Hello!

I have an Asus Essentio CM5571 that works just fine, but after installing even just one 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800, (recommended by Crucial scan) only the power button lights up, and the PSU fan, but no video output or even a beep. I have tried the new RAM by itself, one or the other, and both together, but I get the same result. As an experienced tech, I've installed RAM a million times and I've taken great care to seat it, but the MB will only power up with the old ram, which are Nanya 2GB PC3-10600 1333. What should I do now?

Thanks in advance!

Dani AI

Generated

Symptoms of power LED and fans running but no POST or video most commonly point to memory incompatibility, BIOS/firmware limits, or a defective/slot-failure—not a GPU or CPU problem per se. Several practical causes that haven't been fully discussed are voltage (DDR3L vs DDR3), module organization (high‑density 4GB sticks built with newer DRAM chips that some older OEM memory controllers won't accept), SPD/XMP timing profiles the BIOS chokes on, and a bad DIMM slot or DOA stick.

A compact troubleshooting checklist that complements points raised by and :

  • Boot the machine with the original working modules to read and record the current BIOS version; updating firmware (using the working memory) is the safest next step if a newer BIOS mentions memory fixes.
  • Capture the exact memory markings/part numbers and SPD data (for example with an SPD utility or a clear photo of the stick). Those values are exactly what asked for and will reveal voltage, rank (single/dual), and organization.
  • Reset CMOS to defaults (clear jumper or remove coin cell briefly) so the board uses safe JEDEC timings, then try each new stick alone in the primary DIMM slot and swap slots to rule out a bad socket.
  • If BIOS permits, force standard JEDEC timings and a fixed DRAM voltage (many OEM boards respond better when forced to 1.5V) and disable any XMP/overclock profiles.
  • Verify the new modules are unbuffered, non‑ECC UDIMMs (not registered/ECC); if tests still fail, try the new sticks in a different known‑good system or obtain an exchange/RMA.

Because OEM motherboards can be picky, the usual resolution after these steps is either a BIOS update that adds compatibility or replacing the module with one matching the original stick’s physical/voltage characteristics (or a matched pair). Handle modules with ESD care and avoid interrupting a BIOS flash.

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Are you sure this computer supports more than 4GB of RAM? Have you checked the BIOS settings to see if you can alter that? The Nanya simms are DDR3 devices so that should not be the issue.

Well according to Crucial.com 4 gig sticks should be compatible since they are offered. The total allowable memory according to them is 16384MB. I did consider it though and I'd be willing to try different sizes and different brands. I'm going to have to wait until the weekend is over since there are no stores that sell RAM open until Monday. :(

What is the part number for your Nanya memory?

Here's a listing for your computer. It appears to be discontinued, but replaced by Kingston KVR13N9S8K2/8

Also, this memory may work.

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