Ensure RAM enters Safe Mode during XMP application
Ensure RAM enters Safe Mode during XMP application
I recently acquired a 3200MHz CL16 G.Skill Trident Z RGB and attempted to apply an XMP Profile via BIOS. The system boots normally without the profile, but when XMP is enabled, it starts in safe mode. RAM operates at 2133MHz, and the BIOS isn’t current, though I’m unsure if updates are necessary. I also tried lowering the frequency to 3000MHz without success.
Additional notes: experienced a memory management error (BSOD) during two attempts to boot at full speed.
Details:
- CPU: i5-8400
- Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z370-A 2
- GPU: Gigabyte 1060 6GB
- Power Supply: Evga 80+ Bronze 600B
- CPU cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212
The observed changes in memory controller speeds on the CPU suggest instability with RAM. It seems you might need to adjust the voltage manually. If the voltage is set at 1.35V for XMP settings, increasing it slightly to 1.355V or 1.36V could help. If this doesn’t resolve the issue and you reach 1.4V, reduce the voltage back to 1.355V and adjust VCCIO and VCCSA voltages by adding 0.05V each, which can improve memory controller performance.
I attempted 2933 which didn't succeed; I haven't tried 2666 but plan to try it again tomorrow after work!
Thank you for the update. I attempted to adjust the RAM voltage to 1.4V manually, but it didn't resolve the issue. I'll review the link you shared and gather more details.
The observed changes in memory controller speeds on the CPU suggest instability with RAM. It seems you might need to adjust the voltage manually. If the voltage is set at 1.35V for XMP settings, increasing it slightly to 1.355V or 1.36V could help. If this doesn’t resolve the issue and you reach 1.4V, reduce the voltage back to 1.355V and adjust VCCIO and VCCSA voltages by adding 0.05V each, which can improve memory controller performance.
Most believe the maximum value for vccio/vccsa should stay below 1.25v. The stock value is around 0.9v, making bumps very small—like 0.91 etc. Even with a weak controller, stable performance is achievable between 1.10 and 1.14. This is typical when using high-speed or high-density RAM. When overclocking a CPU, the controller also gets bumped; however, with slower stock CPUs paired with that RAM, it feels like the controller lacks the strength to start things off, so a slight extra push is needed.