Weird RAM issue (in Off-topic)

I recently purchased 6x4 to replace my 6x2, which until then was working fine. However, I've had varied results, ranging from the computer seeing 16GB in system info, to 8GB with all 6 sticks in, to 4GB with 5 sticks in, to all 12 with either triplet installed in slots 1/3/5. Some fiddling later, it saw 20 with 5x4 installed, then finally all 24 with 6x4 in. What exactly is going on here? I could see all six sticks in CPU-Z, even when some weren't being recognized. It wasn't physical instability, since vigorously wiggling the sticks had no effect when I tried it. Also, either triplet worked flawlessly alone over several trials.

which OS are you using? Windows XP (or anything pre Vista) can't really work with 16 GB of ram.

7x64.

strange >.<

Is your system 32 or 64 Bit? Also are you trying to run Triple Channel Paired Memory on a Dual Channel MoBo? Finally is this memory type completely supported by said MoBo and if so have you turned that capability on in the Bios or Desktop Bios Program(Like Guardian or 3rd Eye)?

Are all sticks the exact same? Same manufacturer, speed, model etc.

have you updated the mobo?

64, 2x identical triple channel kits in 2x triple channel slots, installed in the correct slots, haven't updated the BIOS

i would start then by reading all of the notes on all of the bios updates since your current version to see if they corrected any similar issues or really any memory management issues at all.

Boot using a live cd linux distro and see what it recognizes. That's an easy way to tell if it's the board or the OS. I prefer knoppix or backtrack.

Motherboards are VERY picky about RAM manufacturers. I bought some kickin' PNY memory one time for an ASUS board. Both were top shelf, the best that money could buy. They didn't work together.

What motherboard are you using, and what's the BIOS version?

Also, you should be running an NCB and stuff.....