Solving the issue of my system shutting down
Solving the issue of my system shutting down
Hello! Please forgive if this isn't the correct discussion thread, but it seemed appropriate for the issue I'm facing.
Recently, I upgraded my RAM to 32 GB from a 16 GB model I purchased about a year ago. I double-checked the speed and timing of the new 16 GB (8GBx2) kit to ensure compatibility with the older unit already installed.
The problem is that when attempting to configure the DOCP profile or manually adjusting the RAM speed, my computer shuts down for roughly three seconds, then restarts, followed by another shutdown before it can even attempt to boot again—this cycle repeats about three times before a successful start.
Here are my specifications:
- CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X (Withstock cooling)
- Motherboard: Asus B450 F Strix
- RAM: 32 GB (8GBx4) Trident Z Neo 3600 CL18
- GPU: GTX 1070 8 GB
- Power Supply: Deep Cool DA700 80+ Bronze
- Storage: 2x 2TB Seagate Barracuda drives, plus 2x Kingston 240 GB SSDs
- PCIe Extras: USB 3.0 expansion card, TP-Link Wi-Fi card
- Case fans: 3x Deep Cool RF 120 / 1x included fan
- Case: NZXT S340 Elite
I’ve tried several things that are worth noting:
Before installing the new RAM or performing a fresh Windows install, I disabled my DOCP profile just in case. After the upgrade, all four RAM modules defaulted to 2133 MHz. When attempting to adjust the DOCP settings, the issue reappears.
I changed the DOCP profile through several options—#1, Auto, and manually set speeds—but none resolved the problem. I even experimented with lower speeds like 2466 and 3200 MHz without success.
After clearing the CMOS and retrying, nothing changed. I’m unsure whether I switched the performance mode on the EZ Setup tab from Normal to Performance at any point, but it didn’t help.
Initially, I suspected a power supply issue, as I wasn’t keen on overclocking and relied on the AI Tweaker for my motherboard to handle the task. However, I’m not overly concerned about damaging anything by making manual adjustments.
I’m aware that sometimes compatibility is just a matter of luck, so it’s possible I’ll have to stick with 2133 MHz RAM until my next upgrade.
Appreciate your assistance and apologize for the poor English.
Manual overclocking will be required. Adjust the following RAM settings in BIOS: voltage for DDR at 1.35V, latencies ranging from 18 to 42, command rate of 2T. Configure the frequency to 2133MHz and test. Gradually raise the frequency and retest at intervals of 2400, 2600, 2800, 2933, 3000, 3200, 3400, and 3600. If testing fails, revert to the previous successful configuration.
When using four RAM modules, the maximum achievable RAM speed is reduced.
DOCP profile configurations might no longer be possible.
A 2x16GB module configuration avoids this issue.
Please share a screenshot from CPU-Z showing the memory and speed sections. (Upload to imgur.com and include the link)
Manual overclocking will be required. Adjust the following RAM settings in BIOS: voltage for DDR at 1.35V, latencies ranging from 18 to 42, command rate of 2T. Configure the frequency to 2133MHz and test. Gradually raise the frequency and retest at intervals of 2400, 2600, 2800, 2933, 3000, 3200, 3400, and 3600. If testing fails, revert to the previous successful configuration.
Your issue often arises when combining RAM modules. Manufacturers caution about this, noting that minor differences in latency can cause problems. Even kits with identical specifications may not fit together properly. Choose one kit sized for your requirements (2x16) and frequency, as listed on the MB QVL.
Thanks to all the support, I'll share updates soon after returning from work. Appreciate your patience.
It's not your ram, nor the mobo. It's the cpu. AMD uses Fclock, Mclock and Uclock for transmission and memory speeds/allocation when dealing with seperate chips inside the cpu. It vastly prefers dual channel, using even numbered Cas timing, with only 2 sticks. Basically A2/B2 slots are unlimited speeds, but A1/B1 run a reduced rate speed, defaulting to 2133MHz. The memory controller gets unstable when both channels are used in dual channel, it has a hard time sorting clock frequency at higher speeds.
Ram Rank is different to Channel, Rank is how the chips are sorted on the ram itself, Channel is a motherboard function involving the cpu.
Most Zen+/Zen2 cpus can deal with 2933MHz using 4 sticks, if tinkered with, using bios to set timings, voltages etc manually, many now (say thank you Agesa) can also reach 3200MHz, with 4 sticks, Single Rank, dual channel.
Provided all 4 sticks came in a single kit. By mixing kits, all bets are off, there's no guarantee of anything. It'll either work, work with adjustments or not work at all. Identical kits are not identical. Just the paint job is. The chips that make up the ram are different, different silicon sheets, and not factory tested to work together. Only a single kit is tested for compliance with all the sticks in that kit.
You shouldn't need to adjust Primary timings, but you may need a hair more voltage to dram or SoC, or you may need to adjust some of the 40+ Secondary and/or Tertiary timings.
I updated the time after reviewing all the responses. I decided to follow a straightforward process, beginning with using readings from Tiphoon and Zentimings. These readings included all four RAM modules, both new and existing. If you're still interested, you can check them out here.
Following the suggestions from Koekieezz, I updated my BIOS, which was outdated at the time. Once the update was complete, I listened to SkyNetRising's advice and slowly increased the frequency of the RAM within the BIOS settings. That worked, thanks to a simple BIOS update and a bit of patience in determining the maximum speed for my memory.
After working through all that, I achieved a memory speed of 3400 Mhz, which is better than before, given the circumstances. I’m grateful to everyone who helped and shared their knowledge—hopefully this will assist anyone facing the same issue in the future.