Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1&Tpk=970-a-d3

new RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145345

Error: three long post beeps (memory issue)

Re-seated multiple times, swapped slots, no dice. Did I buy incompatible ram, or do I get to RMA?

Corsair's CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 is listed on Gigabyte's supported memory list so it should work, though you might want to clear the CMOS to reset the BIOS if you haven't done so.

Resetting the BIOS will make sure the motherboard is running the processor at the default speed and asking the memory the speed, timings, and voltage it needs to work properly.

reset cmos, and had to swap the slots to a different order. Works now, thanks

I had the same issue when I upgraded RAM about a year back, was beeping, then wasnt recognized, finally took it down to the store, and of course it magically started working. *sigh* Every freaking time...