Keep the RAM stick connected to the ASUS motherboard.
Keep the RAM stick connected to the ASUS motherboard.
Hello. I’m facing some difficulties with my memory. You can find the messages I’ve exchanged with Asus below. Anyone have suggestions on what to try? I’ve checked every memory module and RAM slot on the motherboard, but it still doesn’t function properly even without XMP. There was a previous BIOS issue that required turning XMP on and off to get it working with all four modules. Asus seems to be saying, “Sorry for the trouble.” This is what I shared with them:
I: Hello, I’m experiencing issues with the motherboard. It won’t boot when more than three memory chips are installed. I own a Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 5600MHz 16GB x4 (64GB total). I upgraded the BIOS from ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI BIOS 0502 to ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI BIOS 0703 plus a ME update. On the older BIOS (0502), I also faced memory problems, but trouble arose again when inserting the fourth module. However, if I enabled XMP in BIOS and then disabled it, the system would crash twice during startup—once at RAM loading and once after. Eventually, it started normally with all four modules until I made BIOS changes (like clearing the CMOS). After that update to version 0703, the problem reappeared.
My RAM modules are functioning correctly now, but I can only install up to two chips, and the XMP workaround no longer works. Asus:
Thank you for reaching out to ASUS support. We’re sorry to hear about your experience. Could you share the part numbers of the RAM modules you’re using?
Me: The model is CMT32GX5M2B5600C36. I verified compatibility during purchase, and they were listed as supported.
Asus: Thank you for providing the part number. The problem seems related to Intel XMP and handling four RAM slots simultaneously. If you check your memory list, you’ll notice only two 32GB modules are available to reach 64GB total. This limitation is due to XMP not functioning properly with multiple modules. We’re aware this issue has been addressed in earlier BIOS versions, but we don’t have further details. Generally, once XMP is enabled and then disabled, the motherboard may encounter problems.
Me: I appreciate your response. But I’m not using XMP, and the issue continues without it. In the past, I could get it to work by first enabling XMP and then disabling it. However, I had to repeat this process to support all four modules. I understand that XMP isn’t a guaranteed fix for overclocking. Still, it should work with stock clocks—shouldn’t it?
It boots normally in Safe Mode with all four DIMMs functioning correctly, just like it did before the BIOS update.
Do you know what adjustments you could make to the BIOS settings to improve this situation? I’m not very experienced with overclocking.
Asus: We’ve confirmed internally in our Taiwan headquarters that this motherboard only supports two DIMMs at once. They recommend testing with just two supported slots from the list we provided earlier.
Memory performs better with just two sticks, and it's simpler to overclock them. There have been many issues with DDR5 memory XMP profiles—just look up the forum or other discussions. It makes sense that only two paired sticks are supported. I’d consider a 2x32GB setup for that board. You can still get dummy sticks for the two free slots, which were previously available.