Problems upgrading 8300 Minitower cpu& memory

[BTreut]

I am trying to upgrade my 8300 Minitower from i3 to i7 and adding 2×8GB memory to the current 2×4GB. I started by  adding memory first and that worked. But when I upgraded the CPU to i7 3770K I got  a 5 beeps message. Reducing memory to one 8GB module in DIMM 1 socket, BIOS starts and recognizes the i7 cpu. But when I add the second 8GB module in DIMM 3 socket I get the 5 beep error again. Both modules pass the memory test when sitting alone in DIMM 1 socket. 

What might be the problem?

[NonSequitur777]

@BTreut,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Let's address your issue.

An i7-3770K is compatible with your HP Compaq Elite 8300 CMT as this User shows: https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/66923888.

Secondly, your PC should be able to handle up to 4 x 8GB of DDR3 PC3-12800, 1600 MHz, Non-ECC, UDIMM, 240-pin RAM sticks, but please be advised that addressing memory above 4 GB requires a 64-bit operating system.

Please make sure you got the latest BIOS update: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-compaq-elite-8300-convertible-minitower-pc/5232845.

Lastly, the HP 5 beep code typically indicates a CPU failure or a RAM problem. Here are some steps you can take:

1.) Check CPU: The 5 beeps often point to a CPU issue. Ensure that the CPU is properly seated in its socket. Also, please examine the processor and the CPU socket carefully for any bent pins, dirt, and discoloration.

2.) Reinstall Memory: A common fix is to unplug the PC, remove the memory, and reinstall it. This can resolve issues related to RAM. Also, make sure that the individual 8GB RAM sticks are not faulty.  And just like with the CPU, carefully examine the RAM slots for any damage or debris stuck in it.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@BTreut,

And lest I forgot to mention it: best RAM results are achieved using identical RAM -same brand, model and capacity.

Point is, that sometimes mixing different RAM can cause issues.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[BTreut]

Hi NonSequitur777,

thanks for the reply.

I tried removing memory modules several times without success. Both 8GB modules pass memory test when installed as single module in DIMM 1 socket.

Just curious: if CPU is recognized correctly with one memory module, is it really worth to remove and check CPU pins?

[BTreut]

The two 8GB modules are same (brand, capacity and model) the two 4GB modules were there from the beginning.

As far as I inderstand same sized modules are to be installed in DIMM 1 & 3 an DIMM 2 & 4 sockets.

[Bill_To]

Greetings @BTreut 

Welcome to the HP Forum.

EDIT: Mea culpa! There were no replies when I started my response. I'm a very slow typist. 😎 

I have also just realized you are populating all four memory slots and you are mixing memory modules. Doing this is not a good thing to do.

A 5 beep error code is a memory problem. It's strange you had no problem with the new memory using the factory installed CPU. But you have a problem using the i7-3770K.

I did not see the 3770K listed as a compatible CPU upgrade at this Site. But I don't think using the "K" CPU is causing the problem unless the replacement CPU has a memory controller problem.

I'm guessing you are using a compatible memory upgrade kit.

Have you tried DIMM slot 2 and DIMM slot 4 to see what happens? What happens when populating only DIMM slot 3 using either memory module?

I can't say for sure but it looks like the replacement CPU memory controller may have a problem if all is well when using the factory installed CPU and the new memory in dual channel mode.

Regards.

[NonSequitur777]

@BTreut,

Yes, it would still be worth examining the CPU and CPU socket in my opinion.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[BTreut]

The problem persisted, when I tried to go back to the previously installed i3 processor.  The i7 3770 processor is listed as compatible in the Maintainance manual.

[NonSequitur777]

@BTreut,

At this point in time, what I would do is to try a different 2x8GB (matching) RAM kit.  Perhaps the timings of the 2x8GB you are using are not completely compatible with your PC.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[BTreut]

> Yes, it would still be worth examining the CPU and CPU socket in my opinion.

you were absolutely correct. It looks

 

a bit like one pin of the socket is slightly bent. I dont have any idea how this happened. I'll try to align it, when I find a quiet moment.