DIMM Slot B1 & B2 stopped working - B650E-E

[Eliyon]

Servus Leute,

i've been troubleshooting RAM-related issues since last monday and have arrived at a dead end. I haven't changed anything hardware related before this started. I've been using this PC for the past 6 months without any major issues but started getting abrupt crashes and BSOD's last week. It started with Driver_overran_stack_buffer, kernel_security_check_error, and lots of Q-Code's related to RAM. Mostly C5 but at the beginning 92 and permanent 15 aswell. None of the BSOD's created a minidump, always stuck on 0% and had to force a shutdown.

Last week was spend with some troubleshooting: updated my BIOS, Drivers, deleted new software and some commonly stated troublemakers like Armoury Crate and Ryzen Master, EXPO on/off, tried memtest86 for ~2 hours with zero issues. Decided to buy some new RAM just in case one of the sticks died.

Playing around with RAM configurations, no EXPO, cleared CMOS i've figured out that any combination of B1 and B2 are giving me the C5 error. A1 boots, A1+2 boots, A2+B2 gives C5, only B2 and B1+2 also C5's, A1+2+B1+2 shows Q-Code 15 for ~10secs then C5. Every stick of RAM works if they're in A1+2. Right now the PC is stable when im using the A channels but was constantly crashing at the beginning of these issues while i was using A2+B2 with Expo I, and now doesn't boot at all when using either of channel B.Reading up online points me towards and issue with the MOBO or the CPU, neither are cheap to replace atm.

Which is why i'd love to know if there's any way of being absolutely sure, given the symptoms going from nothing -> frequent crashes -> dead DIMM B.

I've played around with my cooler a bit (loosened, tightened), haven't re-seated the CPU yet. While checking out the board i saw some black stains near B2, not really sure what's up with that, i'll try to include a pic. I don't want to leave it like this and just use A1+2 but i also don't really want to play more roulette with a new CPU/Board. I'd greatly appreciate any input and advice.

Current Specs:

Mobo: ROG STRIX B650E-E GAMING WIFI BIOS 3067

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

GPU: Radeon 7900 XTX - Version 24.12.1

RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB DD5 - 6000MHz - 2x 16GB (tried 4x16GB while troubleshooting)

OS: Windows 10 Home Version 10.0.19045 Build 19045

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Eliyon 
I would first highly recommend reseating the CPU and inspecting the pin-pad and socket before spending much more time on this

[Eliyon]

Just reseated my CPU but no luck. Pins look fine i guess? Don't have anything to magnify at home. Tried A2+B2 and all four at once but both configurations result in a C5. A1+A2 boots with zero issues.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @Eliyon 

Based on your description, could you confirm if the Q-code C5 persists and prevents the system from passing POST even when overclocking is not enabled and the memory modules are installed in the recommended DIMM_A2 and B2 slots?
Additionally, may I ask which BIOS version you are currently using? If you update to the latest version, 3067 or 3207, and clearing CMOS, does the issue persist?
After consulting the relevant team, we reviewed the images you provided and did not observe any visible damage or burn marks on the DIMM slots. However, we are unable to determine the nature of the stain based on the image alone.
If you have already tested with a QVL-listed memory module, installed it in the recommended slots, and attempted to boot with default BIOS settings but the issue persists, we recommend evaluating whether it is necessary to contact your reseller to arrange a repair.
If needed, you may also reach out to the ASUS customer service team in your region for further assistance.

Thank you.

[Eliyon]

Hello @Jiaszzz_ROG 

Yes, even at base speed without EXPO and cleared CMOS it gets stuck with C5. During the troubleshooting i updated my BIOS to 3067, which is the latest stable version i could find. The RAM is listed as compatible under the QVL List.

Probably gonna order a second board eventually and see if i can RMA this one.