Dear ASUS Community/Support,
I'm experiencing a critical stability issue with my new ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI build and desperately need assistance. The system posts successfully and enters BIOS without issues, but cannot boot any operating system or diagnostic tool.
System Specifications:
· Motherboard: ASUS ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI (BIOS version: 1803, updated via USB FlashBack from 1203)
· CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (16-core)
· RAM: 2x48GB Acer Predator DDR5 (48GB modules, 5600MHz base, EXPO 6000MHz profile)
· GPU: PowerColor AMD Radeon 7900xtx
· Storage: Lexar Gen5 SSD (installed in M.2_1 slot)
· PSU: Corsair 1000W
· Case: Fractal Design North
Issue Description:
1. System successfully posts - BIOS recognizes all components (CPU, 96GB RAM, SSD, GPU)
2. CANNOT boot ANY live media or operating system:
· Windows 11 USB installer freezes immediately when selecting boot partition
· MemTest86+ USB fails to load (doesn't even start the test)
· Ubuntu Live USB fails to boot
· No BSODs or error messages - complete freeze/hang
3. System is stable in BIOS/UEFI - can navigate all menus without issues
Troubleshooting Already Performed:
1. BIOS/Configuration:
· Updated BIOS from 1203 → 1803 via USB FlashBack (following manual instructions)
· Multiple CMOS clears (button and battery removal) and use of the cmos reset button as well
· Loaded Optimized Defaults after BIOS update
· Tried with EXPO disabled (RAM at JEDEC 4800MHz)
· Manually configured:
· DRAM Voltage: 1.25V @ 4800MHz
· VSOC: 1.25V
· VDDIO/MC: 1.35V
· VDDP: 0.950V
· Power Down Enable: Disabled
· Memory Context Restore: Disabled
· UCLK DIV1 Mode: UCLK = MEMCLK
· Tried forcing PCIe 4.0 instead of 5.0 for GPU and M.2 slots
2. Hardware Testing:
· Tested each 48GB RAM module individually in slot A2 (both modules work solo)
· Tried different RAM slots (A2, B2 individually and together)
· Removed SSD entirely (booted from USB only)
· Verified GPU is properly seated in PCIEX16(G5)_1 slot
· Confirmed all power connections (24-pin ATX, dual 8-pin CPU, GPU power)
· Monitor connected to motherboard (tried to exclude a GPU incompatibility first, video showing in both gpu and motherboard integrated HDMi port
3. Component Verification:
· Windows USB created with Microsoft Media Creation Tool (verified working on another PC)
· MemTest86+ USB created with official tool (verified on another PC)
· All components brand new
· RAM not on QVL but system recognizes 96GB in BIOS
Current Status:
· BIOS 1804, Optimized Defaults loaded
· EXPO disabled (RAM running at 4800MHz JEDEC)
· Still cannot boot ANY live media or installer
· System freezes at initial boot loader stage for all media
Critical Observations:
1. The fact that the system POSTs and shows 96GB RAM suggests the hardware is fundamentally working
2. The failure occurs at the boot loader stage, before any OS/driver loading
3. Single RAM modules work individually (system can POST with either module in A2) but no windows or Ubuntu or memtest loading past the bios
4. Issue persists even with minimal configuration (no SSD, default BIOS settings)
Questions for the Community:
1. Are there known issues with 48GB DDR5 modules on this motherboard?
2. Are there specific BIOS settings required for high-density (48GB) DDR5 modules?
3. Could this be a CPU memory controller issue with the Ryzen 9 9950X?
4. Are there additional voltage/timing adjustments needed for 2x48GB configurations?
5. Has anyone successfully run 96GB (2x48GB) on ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI?
System Logs/Error Codes:
· Q-LED sequence: CPU (red) → DRAM (yellow) → VGA (white) → BOOT (green) [all pass, then freeze]
· No error codes displayed
· No beep codes (no system speaker)
Additional Information:
· The Ryzen 9 9950X has NO integrated graphics (dedicated GPU required and installed)
· Using the latest BIOS available (1804 as of this post)
· Fractal Design North case provides adequate cooling
· All fans spin, RGB lights work
I'm at a complete loss after days of troubleshooting. The system seems fundamentally sound but refuses to boot anything beyond BIOS. Any guidance would be immensely appreciated.
