TridentZ RGB Ruined by XMP?
TridentZ RGB Ruined by XMP?
Hey everyone!
I just assembled my first PC and watched several tutorials about RAM speed. When I entered the BIOS, I enabled XMP, and it automatically adjusted my RAM speed to 3200. However, after doing that, I couldn’t return to the BIOS—it would freeze and say something like "BIOS has been reset, please reconfigure etc." The mouse didn’t respond, so I had to restart the PC and avoid using BIOS altogether. Later, I tried using a backup BIOS, which worked. After checking videos about XMP, my system still wouldn’t boot.
I ended up replacing the RAM with Corsair RGB memory, as others with similar specs reported the same problem. The new RAM resolved the issue.
My questions are:
1. Why might turning on XMP and setting it to the actual speed cause problems?
2. If BIOS isn’t the right way to match RAM speeds, what should I do instead?
Also, a side note—clearing the CMOS multiple times didn’t help. I used a jumper, removed the battery, and pressed the CMOS clear switch, but it didn’t work. The debug code kept showing 0D, and the BIOS would switch between main and backup for about 10 seconds before switching again. I noticed this from the motherboard indicator lights.
CPU and motherboard lack XMP support; the board isn't included in G.Skill QVL for the memory kit, meaning XMP won't function properly. AMD Ryzen needs manual adjustments to hit 2933+, so you'll have to boost the host clock and possibly the SoC voltage to keep the CPU stable. The recommended approach is to begin with DDR4-2800 and gradually increase settings, understanding the required specifications at each stage instead of guessing which configurations might work.
Thank you very much for your reply! It's really impressive that I received an official response from G.Skill. There have been some updates. I managed to install just one stick of RAM and it functioned properly. After booting into BIOS, I reset all settings and switched to another BIOS, which also cleared everything. However, now I encounter an error on one BIOS version that appears randomly as "F9" – it indicates the recovery capsule isn't found. When this happens, the system restarts, displays F9 again, shuts down, and then restarts repeatedly. This issue persists even after both BIOS versions are set to default and both RAM sticks are installed. The only solution I know is manually disconnecting the power supply for a short period, then reconnecting it and restarting the PC. It occurs consistently but not every time. Whenever it does, the F9 error appears. Any suggestions? Also, I'm currently using BIOS version F5.
gskill support:
The CPU and motherboard don't support XMP, the motherboard isn't listed in the G.Skill QVL for the memory kit, so XMP won't function as expected. AMD Ryzen needs manual adjustments to reach 2933+; you'll likely need to increase the host clock and possibly the SoC voltage to stabilize the CPU.
The most effective approach is to begin with DDR4-2800 and gradually increase the settings, ensuring you understand what each level requires before moving forward. This way, you can adjust more accurately instead of guessing which settings might work.
Is there a single stick that operated at 3200 C16? Or are you asking about its boot functionality? Which memory locations are present? They should be in the same color slots farthest from the CPU, usually slots two and four away from the processor. Update to the newest BIOS and test performance.
Sorry for the unclear details. I managed to install one stick and was able to post. I entered the BIOS and cleared everything. Right now, both sticks are functional, but even with the default BIOS settings, one of them (both were just updated) keeps showing an F9 error unless I power cycle the PSU and then restart the machine. It's quite unusual. The other BIOS works perfectly (though I still can't overclock it beyond the default 2133). Both are placed in slots farthest from the CPU, specifically slots 2 and 4. I plan to test Corsair memory today to determine if the issue lies with the memory or the board. I suspect that on a new memory unit of a different brand, the F9 code will persist, indicating a possibly defective motherboard.
Update! The TridentZ GTZR memory was perfectly fine. It matched G.Skill's instructions—just set the timings manually and ensure the voltage is at least 1.35v. I followed the provided timings and raised the voltage from the default 1.2v. After restarting 3 to 5 times (which is normal when OC'ing), it booted up with the changes applied. Simple! For reference: I'm using an Aurora Gaming 5 with BIOS F6.
Sorry for taking over your post. I was just browsing this kit about overclocking and ended up here. Since G.Skill was nearby, I thought it might be worth asking. But if I had started a thread myself, maybe I’d have gotten the same outcome?
gskill support :
The CPU and motherboard can’t handle XMP settings. The motherboard isn’t listed for the memory kit on G.Skill’s QVL, so XMP won’t function properly. AMD Ryzen needs manual adjustments to hit 2933+; you’ll likely have to boost the host clock and adjust the SoC voltage to keep the CPU stable.
The safest approach is to begin with DDR4-2800 and gradually increase the specifications, ensuring you understand what each stage requires before moving forward. This way, you can fine-tune rather than guessing which settings might work.
Could you check how the system performs with Intel? (For example, ASUS Z370-F Strix and i7 8700K?)
I’ve ordered a Corsair Vengeance 3466 CL 16 kit, which is about 100 SEK more than the Trident Z on Amazon UK. It’s currently in black, and I’m thinking of building a white version if needed. Returning it would let me order a slightly pricier model, but the RGB option from Corsair seems underwhelming compared to their price point, especially since they’re described as too cheap overall.
The Corsair kit is Samsung B-die, which is ideal for Ryzen and maximizes compatibility. However, it’s black and looks less appealing than the Trident Z. The Samsung B-die kits are generally more expensive—around 25% higher than the 3200 MHz CL16. I’m unsure how well they perform on Intel, but they’re expected to run at 3200 MHz. Could they be overclocked significantly, or would they underperform compared to the B-die options?
Shipping my RAM back and ordering a cheaper, non-B-die Trident Z would bring the total cost closer to what I currently have. While it might improve the appearance, I’d likely end up with inferior memory chips. It’s unclear if it’s worth the trade-off, but I’m weighing the pros and cons.
If Corsair had offered white heat-spreaders, that might have been enough. About a month ago, I was thinking about this kit for 1799 SEK (including shipping and Prime). The Corsair version was 2099, returning it would cost around 79 SEK. The white 3600 CL 18 Vengeance is 2199, and the B-die Trident Z are roughly 2500.
I don’t think you’re interested in getting a cheaper, B-die chip compared to the specs or images of your machine at different places. If something like that had been possible, it would have been much better. But if it could have been arranged, it would have made the experience even more pleasant ;D
Activate XMP Profile in BIOS which should handle all configurations. Also, ensure you have the most recent BIOS installed. There are no issues with Intel Z370, but there are restrictions for X370 and B350 AMD systems.