Many of us have experienced the problem of a single stick of RAM not working from time to time. It might be due to various RAM modules or incorrect RAM installation. However, there may be other factors at work.
So, after conducting extensive investigation, we discovered what the probable causes are and how to address them.
Now, let’s look at why one stick of RAM isn’t working and various remedies to the problem.
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Reasons Why One Stick Of RAM Not Working
Table of Contents
Typically, we don’t have many issues with memory sticks because they are fixed in their slots. This is also why they have fewer diagnoses.
Let’s look at some of the possible causes of two RAM sticks not working together:
| Reasons for Not Working | Possible Solutions to Try out |
| Not Properly Installed | Install correctly |
| Incompatible with Motherboard | Get the supported one |
| Too much dust on RAM Stick | Clean the stick |
| Damaged RAM | Fix or replace |
| Software issue | Clear cache, restart PC |
Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons. If you are in a rush, you may go straight to the solution section.
Faulty Installation
The manufacturers supply standard-issue memory sticks that we can insert and use both in our desktops and laptops. We can’t interchange desktop RAMs with laptop RAMs or the other way around.
Then there are different generations of RAM available – like DDR3 or DDR4. RAMs from different generations have different types of sockets in the motherboard to be fitted in.
Sometimes it can also happen that the motherboard’s capacity is not on par with the RAM DIMM’s capacity.
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Incompatible Motherboard
Manufacturers provide standard-issue memory sticks that may be inserted and used in both desktops and laptops. We are unable to swap desktop RAM for laptop RAM or vice versa.
Then there are numerous RAM versions to choose from, such as DDR3 or DDR4. RAMs from various generations require different types of motherboard sockets to be installed.
It is also possible that the motherboard’s capacity is not equal to the RAM DIMM’s capacity.
In addition, the maximum amount of RAM on a motherboard has an upper limit. We may circumvent this limitation by utilising as few as two memory sticks or as many as eight. Assume that a motherboard’s maximum RAM capacity is 8GB and that each slot can only use 2GB. As a result, utilising a memory stick with a capacity greater than 2GB or a total capacity greater than 8GB will not function.
All of the aforementioned factors can cause both or one stick of RAM to fail.
Dust Residue
Dust can accumulate in the contacts of a DIMM. Other little things can potentially hinder the connection between motherboards and RAMs. This might result in your system not operating with both or simply one stick of RAM.
Physical Damages
A power spike in the energy supply can occur for a variety of causes. Electrostatic discharge is caused by power spikes. This can harm the computer’s complex components, including memory sticks.
Excessive heat can be generated if the power supply unit is unable to extinguish heat or if ventilation channels are obstructed. Overclocking any component of the computer can generate excessive heat, which can physically harm components such as RAMs.
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How to Fix When Only One Stick Of Ram Recognized
Let’s start with the physical fixes to get one stick of RAM recognised and operational.
Ensure Proper Installation of Rams
As previously stated, wrongly placed RAM will not function in your machine. To address this risk, remove each memory stick and then rejoin them one at a time.
While you’re at it, firmly snap the RAMs back into place on the DIMM and listen for the ‘click’ sound. The sound will guarantee that the sticks are correctly fitted.
Check to see if each RAM stick is recognised.
Check Motherboard Compatibility with the RAM
You must ensure that the RAM in your laptop is not a desktop version. Because doing so will disable your laptop’s RAM slot. Then check to see whether you’re using the correct memory sticks – for example, you shouldn’t be using DDR3 RAM when your motherboard supports DDR4. Problems can arise even with previous versions of the same model.
It is also critical to examine the motherboard’s memory capacity.
Clean The Memory Sticks
The majority of computer component cleaning solutions contain some kind of Isopropyl Alcohol. The 91 percent solution typically works best since it evaporates quickly. Swipe each DIMM contact with a cotton swab dipped in the solution.
Examine each touch dust residue. Use an air compressor to blast either side of the DIMM if you have one.
Reattach the sticks and double-check.
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Test The memory Sticks With Other Systems
RAM memory sticks can occasionally be part of a faulty batch, or the plastic tabs or metallic bits on the edge can break when being inserted. A power outage or overheating might potentially render them inoperable.
To be certain about the aforementioned scenarios, attempt to obtain another PC with a comparable configuration. Take the sticks out of your computer and connect them to the other system. Check to see if the sticks are still moving.
They will not be recognised if they are malfunctioning or physically damaged.
In this scenario, you have no choice except to get a new one.
If you have completed all of the above steps but one of the RAM sticks is still not working, consider using the programme listed below.
Check for Hardware Malfunctions
Run each RAM independently on the OS, then both together. It will identify the malfunctioning one. If you want your system to run quickly, you must replace it.
Reboot into Safe Mode
To start the operating system in safe mode, perform the following:
- Restart
- Continue to press F8.
- Then choose Safe Mode.
If you can boot the system into safe mode, it typically signifies that the motherboard and memory sticks are not incompatible.
To resolve the problem, visit the official website of your RAM manufacturer and download the driver.
Hopefully, installing the driver will enable both memory sticks to function.
Turn The Auto Repair System Off
You must first restart. Then carefully follow the steps:
- Continue to press F8 after restarting.
- To boot the machine using ‘WinRE,’ choose ‘Repair Your Computer.’
- Open the ‘Command Prompt’ window from there.
Now, on the ‘Command Prompt,’ execute the following commands:
‘Bcdedit /setdefaultrecoveryenabled.no’
‘Bcdedit /setdefaultrecoveryenabled.no’
The Auto-repair mode will be disabled as a result.
Hopefully, this will result in both memory sticks being identified and operational.
Clear Cache From The Memory Sticks:
Select Run from the Windows Key and enter the following command:
sfc /scannow’
‘Dissm /Online’
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Why is one of my RAM sticks isn’t working?
There might be several explanations for this. Physical damage, incompatibility with the system, outdated drivers, and other factors might cause one or both RAM modules to fail. It is also possible that the RAM slot will stop operating after being aggressively cleaned.
Why is one of my RAM sticks isn’t working?
Yes, one stick of RAM will suffice for your PC. To make the system operate faster, we use more than one RAM stick. As we previously explained, RAM functions more like a file folder for our running project. The more information in the folder that is required, the faster the job may be completed.
What happens if RAM fails?
Many things can happen if the RAMs fail. The system will not work smoothly and will crash several times. The graphics card will not load, and the machine will frequently stop in the middle of a job. When a RAM fails, crucial files might become corrupted.
Conclusion
Using more than one memory stick can improve the performance of our system. But when we’re stuck with one stick of RAM that isn’t working, it’s quite annoying.
However, there are a few methods for checking and resolving the problem. We’ve gone over them in as much detail as we could. And we hope you will find it easy to put them into practise. It is conceivable that implementing these will fix your problem.
So, before you go out and buy a new memory stick of RAM, we recommend that you try them first.
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