Occasional memory access problems during startup
Occasional memory access problems during startup
This appears to be a small concern, but I'm interested in understanding what might be behind it. I'm running an ASRock B450M PRO4 Mobo with Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 RAM. The memory is placed in slots 1 and 3 and operates at 3200 MHz. I also have a Ryzen 5 2600 (stock, no overclocking) and I'm aware that RAM specifications matter. Occasionally accessing the BIOS feels frustrating because it sometimes prevents saving and rebooting, cycling power a few times before reverting to the default 2400 MHz. If I choose 3000 MHz it boots without problems, but if I select 3200 it only works with one attempt. The failure seems random but usually needs just 1-3 tries before accepting the change. The XMP profile functions correctly and runs at 1.35V. I'm curious about the cause, possibly wondering if my motherboard has compatibility issues with my processor. In my defense, I'm new to PC assembly and just used the installation disc which suggested installing that BIOS version.
It might be okay if I just check my BIOS settings. I feel secure restarting, shutting down, and putting the PC into sleep mode for extended periods. However, entering the BIOS is when things could become uncertain.
Confirmed it's listed as 3200 out of the box. Functioned properly at 3200 on the first try with the XMP profile. The BIOS seems to interfere sometimes. There was also a problem earlier when my graphics card struggled with an Auto Overclock using AMD Adrenaline 2020, but it resolved after a couple resets.
It seems there might be some confusion about the memory types. There’s a standard 3-letter acronym used by motherboard manufacturers for approved memory, but I’m not sure what it is. Sometimes they conduct specific tests and assign timing details to certain brands, which could be relevant. There might be a more accurate explanation.
I checked that board and gave it a quick glance. It was a bit tricky to understand at first, but most of the Team Series RAM should work. PCPartPicker didn’t highlight any problems either. I’m curious if the 3.60 BIOS might be causing some issues. The ASRocks site says Pinnacle Ridge chips aren’t compatible with that BIOS version, though their installer did add them. Outside of the memory concern, I don’t see any CPU problems—I’m actually running smoothly!
Pcpartpicker sometimes shows outdated information. It doesn’t recognize 7.1 surround sound for certain systems. It also incorrectly assumes the AlphaFoil Atlas isn’t compatible with an AM4 adapter, which is false.
I overlooked a few details. For the 3.60 BIOS, I sent two emails to ASRock about possible problems and future issues, but never received a response. Their support seems very limited. It looks like PCpartpicker might not be up to date for certain models. I’ll investigate the memory further. If the new RAM works, it should be straightforward. Luckily, once the system is overclocked, the RAM remains stable and performs well. Games run smoothly, and both CPUZ and Task Manager confirm the correct speed. It doesn’t crash unexpectedly. I’m hoping to resolve this soon or that ASRock releases updated drivers for these processors. They haven’t released BIOS updates yet for Pinnacle Ridge, Raven, and a few others. Recently they dropped a 3.90 BIOS, but it doesn’t apply to Pinnacle Ridge.