I don't want to think about a bad cpu! However, I ran the Intel processor diagnostic and the memory controller
passed. It detected 8gb memory. I guess that means something is wrong between the cpu and the memory.
The motherboard memory tool detects the full 16gb as does the CPUZ utility.
My research shows that the usual defect is the cpu socket pins. This time I was real careful with the install and
dropped the cpu straight down, etc.