Problem! The PC fails to post even when XMP is turned on, despite resetting the CMOS.
Problem! The PC fails to post even when XMP is turned on, despite resetting the CMOS.
Hi everyone! I just got my Pro z790-a board and set it up with an Intel 13700k CPU and 2x16GB G.SKILL 6000MHz RAM. The system started up without issues, and I managed to install Windows and all the necessary drivers. However, after adjusting BIOS and enabling XMP, the PC wouldn’t boot properly. My keyboard lights were erratic, and one fan stopped working. I unplugged and reconnected my 24-pin power cable. After clearing CMOS and trying different RAM sticks, both worked individually at first, then later together. I reinstalled the correct RAM and got the PC to boot again. The system posted, and I was able to apply the latest BIOS update. But when I tried XMP once more, it still showed the same black screen and hasn’t changed since clearing CMOS. It seems there might be a bad RAM module or a motherboard issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot!
try installing RAM one step at a time, then boot into BIOS. after that attempt to manually adjust the RAM speed if necessary. if this fails, it could mean the RAM is faulty, a driver update is required, or your motherboard doesn’t support it. Additional error codes on the motherboard might provide more clues, along with the system specifications.
Thanks for the update! I’ve tested both RAM sticks separately, and initially it worked when enabling XMP. Now neither stick is sending a signal to the monitor. I’m considering entering manual values in BIOS, but I can’t even reach the screen. I’d prefer to use faulty RAM if that’s the only option, since the power problems are affecting my keyboard’s RGB.
The error codes are specific identifiers that indicate a problem or issue with the system.
I only have debug LEDs, but when turning on the VRAM it will flash for a short time before stopping. The CPU light sometimes blinks briefly after startup. My RAM is RGB and still responds, so I’m sure power is reaching it. I’m confused because it works one moment and then fails completely. It feels like an XMP bricked my motherboard.
The order of steps during PC startup varies, but typically it begins with initializing hardware and loading the bootloader, followed by the operating system installation process.
It seems the behavior changes often. I've noticed it powers on, the VRAM indicator appears, then shuts off after a short while. Sometimes it switches between CPU and VRAM lights twice before turning off. Occasionally a GPU light shows up too, but I think that's because I haven't connected a GPU and am using integrated graphics. That doesn't seem to help at all.
It could be a faulty motherboard issue. Turn off the PC, disconnect it from the power source, remove the CMOS battery for about half an hour (keep the RAM in the motherboard), reinstall it, then restart after holding the power button for 30 seconds while the system is off. I learned this from my experience with an MSI B350M board. = )
I understand it could be a faulty motherboard issue with inconsistent error codes. It would help to resolve this and avoid constant changes. Checking the manual for your specific model is recommended, even if codes seem to shift.
Thanks for the suggestion! Right now I'm busy at work, so I can't test it directly. I've already reset the CMOS several times in different ways. I haven’t waited 30 minutes yet, but I’ve removed the battery, held the power button for 30 seconds, and waited 10 or 15 minutes. I also shorted the CMOS header multiple times without any effect. If this approach works, would it be worth replacing the motherboard because of these issues? Or should I try overclocking the RAM again? Have you ever replaced a B350 model?