PC experiences issues after inserting two RAM modules.
PC experiences issues after inserting two RAM modules.
Hey! Your new PC is having issues with two RAM sticks, especially when paired together on slots A2 and B2. You think it might be the CPU's memory controller or a signal problem on the motherboard. The sticks are working fine at base speeds but struggle under load. Since you can't return the item easily due to shipping delays, you're looking for clues to pinpoint the cause. Any testing tips or ideas would be helpful!
I examined the Integrated Memory Controller by testing it within the CPU die. Regarding the BIOS, I’m checking the current motherboard firmware version. ASUS just dropped a new BIOS last week featuring an AGESA update that enhances stability. These updates typically improve memory handling and other features. Similar to Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen chips, AMD’s 7000-series may face some early system stability challenges on the latest platforms, particularly with the newest DDR5 and PCI-E technologies. It’s wise to verify your memory modules are listed in the QVL. To date, ASUS has approved 12 G.Skill DDR5-6000 kits (2 x 16GB) for this board in their lab tests.
I didn't check the IMC, so I think the issue might be there. From what I understand, the RAM is connected directly to the CPU without any motherboard logic or circuitry. The physical slots appear fine when used alone. My current BIOS version matches the one I'm using, and the memory module is the first on that list—I've had problems with non-QVL modules before. Noted: the PC ran smoothly for a few hours of Dota games but crashed immediately afterward. I thought it could be a loose CPU or RAM, so I re-seated both. That didn't resolve it. I also switched back to Windows 10 instead of 11.
The issue seems to lie either in the motherboard or the CPU. On the motherboard side, a damaged trace could cause interference during dual channel operation, but not when using single channel. On the CPU side, a malfunctioning memory controller might be responsible for problems in dual channel mode. Given the complexity and newer technology involved, it’s possible the CPU is the source, though I remain open to other possibilities.