Cannot activate XMP following installation of an additional RAM module.
Cannot activate XMP following installation of an additional RAM module.
I recently assembled my new PC using the Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX motherboard and Corsair Vengenge 5600MT/s DDR5 RAM. Initially, I had just one RAM package (two 8GB units), which functioned perfectly. I turned on XMP in the BIOS and ran the memory at 5600MT/s without any issues. Later, I realized it might be wise to upgrade and purchase identical RAM from the same retailer so I could simply add more and run everything at 5600MT/s. The challenge arose when I added the new RAM (which had a slightly different color, my first red flag) — it stopped supporting XMP and now operates at 3600MHz. When comparing the two batches, the only distinction is that the product codes ended with C36 on the older set and Z36 on the newer one. I've tried placing the new RAM in various positions across channels, but it didn't resolve the problem. Am I stuck, or are there ways to get these sets to work together at the same speed?
The problem isn't the RAM, it's probably the memory controller.
We should create a discussion thread about DDR5 here. Running DDR5 with XMP/EXPO on just four memory sticks isn't possible for either AMD or Intel. This applies to all processors. The memory layout significantly impacts the CPU's IMC. DDR5 behaves differently from DDR4. For optimal results, stick with 2x16 or 2x32 configurations. Currently, no motherboards support 4-stick kits, and 8GB sticks are also discouraged. Your main concern is using four DDR5 modules together.
It was my take too, though I was definitely mistaken. Likely a clever concept.
Purchasing a fairly uncommon 2x8 DDR5 kit, especially at a lower price point, was a risky decision from the beginning. Including a second kit adds another layer of complexity, and most DDR5 problems I've seen lately stem from skipping the recommended configurations for this architecture. It's clear that DDR5 CPUs aren't designed to handle early-stage setups well. Most issues I've encountered recently arise when people opt for cheaper kits instead of following the suggested recommendations, often leading to disappointment. For a smoother experience with Zen4, choose DDR5-6000 with EXPO.