You have half your RAM available, and it operates in single-channel mode.
You have half your RAM available, and it operates in single-channel mode.
I was experiencing minor performance problems, like occasional freezes while playing games. My system could only use 7.93GB out of the 16GB available. After trying various fixes for hours, nothing resolved the issue. I opened the BIOS and noticed both my memory sticks were detected, but single-channel mode was active—something that hadn’t been set before. I reviewed the QVL list after upgrading my CPU a few months prior to check if my RAM was no longer compatible with the new processor. I wasn’t able to locate my existing kit, so I purchased a new one that supports it, but the same problems persisted. Each stick appears as 8GB, even though hardware isn’t reserved. The issue only occurs when both modules are installed. Here’s what I have: Ryzen 5 2600 Asrock Fatal1ty ab350 gaming-itx/ac Old RAM kit: g.skill ripjaws 2x8GB 3000MHz New RAM kit: g.skill tridentz rgb 2x8GB 3200MHz AMD RX580 8GB Corsair cx650 Sorry, the format isn’t great—I’m writing this from mobile.
Is your memory setup correct? Check the motherboard guide; usually it needs a -X-X or X-X- layout, and placing sticks side by side (--XX) may lead to issues.
Remove both sticks, place them back in—this should resolve the issue. If not, reset the CMOS for 30 seconds and attempt again.
This problem appears to be much more frequent than expected. Only AMD machines seem to be impacted, and I've noticed several similar threads recently. It probably stems from the motherboard RAM training issue. What's going on with AMD?
They're mostly using Channel A boards, but I'm not sure if it's IMC or the main board.
I believe Channel A might be the only one working for me. Both modules start up smoothly in A1, but they fail to boot in B1. I’m unsure if B1 is faulty or if the motherboard restricts booting to just one module when it’s in A1. I tried looking through the manual, but it didn’t provide a clear solution.
Right. It should only use dual channels when using slots A2 and B2 or 2nd and 4th. If that’s your setup, the next step in the diag would be test another CPU to see if the problem lies with the motherboard or the processor. It’s frustrating without extra hardware. Ask a friend or neighbor. The Ryzen Athlon 200ge is actually quite affordable.
I own a mini-itx board so avoid A2 or B2. I suspect the motherboard is the problem because this board seems low quality—already had two returns for replacement. My CPU hasn’t moved out of its socket since installation, so bent pins are unlikely. It’s possible the CPU is faulty, but since the same board was returned twice and I received the original in 2018, the issue probably lies with the motherboard.