Memtest86 encountered an issue. Determine whether the problem lies with RAM, CPU, or the motherboard.
Memtest86 encountered an issue. Determine whether the problem lies with RAM, CPU, or the motherboard.
The rising cost of RAM pushed me to start my PC build sooner than planned. I ended up purchasing used RAM, which was unavoidable. Before installing Windows, I updated the BIOS and ran Memtest86. All components—CPU and motherboard—were brand new. Running at Expo speed, everything appeared normal until Test 8 (Random Number Sequence) showed numerous errors. After retesting at stock speeds, all passed. Test 8 succeeded with one stick at Expo speed and the other at stock, then both together. It failed again at Test 8 with both sticks, but passed when using both simultaneously. I completed another full test with both sticks, which also failed. Ultimately, I only managed to pass Test 8 once all were active. Important details: Motherboard is ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi; CPU is AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D; RAM is G.Skill Trident Z Neo RGB DDR5 64GB (2x32GB at 6000 mt/s). I was able to run at stock speeds, but the price tag made me hesitant. I’m not overly familiar with RAM tuning beyond setting Expo/XMP profiles. Not new to builds, yet never really attempted overclocking. I still hope to return the RAM, but given current prices, I’d pay more for similar performance now. My main concern is whether the CPU or motherboard is the issue—they’d be difficult to exchange. Dealing with Amazon was simpler than eBay, and it’s faster too. Before we consider further complications, I need help identifying the root cause. I’ve attached the log file from the first run (I’m sure it was the right one!). Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. MemTest86-20251224-202200_678902.log Edited December 26, 2025 by Hybrid Divide Added a few missing details.
Your setup is a Cl30. You might want to adjust the frequency or timing parameters. Consider using 5800/5600 m/s. Try settings like 32/34 (you're unsure about the rest, but you could try other kits). Which channels did you use? Did you test the alternative options? Edited December 26, 2025 by leclod
Overclocking, which using EXPO is part of, is never guaranteed. Individually there might be nothing wrong with any of them, but you happen to have bad luck and your specific samples wont work at claimed speed together. Normally it would be a case of swap ram for a totally different kit until you find something your system likes. I recognise this is not the best time to do that. Actually, since it is an Asus board, have you tried all the EXPO settings? Asus typically provide EXPO I (Asus chosen subtimings), EXPO II (uses module reported values), and the 3rd one I forget what it is called but it is more Asus messing around. Maybe you'll have better luck with another setting if you haven't tried them all yet.
I'm currently executing comprehensive tests on Expo 1 for each individual stick. Once those finish, I'll move to Expo 2. You'd expect Expo 1 to match the module reports. That's a bit surprising, ASUS. I'll check it out. Thanks. The seller who sold me the RAM on eBay has been quite helpful so far—perhaps if I obtain his proof of purchase, we could initiate a return with Gskill? Have you encountered any issues with using Gskill for returns in the past?
Updated the BIOS settings after the latest release—ram configured to Expo 1, ROG boot logo disabled, Armory crate turned off. No Windows installed yet; GPU not yet added. Testing on the onboard GPU now. Will incorporate other changes once stability is confirmed. Increasing RAM voltage isn't recommended unless using the default profile. I'm still running individual sticks at Expo 1. After that, I'll test both with Expo 2.
Both devices completed full tests at Expo 1. They are now being tested together in Expo 2. One mistake occurred during the eighth pass of Test 8 again. Since they passed individually, it might be the RAM issue—possibly CPU or motherboard. Which component should I investigate first? Thanks.