Hey all,
I just changed my cpu heatsink/fan on my msi k8t neo (athlon 64 3000) and now windows only starts when one of my 2 512mb RAM sticks is in the first slot (I have tried both and they both work in that slot). Now, when I try to install the second stick in either slot 2 or 3, windows does not start. I have changed the CMOS battery, but that didn't help. I'm pretty sure I didn't damage the slots because if anything would have been damaged, it would have been the first slot and not the 2nd and 3rd. Anyone have any ideas? please help, i don't want to waste a whole 512 mb of RAM.

should i try reinstalling windows?

Hi esquilax, welcome to PCHF.

When the RAM is installed in either slot 2 or 3, does it show up in the BIOS?

thanks for the welcome. no, the RAM does not show up in the BIOS in slots 2 or 3.

Then you definatly don't need to reinstall windows.

Try a BIOS upgrade, and if that doesn't work try replacing your old CPU to see if it picks up the full amount of RAM.

is it most likely the cpu? i'm asking because I don't want to replace the wrong component. could it also be the motherboard?

What i'm thinking, is the motherboard can't support the CPU properly without cutting out power from somewhere else.

So it could be power supply, motherboard, or cpu. (they're the first things i would check).

Best way to check the motherboard is to put the original cpu back in place, and see if the memory is there again. If it does, try and get a more powerful PSU and see if that helps with the new CPU.