTX770
Corsair Force Series GS SSD 480GB
Corsair Enthusiast Series TX850 850W
Intel i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz 77W LGA1155
Corsair Hydro Series H100i Water Cooler
Rosewill THOR V2 Full Tower Case
ASUS 24x DVD Writer
MSI Z77A-GD65 LGA1155 Z77

The problem I'm having right now is when I turn on the motherboard. The fans on the case and the graphics spin and the H100i watercooling system light up. However, after around 5-10 seconds, the system shuts down and starts up again in an infinite cycle. All of the components are wired and connected to both the power supply and motherboard. The debug display on the mobo then displays an error "55" code. The MSI website lists that code 55 means memory cannot be detected.

After searching online, I've come to the conclusion that the issue might be caused by one or more of these reasons:
Defective Mobo
Defective RAM
Compatibility Issues between Corsair Vengeance RAM and Z77A-GD65 Mobo's.
Bent pins on Mobo/CPU

Here are some of the websites I used for my information and research:
MSI z77a-gd65 error 55 with 4 DIMMs installed
Z77A-GD65 won't post
Z77A-GD65 Error 55 constant boot loop
MSI z77a-gd65 doesn't boot 55 error
Msi z77a-gd65 loop reboot - Motherboards - Motherboards
Z77A-GD65 Error 55 / Power On Loop
z77a-gd65 Debug Code 55 (Reboot cycle)

Should I RMA the Mobo, the RAM, or both. Should I exchange my Corsair Vengeance RAM cards for another brand of RAM? Do people on the forums have any experience with the Z77A-GD65 motherboard?

[LITOralis.nMd]

Pull out all the RAM.
visually inspect the RAM connectors on the RAM and the RAM slots on mobo.
Put a small sticker on each stick of RAM, marked each RAM sticker: RAM1, RAM2, RAM3, RAM4.

draw a graph that has a 4x4 grid.

vertical labels
ramstick1
ramstick2
ramstick3
ramstick4

horizontal labels
ram slot 0
ram slot 1
ram slot 2
ram slot 3

Start testing each possible combo, with only one stick of RAM at a time.

RamSlot0 is the Blue slot closest to CPU socket.

to start:
Place RAMSTICK1 in RAM slot 0.
boot.
see if you get error code.
If error code
Place RAMSTICK2 in RAM slot 0.
boot.
see if you get error code.
If error code
Place RAMSTICK1 in RAM slot 2.
boot.
see if you get error code.
If error code
Place RAMSTICK3 in RAM slot 2.
boot.
see if you get error code.
If error code
Mobo is fried.

If at any point you don't get an error code,
write down which Ramstick is in which ram slot,
start adding a second ram stick to the color matching slots. i.e. Ram Slot 0 pairs with slot 2, Ram Slot 1 pairs with slot 3.

If MObo is not fried, you have to then test each ram stick, this is easier to do one stick at a time with a known good ram slot, preferably ram slot 0.

You might also have a stick of RAM that is functoining, but at a reduced state, so that it loses interoperablilty with the other ram sticks.

------------------------------

That is just 2 lins of testing, you indeed need to make sure you didn't bend any CPU pins or have dust int he socket.

Re: MSI z77a-gd65 doesn't boot 55 error
? Reply #7 on: 12-April-12, 20:19:49 ?
Strange update - i was inspired by the following thread about a completely different board (even by a different manufacturer):

Faulty board, or PSU? - Overclockers UK Forums

to try something a little odd.

I get the same result as that guy though. Put RAM in slot 3 or two sticks in 3 and 4 and it boots (not tested into windows, got no HDD connected, but it goes to BIOS fine). Any 2 sticks in slots 3 and 4 works so it can't be their fault I guess.

Put any sticks into slots 1 and 2 and it doesn't work, I get the '55' error.

No idea what that means or what to do now, any help? If the OP tries this and it doesn't work I will start a new thread cos I guess it will be a different issue.

that seems really common problem, note this quote uses terminology slot 1 through 4, not 0 through 3 as I did above.

[smgunsftw]

Wow, you saved my system. Putting the RAM sticks into 3 & 4 allowed me to boot correctly.

[DesmoLocke]

Yep, read this and immediately thought it was a RAM issue. How did I know? From experience.

I recently upgraded my PSU and some how managed to knock one of the clips for the RAM slots while re-wiring everything. It caused one of my six stick to be seated incorrectly. I felt like an idiot after an hour of troubleshooting and double checking on the wire connections. But so relieved after I noticed the RAM problem.

Glad you got it sorted. And nice build.

[Microwaife]

The slots in which you put the first two ram sticks differ from mobo to mobo. I had to find out the hard way aswell.
Also very nice system (mine is similar )