BSOD following RAM upgrade (4x8GB @3200MHZ → 4x16GB @3200MHZ)
BSOD following RAM upgrade (4x8GB @3200MHZ → 4x16GB @3200MHZ)
System: i9 9900k Asus ROG Strix Z390 E-gaming WiFi motherboard with RTX 2080, 4x8GB DDR4 at 3200MHZ. Recently bought two sets of 2x16GB RAM, expecting to swap them for the existing 2x8GB sticks. After installing the new RAM, I observed that although the capacity should be higher, the sticks are shorter than before. All of the working RAM slots use CMW16X4M2C3299C16, while the new ones are CMH32GX4M2E3200C16. Once the RAM was installed, my PC failed to boot with the 3200MHZ setting. Lowering it to 3100 or 3000MHZ allowed booting, but then triggered a BSOD after about half an hour. Right after that, I removed the RAM because I had urgent work and noticed the new sticks were quite warm. I tried contacting Corsair for an RMA, but thought about it first and ended up skipping the 30-day refund window. I’m confused about why DDR4 RAM wouldn’t work with this DDR4 motherboard, especially since my board has run at 3200MHZ for nearly two years and claims 128GB capacity. It seems the RAM isn’t fitting as expected. I rechecked my BIOS to see if any auto-detection settings could help, but nothing worked. I’ve tested each stick separately and still faced the same problem. It might not be a defective slot, as all my old RAM works fine. I also re-seated the new sticks multiple times without success. Someone suggested this, so I decided to address it directly. I’ll attach a photo of all the RAM sticks—old ones on the left, new ones causing issues on the right. If anyone has dealt with this or knows a fix, please let me know. This situation has been really frustrating, and I’m considering giving up. Thanks a lot, -Erabior
I don't have access to specific details about the BIOS update history of that device. You may need to check the manufacturer's website, support portal, or contact their customer service for the most accurate information.
It seems you're evaluating whether a BIOS update would resolve your issue. You're weighing the potential fix against the effort involved, especially if you're unsure it will help or if there are other possible causes.
The latest sticks seem much newer, which might mean the board doesn't recognize them properly. A BIOS update could resolve this issue.
When the sticks heat up, it shows the current is passing through them. To avoid overheating, you'd have to force the RAM very strongly. Updates to the BIOS often improve compatibility and performance.