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[Lillipad]

I'm having some issues with my computer over the installation of some RAM and posted about it on the Corsair forum, and am currently working from a laptop. I figure the other forum is going to be pretty slow, so while I wait for solutions I thought I might as well post about it here too. So here's what I posted in the other forum, thanks to anyone who can help.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I recently got some new RAM and tried installing it as soon as I got it. I failed to update my BIOS beforehand, so the RAM currently doesn't work with my motherboard. The problem I am currently having is that whenever I try to start my computer with the old RAM, the monitor will not turn on.

The computer boots up just fine, and I know the monitor works, as it turns on while the new RAM is clipped in. I've tried reseating the monitor's USB for use with the old RAM, but that has yielded no results. I tried to clear the CMOS, but couldn't find an option to reset the BIOS to factory default. I did restore it to optimal default settings, but I'm not sure that's the same.
I've tried a few other things, like using the new RAM to start the computer, and trying to reformat, but as soon as the Windows loading screen pops up, I get a blue screen telling me to update the BIOS.

I believe the problem may be with the monitor, but I don't have the ability to replace it at the moment. If anyone has any advice or ideas for me, it would be very much appreciated.

[Tellemurius]

are you running xp?

[Lillipad]

No, I run Win7 64 bit. If it matters, I'm using an EVGA P55V motherboard, though I don't know the exact model.

[Tellemurius]

is this onboard or pcie graphics?

[Tellemurius]

you can wipe the bios settings by pulling out the CMOS battery for about 30 seconds and that will default it back

[Lillipad]

It's pcie, where can I locate the battery? Nevermind, it shouldn't be too hard to find.

[Lillipad]

I found the battery, but won't be able to remove it. I bought my computer pre-made with a liquid cooling system in mind. I replaced the slimmer liquid system a few months ago with a clunkier standard heat sink, so there isn't enough room between that and the video card to reach in and grab the battery. I don't have a screwdriver to remove the video card right now, or I would.

[Tellemurius]

well that would be your best bet to reset the bios, good luck

[Lillipad]

Alright, I think I figured out the problem. I believe my BIOS was running the old RAM at 1600MHz, and the new RAM at 1333MHz, with my motherboard only supporting 1333MHz. I know the RAM is compatible, as I've used it for years, and the new RAM should be compatible as well, since they're produced by the same company, have the same speed, and are fairly similar lines of RAM. It helps that I have an i5 processor, but that's beside the point.
Now this isn't just mere speculation, I actually set the BIOS to run the new RAM at 1600MHz, and have found that the monitor will not start up with either sticks now. What is mere speculation is my belief that the BIOS, while set to auto for RAM speed, was loading the old RAM at 1600MHz because it "thought the computer could handle it."

If I can reset the BIOS to factory default by getting that annoying battery out, or if I could get a screen to load so I can see what I'm doing, I think changing the RAM speed in the BIOS utility might fix everything. Once it's a more reasonable hour, I'll try to contact a friend to see if he can bring his tools over.

[foil]

You should be able to clear the bios with changing a jumper or switch on the mobo, just check/download the manual for the info.