New build - POST help!
New build - POST help!
I recently assembled a new system with the following specifications listed below:
Mobo: ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E Gaming WIFI (Bios version 1202, ME version 16.1.27.2176)
RAM: 64gb (2x32 gb) Corsair vengeance 6400mhz (purchased as a set) CMK64GX5M2B6400C32 (installed in A.2 and B.2 according to the manual)
CPU: i9-13900k
GPU: ROG STRIX 4090
PSU: ROG THOR P2 - 1000w
CPU cooler: Noctua NH-D15s
Case: Be Quiet! Dark Pro edition 2 Orange
SSD: 3x M.2 Samsung 990 Pro 2TB 1x Fanxiang M.2 4TB and 2x Western Digital 6gb SATA (legacy)
The problem I’m experiencing is during startup; I see the initial POST screen, I press F1 and enable XMP for the RAM (both were recognized), I ran MEMTEST from BIOS and there were no issues. The computer boots normally and everything functions correctly. CPU benchmark shows 133% for CPU, 115% for Memory.
The issue arises when I restart the system; it becomes stuck, displaying codes 41, 42, and 45. After leaving it for about two hours (as sometimes POST takes a long time), it still doesn’t boot properly. Pressing the Clear CMOS button returns me to the initial BIOS screen (pressing F1 again), which then allows normal booting.
Things I have tried:
1. Updated BIOS and ME
2. Disconnected BIOS battery and proceeded with step 1
3. Manually adjusted RAM speeds to 4000mhz
4. Reinstalled Windows 11 and all drivers (though I’m not sure this is the cause)
5. Removed the 32gb RAM chip from B.2, enabling a smooth boot in XMP mode
6. Swapped RAM to A.1, suggesting it might be the RAM sticks themselves.
Any suggestions? The board should support 64GB of memory easily. Is this a faulty MOBO DIMM slot? I don’t think so—it works when I flash the CMOS and passes stress tests and benchmarks at both XMP and non-XMP levels. The only possibility I have is that these RAM sticks aren’t listed in the confirmed MOBO RAM specifications; I’ve ordered another set of 2x32GB sticks (G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series, Intel XMP, 64GB, 288-pin SDRAM DDR5 6400 CL32-39-39-102, 1.40V Dual Channel Desktop Memory F5-6400J3239G32GX2) to test, but Corsair is a well-known brand, so it shouldn’t be the issue.)
The symptoms of Ram indicate a bent pin in the CPU socket.
It's quite simple to fix if you need to adjust the processor into position.
Take out the processor and inspect the pins carefully.
A bent pin can usually be straightened back using a needle.
However, bent pins are treated as user error, and a replacement will be refused.
I wasn't sure to suggest it unless it wasn't a bent pin, or maybe that would fix the issue! I tried some other RAM sticks—G.Skillz 6400mhz 2x32gb—and they functioned perfectly, which resolved the problem eventually.