Error detected in memory system, likely a RAM malfunction.
Error detected in memory system, likely a RAM malfunction.
New setup using Viper DDR 3200 RAM (two dual channels). Same model ordered from the same supplier at once. Both functioned properly, but they decided to upgrade to 32 gigabytes. One purchased a dedicated 32-gig kit, the other used their existing 16-gig and connected it. It doesn’t boot. It works with two sticks regardless of order, but fails with four. The system is on an MSI PRO B550M VC-WiFi Micro ATX AM4 board. They’re considering a new 32-gig kit since the current one isn’t ideal. I’m trying to identify why it’s not starting. Anyone has insight?
DDR4 offers a lot of adaptability due to its compactness. In the worst case, it would run at the slowest RAM installed. It seems to function properly. They likely double-checked that both sides of the stick clicked securely during installation, which is what happened when I filled all four slots.
Running with 4 sticks often reduces the maximum working speed. 3200 isn't fast but not all CPUs will be stable with 4 sticks of it. Older Ryzen CPUs for example really struggled with it. Was XMP on when running 2 sticks? Hopefully the mobo should detect the change in ram and use safe defaults, but in case it doesn't, put 2 sticks in to boot and make sure XMP is off when going to 4. Give it more than one try, and give it some time too. First boot on a hardware change can take much longer than normal.
4 sticks is harder on the memory controller, that's why we recommend using only two in a dual channel system if possible. AMD Ryzen in general is harder to get to play nice with RAM than Intel systems. Even if you buy two of the same RAM kits at the same time, you are not guaranteed they are exactly the same. Sometimes manufacturers switch out the chips they use on the RAM between production runs to something equivalent. It can be because of availability or just down to price, but in the end they are slightly different, which can be enough for a system to not recognize the together. You should check the QVL for that motherboard if the RAM you are using is verified with four sticks or at all. Also updating the BIOS may in some cases help on memory support.