Check if RAM issues occur when XMP is enabled.
Check if RAM issues occur when XMP is enabled.
I constructed my initial computer in 2019 and frequently encountered boot loops when XMP was enabled. Usually, I would reset the BIOS to its default configuration and then activate XMP, but occasionally a RAM module would trigger persistent boot loops even after installation. Over time, this led me to replace multiple RAM sticks, culminating in a drawer full of them. Now, I’m seeking a more dependable system and prefer keeping my RAM unchanged rather than upgrading. I intend not to upgrade until the next Nvidia GPU release, but I plan to overclock my GPU and CPU beforehand and ideally resolve this RAM issue first.
Recently, I upgraded my PSU from 750 to 1200 and acquired a larger case during the holiday sale. With the new power supply and frequent RAM swaps, neither component seems to be the culprit. I’m leaning toward checking the CPU or motherboard module as the cause. Are there any diagnostic tools that can clearly identify which part is problematic? Additionally, what would be the best replacement part?
I ran MemTest86 with XMP disabled and completed all four passes without errors. However, when XMP was enabled, the system immediately failed and froze. I then updated the BIOS, as a newer version was available in June, but the test was aborted to prevent a crash.
During testing, all RAM sticks remained identical. I also attempted lowering the RAM speed to 3000 MHz, but this increased instability compared to just using XMP, especially with ARC raiders causing crashes without it. Ultimately, I settled on 2133 MHz, which works without issues except for occasional boot failures.
Here are my current specifications:
CPU: i9-9900KF
GPU: ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
MOBO: Gigabyte Z390 AORUS ULTRA
RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 8GB x4
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! I recently upgraded my PSU from 750 to 1200 and bought a larger case during the holiday sale. Wattage isn't the only factor when choosing a PSU. What brand and model are the units you're referring to? MOBO: Gigabyte Z390 AORUS ULTRA. What BIOS version is your motherboard running? RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 8GB x4. Do you have a link to this RAM kit? Also, please share the PCB versions for both RAM kits if you got them at different times.
Wattage isn't the sole factor when choosing a PSU. The brand and model of the units discussed earlier are listed.
Am understanding this correctly - you have 8 ram modules?
Please show screenshots from CPU-z -
memory section and
spd section (one screenshot per installed module)
(Upload to imgur.com and post link)
You have mismatched RAM. This is especially problematic when attempting to run 4 sticks together.
Ram will only perform at advertised speeds if all the RAM comes from a single compatible package.
The XMP configurations on your RAM modules might differ significantly, leading to considerable issues for the motherboard.
Luckily, Intel's RAM controller handles this situation fairly well.
If you use just one stick, configure its RAM settings to match the desired speed and timings, and increase the voltage slightly beyond what the sticks specify.
Perform a test with Memtest 86; if stability is lacking, gradually raise the voltage in small steps.
Once stable, proceed to add the remaining sticks.
Run a final Memtest to ensure no errors remain.
Examine the labels closely, check for matching pairs, and identify the two sticks that form a complete set. Place those sticks into slots A2 and B2. Test.
You currently have three modules using Hynix chips and one with Samsung chips. It would be better if all modules used the same type of chip.
Your RAM is operating at 2133mhz, 1.2V, with frequencies of 15-15-15-36. I recommend adjusting the DRAM settings manually: configure latencies as 16-18-18-36 using XMP 3200 values, set the voltage to 1.35V, and adjust the Command Rate to 2T (this is necessary for configuring four modules, which you already have). Then test the changes.
For improved performance, gradually raise the frequency and verify after each adjustment—try 2400, 2600, 2800, 2933, 3000, or 3200 mhz. If testing fails, revert to the previous working settings.
Hello, thank you for your support. I finally managed to resolve the RAM problems. I've already attempted to use another set of Hynix RAM alongside the two already in my system, but testing three Hynix sticks not present on my machine caused boot loops. I cleaned all contact points with 99% isopropyl alcohol, wiped with a q-tip, and used compressed air in the RAM slots. I also tried inserting it into different slots, but none booted to BIOS. All BIOS settings were reset during this testing phase.
On the positive side, the matching Samsung stick worked. I ran one pass of Memtest at speeds of 2133 and 3200, with no errors detected each time. Then I performed Memtest on both working kits separately at 3200, achieving zero errors in each run. Currently, I'm running Memtest on both the Samsung and Hynix kits, with two out of four passes completing successfully.
The process of getting memory to work involves no guaranteed outcomes. The factory conducts similar tests as you do when choosing chip groups for a single stick. They also verify compatibility between memory sticks in kits. Naturally, they prioritize faster kits with higher costs.
For end users, it remains largely a matter of trial and error, offering minimal flexibility. The factory has already selected memory types that are more prone to overclocking for premium kits.
Still, you’re left with limited options—adjust settings and stick combinations until you achieve the best possible result within your available memory choices. If you prefer not to experiment, you can pay the factory to create matched kits instead.