Dead Mobo or incompatible?

[slim01]

Hi guys having some nightmares with a new MSI build, unfortunately I leave for 6months of travels on wednesday night!!

mobo-msi b75a-g43
cpu-i3
ram-8gb (2x4gb) corsair vengeance - CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
hdds-120gb OCZ SSD
no gpu
windows 7 64bit, not currently installed

Basically, PC was stuck in a re-boot loop... played around with ram and system posts ok with both DIMM slots 1 and 2 populated, or a single stick populated either 1 or 2... loops when anything (even a single stick) is populating the 3rd or 4th slots.

Also, one odd thing, is im not able to set the ram speed over 1333mhz... ever.
product info states "4 DIMM support for DDR3 1066 / 1333 / 1600 / 1866 / 2133 / 2400 / 2677 up to 32GB Max"

So im not able to run dual channel... Will this even matter in an ofice PC? I'm sooo rushed for time!

MSI says to use 2nd and 4th slots (black) for best compatibilty...
Have checked on the MSI site compatibility of Corsair 4gb sticks... Unlike Asus' site though it does not show if tested in dual channel, just says "OK"
http://www.msi.com/file/test_report/TR10_2543.pdf

So my question is, am I to assume the slots are dodgy?
If so, i have no time to wait for RMA (I must buy another one for Next day del?), if I install w7 now, when I plug into the replacement mobo on tuesday, will windows install still be a happy bunny (i can install windows 7 with slots 1&2 populated)?
Any OCUK will refund me ASAP right? ARG ARG ARG ARG

thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[slim01]

Im thinking cos of the lack of time I have, this question could be important
"So im not able to run dual channel... Will this even matter in an ofice PC?"

I mean, does it really improve performance with Intels, or is it AMD's that it doesn't really matter with?

 

[mp260767]

for office use it won't matter.

only way the windows install would work is if you got the same mobo, due to the drivers being installed.

sounds like there dodgy, should be able to use them in any slots.

 

[slim01]

for office use it won't matter.

only way the windows install would work is if you got the same mobo, due to the drivers being installed.

sounds like there dodgy, should be able to use them in any slots.

Yeah thought was dodgy... spoke to OCUK today and they said they could get me out a new board by tomoro, but would have to pay (if it arrives by tomoro, ill be impressed though).

Right so I can install and set up W7 and all programs, then everything should boot fine after the mobo change then yeah?
I know the CD key is tied to mobo, so i can put that in later.... once again though, i guess as its same brand mobo, maybe that does not matter? mmmmmmmmmmm