Set up Ryzen 7 5700X3D, but the system won’t boot unless you take out the RAM stick in slot 4
Set up Ryzen 7 5700X3D, but the system won’t boot unless you take out the RAM stick in slot 4
Upgraded my processor and now it won’t start unless I take out a RAM stick from slot 4. Key parts: CPU – Ryzen 7 5700X3D, GPU – Radeon 7900 GRE, motherboard – MSI B450 Tomahawk Max. I used two 16GB sticks of Ripjaws memory and have been running my reliable Ryzen 5 3600 for about five years. Today I switched to the newer 5700X3D. Initially, after installing the new CPU, the system wouldn’t boot and displayed a red CPU debug light. I figured the older motherboard might need a BIOS update. After updating to the latest BIOS (2024), both RAM sticks worked once I reinserted the old 3600 and applied the new BIOS. I then reinstalled the new CPU, which needed a little re-seating but finally lit up correctly. The Tomahawk Max was problematic, so I considered removing the second RAM stick to fix the boot issue. This approach resolved it and Windows started normally. Was this a widespread problem with the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max? I’m not sure about alternatives, but I’d prefer not to replace the whole motherboard when my new CPU still fits.
The only way to be sure is to try every combination of ram sticks with every socket. Fortunately, there are not that many combinations. I don't think an older BIOS version will help that much. You can try running memory at a lower speed (disable DOCP for example). Also, you know that your motherboard can run your two sticks without issue (with your 3600 CPU), so the issue is not the motherboard. Make sure the 5700x3D is really really well aligned, all CPU pins are straight (not bent) and there are no dust/dirt/debris in the CPU socket. If some pins do not make contact, they can be the pins of the memory controller and cause your issue. Hope that helps and Merry Xmas !