Problem with loading XMP Profile#1
Problem with loading XMP Profile#1
Hello friends!
This is my first visit to the forum, so please don’t think I’m perfect.
I’m wondering about my issue and why I’m here.
My setup details:
- Maximus VII Ranger Bios v.(3503)
- CPU: Intel I7-4790k (4.7Ghz/1.32V)
- CPU cooler: NZXT Kraken X72 RL-KRX72-01
- RAM: Kingston HyperX Savage DDR3 2400MHz 4x 8GB (HX324C11SRK2/16)
- Power supply: PSU LC Power LC1200P V2.52 80 Plus Platinum
- GPU: GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GAMING OC 12G (GV-N308TGAMING OC-12GD)
When I attempt to boot with all four RAM sticks in XMP profile #1 at 2400MHz, the system fails. I run a few diagnostic codes and reset repeatedly without success.
In XMP profile #2 at 2133MHz everything works perfectly, though using only one kit of 2x8GB RAM doesn’t affect performance. The same goes for XMP profile #1, but only with a single set of memory sticks.
I also tried adjusting latency and voltage in the BIOS manually—up to 1.65V—but the CPU System Agent Voltage Offset reached its maximum at 0.999V. It displays this value even though I set it higher (like 1.25V).
Could the issue lie with the motherboard, or is there a way to adjust settings in the BIOS to resolve this?
What changes should I make to get all four RAM sticks working together in XMP 1 at 2400MHz?
The CPU is running smoothly at 4.7Mhz (1.32V) and handles stress tests without crashing, reaching a max temperature of 67°C according to AIDA64.
Appreciate any help you can provide!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
According to what I remember, the safe voltage for that processor was under 1.3v... I might be mistaken since it was a long time ago. If you can access DDr3-2133MHz but not DDR4-2400MHz, it’s likely the board, BIOS, or IMC is the issue. Also, using four RAM sticks instead of two will put more strain on the memory controller compared to two. To highlight:
That would be an IMC (integrated memory controller) limitation.
Can you manually adjust the frequency to 2400MHz, voltage to 1.65v, and set all timings to auto or relaxed settings?
3503 is a BETA release. This indicates it hasn't been thoroughly tested, isn't fully stable, and likely contains certain issues that were only fixed for particular hardware configurations. It's advisable to revert to version 3003 and verify if the same problems persist. If they do, the issue may be BIOS-related; however, if you've performed a hard reset (details below), the problem could stem from having two separate kits instead of one unified kit. I'll provide links to further details on that matter. Section two, "Mixed memory", can be found at the following link. How To - Troubleshooting problems with PC memory (RAM) and XMP profile settings Initially, there was...BIOS. Before proceeding further, visit the official product page for your motherboard model and its revision. Revision matters because multiple versions of a model can exist for different systems... forums. Additionally, this article tackles some extra worries about mixed memory kits. https://forums. BIOS Hard Reset procedure Turn off the device, shut down the power supply unit, and disconnect the PSU cable from either the wall outlet or the power supply. Take out the CMOS battery on the motherboard for roughly three to five minutes. In certain situations, removing the graphics card might be needed to access the CMOS battery. While the battery is removed, keep pressing the power button on the case continuously for 15-30 seconds to drain any remaining charge in the CMOS circuit. Once the five minutes are complete, reinsert the battery, ensuring it's oriented correctly as it was removed. If you had to remove the graphics card, you can reinstall it now, but be sure to reconnect any power cables and your display cable as well. Reattach the power supply cable, restart the PSU, and power on the system. It should show the POST screen with options to set up CMOS/BIOS. Enter the BIOS setup program and adjust boot settings for Windows Boot Manager or legacy systems, depending on where your operating system resides. Save your changes and exit. If the system successfully POSTs and boots, you can continue by returning to the BIOS to configure additional settings such as XMP profiles, A-XMP, D.O.C.P profiles, fan settings, or other custom configurations that may have been lost during the reset. In some instances, after resetting the CMOS, it might be necessary to load the default or optimal values in the BIOS to fully reinitialize the hardware tables.
The standard XMP voltage for that kit is 1.65 volts.
Reference: https://www.kingston.com/datasheets/HX324C11SRk2_16.pdf
The safe maximum voltage for the 4790k is approximately 1.5 volts, but only in extreme overclocking scenarios and not for heavy workloads like Linpack. For regular systems, it's best to stay below 1.4 volts at most, and 1.35 volts should be the upper limit for non-overclocked setups. A small overclock of around 200 MHz with a 1.35V core voltage, provided you have adequate cooling, might help resolve memory problems related to the IMC.
The cpu functions properly even at voltages below 1.3V, though occasionally a blue screen or stopcode appears. The issue isn't with the processor itself, but rather with the RAM. I've tested without an NO XMP profile and followed the manual settings from the datasheets for the memory type. During brief periods, the board generates several codes and enters a boot loop. I currently lack another 2400Mhz RAM module, but I plan to attempt a BIOS downgrade and will update if it resolves the problem.
It seems clearer to have a collection of four sticks instead of two pairs. This aligns with what I saw in the link you shared. That's why I suggested trying a four-stick set (4x8gb) to confirm the issue. I also reviewed the manufacturer's instructions for the motherboard, but I'm not sure if my RAM can function in dual-channel mode.
All DDR3 and DDR4 DRAM can function in dual channel mode. This capability depends on the motherboard and memory controller, not the actual memory itself.
There is no real concept of "dual channel" memory; it's simply a design feature of the system. Similar benefits apply to quad channel, octa channel, etc.
Most consumer and workstation chipsets are compatible with dual channel operation. Z97 boards are particularly known for their flexible module selection during production. Kingston and Hyper X have been recognized for adapting their memory configurations based on available components at the time of manufacturing. I've experienced mixed results with Hyper X kits, especially on older Intel and AMD AM3+ platforms, so I generally try to avoid them now.
It's advisable to gradually increase the DRAM voltage in small steps. Save your BIOS settings and exit between attempts. If stabilization doesn't occur by the time you reach 1.7V, the issue is likely not just the voltage but something else. You might also consider a minor CPU overclock alongside the DRAM adjustment to reach 2400mhz.
For older DDR3 systems, the most common speeds were around 1600mhz, with some models offering 1866–2133mhz options. If your system runs smoothly at the XMP profile 2133mhz, sticking with that configuration could be more practical, though running four DIMMs at 2400mhz might require some adjustments.