DRAM boot error (Q-LED yellow) ONLY after restarting in WIndows 11 Pro

[JLI_space]

My System won't POST after restarting from Windows 11 Pro, while shutdown/boot works normally. System is stable with or without XMP. Everything works fine, until I restart the system...
RAM was re-seated, tried with only a single DIMM, tried different RAM, nothing works.

Please help, otherwise all asus components will be returned asap. Thank you!

Found this similar issue (no solution): https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/ram-boot-error-only-after-restarting-from-windows-...

My System:
Windows 11 Pro
ASUS TUF Gaming B760M-PLUS WiFi II
i7-12700K (no OC, stock)
2x16GB CMK32GX5M2B6000Z30
GTX1070

[Nate152]

Hello JLI_space

Have you tried updating the bios?

I would try bios version 1646 or higher as it has improved DDR5 compatibility. Then test with default settings.

I have the 12700KF, mine is not capable of 6000MHz cl30.

I have 16GB (2x8GB) Kingston Fury Beast 6000MHz 40-40-40-80-2N and runs fine with XMP. With manual tuning, the best I can get with voltages I feel comfortable with is 6200MHz 36-36-36-40-2N. 

If it's still giving you trouble after the bios update, try relaxing the timings a little.

[JLI_space]

Hello Nate,

thanks for answering!
I've forgot to mention that I tried following BIOS versions:
Version 1630 2024/02/07

Version 1658 2024/05/31

Version 1663 2024/08/15
..with the exact same hardware configuration for XMP on (so 6000MHz) and XMP off which was 4800MHz by default. Even with XMP enabled windows is absolutely stable and all RAM-Tests were successful, just rebooting my machine causes the DRAM Q-LED to glow solid yellow.

I have this DDR5 Kit: CMK32GX5M2B6000Z30
..which is AMD Expo first, but also supports XMP. While it is not on the compatibility list, it works fine. I've already ordered a different kit just in case.

Currently I'm reinstalling windows (again), rebooting after each major change.. 

[Nate152]

At the Corsair site, it shows your memory kit is compatible with Intel 600 & 700 series motherboards.

Is your memory installed in the recommended slots A2-B2 (2nd & 4th slots from the cpu)?

Since your memory does work, I suspect it's not passing memory training with the Dram (yellow) LED lit up.

For testing purposes, here is what I'd try:

1) Shut down your pc and unplug the power supply cable.

2) Install one stick of memory in the A2 slot (2nd slot from the cpu).

3) Clear the cmos by shorting the two pins of the clear cmos header (CLRTC number 12) with a small screwdriver or something similar for 5-10 seconds. 

4) Boot up and try some restarts.

[JLI_space · Accepted solution]

@Nate152 It's installed in A2/B2 already, I've tried both of the sticks separately with the same outcome.

I'm currently suspecting either Armory Crate or OpenRGB to be the culprit. Thanks @Rawandouz !
I reinstalled Windows 11 (Pro) while making sure that the Armory Crate Auto-install setting is disabled in BIOS. After installing all recommended drivers for my board plus some utilities like Fan-Control/HWInfo, windows does shutdown AND restart correctly! Even better, the memory-training time is so short, that you can barely see the yellow light when booting/rebooting.
I'll continue installing everything (except Armory Crate as it's just unusable bloatware, lol.) while documenting the restart behaviour.

If anyone is facing a similar issue, try uninstalling said programs which may or may not interfere with your RAM when restarting.

[Nate152]

This is sounding good.

I never had an issue like that with Armoury Crate, so maybe it was something else with windows causing the hang with restarts.

If you have ROG devices, I would recommend installing Armoury Crate to keep your devices up to date.