RAM Kit functions separately but encounters issues during MemTest86+ when used together - Assistance required
RAM Kit functions separately but encounters issues during MemTest86+ when used together - Assistance required
Hi everyone,
I'm experiencing a frustrating RAM compatibility issue with my server and I'm hoping someone here might have insights or suggestions.
Background:
I purchased all components new in April 2024. I've been experiencing random crashes and system instability for months. Initially, I suspected issues with my backplane because my TrueNAS VM (running on Proxmox VE 9) kept crashing, and I thought I might have misconfigured the SATA controller passthrough. The entire machine was throwing errors intermittently. After extensive troubleshooting, I've finally traced the issue to my RAM.
The Problem:
I have a G.Skill RAM kit (not mixed modules - matching pair from the same kit) that works perfectly when tested individually, but when I install them together, Memtest86+ throws numerous errors. Each stick passes Memtest86+ without any issues when run solo, but the moment I combine them, the system becomes unstable.
What I've Tried:
Tested each RAM module individually in slots A2 and B2 - both pass Memtest86+ without errors
Verified all slots are functional - each individual module works in every slot
Updated BIOS to version 2401 (current latest)
Performed CMOS reset
Tested with BIOS profiles: Auto and XMP Profile 1
Running Memtest86+ via USB stick at boot
Current Situation:
The system now runs completely stable with a single module installed - no more crashes, TrueNAS VM runs perfectly, no more errors. However, as soon as I install both modules together (tried A2+B2 as recommended for dual channel), Memtest86+ produces numerous errors and the instability returns.
Both manufacturers (G.Skill and ASUS) are now stumped. Interestingly, there was initially conflicting information about compatibility:
G.Skill's website showed these modules as NOT compatible with my motherboard
However, the physical product packaging stated they ARE compatible
ASUS has this RAM on their QVL (Qualified Vendor List)
G.Skill has since confirmed via email that their online information was incorrect and these modules should indeed be compatible
My Hardware:
Motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z890M-PLUS WIFI mATX
BIOS Version: 2401
PSU: ASUS ROG Loki Platinum 750W SFX
CPU: INTEL Core Ultra 7 265 (not K)
RAM: G.Skill Flare X5 96 GB 2 x 48 GB DDR5 5200 MHz (F5-5200J4040A48GX2-FX5)
WD Red SN700 NVMe™ SSD - 2TB
WD Red SN700 NVMe™ SSD - 500GB
4x Seagate IronWolf Pro ST12000NT001
Jonsbo N4 NAS-Case, Micro-ATX (backplane removed)
Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU-Fan - 92mm
System: Proxmox VE 9 with TrueNAS VM
Memtest86+ run from USB stick
All components purchased new in April 2024
Has anyone experienced something similar where a RAM kit passes individually but fails when paired? This seems like it should be a straightforward dual-channel setup, but something is clearly preventing these matched modules from working together. Could this point to a memory controller issue on the motherboard, or something else I'm missing?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - I'd really like to use the full capacity I paid for!
The testing process revealed significant issues with voltage adjustments and module functionality. It appears that one RAM module is likely faulty, as repeated attempts to fix it via voltage changes did not resolve the problems. The system experienced crashes, errors, and a complete failure to boot after modifications. Further investigation is needed to confirm whether the defect was present from the start or if it emerged during testing. Next steps should consider checking the motherboard for hardware faults or proceeding with a return to ensure reliability.
Further Update: Inconsistent Test Results - RAM, Motherboard, or CPU Issue?
I've conducted more extensive testing and the results are very confusing. Here's what I found:
Test Results (All at Default BIOS Settings):
Test #
RAM1 Location
RAM2 Location
Result
Notes
1
-
A2
✓ Pass
100% completed, no errors
2
A2
-
✗ Fail
Errors immediately at 0%
3
-
A2
✓ Pass
Stopped at 8%, no errors
4
B2
-
✓ Pass
Stopped at 9%, no errors
5
-
B2
✓ Pass
Stopped at 9%, no errors
6
A2
-
✗ Fail
Errors at 0%
7
-
A2
✓ Pass
Stopped at 9%, no errors
8
B2
A2
✗ Fail
Errors at 4%
9
B2
-
✗ Fail
Errors at 0%
10
B2
-
✗ Fail
Errors at 0%
11
-
B2
✓ Pass
100% completed, no errors
What's Confusing Me:
RAM1 consistently fails in slot A2 (tests #2 and #6)
RAM1 passed once in B2 (test #4) but then failed twice in the same slot (tests #9 and #10)
RAM2 consistently passes when alone in any slot (tests #1, #3, #5, #7, #11)
Both modules together fail (test #8)
RAM1 shows highly inconsistent behavior - sometimes working, sometimes failing in the same configuration
My Questions:
Could RAM1 be intermittently defective? It passed once in B2 but then failed the next two times in the exact same configuration.
Could this be a thermal issue where RAM1 only fails after warming up?
Could there be poor contact between RAM1 and the slot contacts?
Why would RAM2 be rock solid in all scenarios while RAM1 is so unpredictable?
Could the memory controller on the CPU be the issue when both modules are installed, or when handling RAM1 specifically?
The inconsistent behavior is really puzzling. RAM1 isn't completely dead since it occasionally works, but it's clearly unreliable. This intermittent failure pattern makes it hard to diagnose whether it's the RAM module itself, a motherboard slot issue, or something else entirely.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated. The fact that one module is consistently stable while the other is intermittently failing suggests RAM1 is the problem, but I want to make sure I'm not missing something before requesting an RMA.