Problems with ASUS ROG X870E hero

[maxxbox]

I bought a new system. Until now, I had always used Intel, but I've now switched to AMD and never had any problems with motherboards before...except now:
The system:

Asus Rog Crosshair X870e Hero
Corsair Vengeance 2 x 32GB, 6000 MHz, DDR5-RAM
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G
2×Samsung 9100 PRO4000 GB, M.2 2280
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 - G95NC

Shortly after I start my games, they begin to lag significantly, although the temperature is normal. Even if I reduce the resolution completely, it starts after a few seconds.
What I have already tried:
-Set PCIe from V5 to V4
-My RAM was not automatically recognized, even though it is approved for the board; I had to set the memory manually in the BIOS
-Updated the BIOS
-Uninstalled and reinstalled the AMD chip driver with Revo
-Reinstalled Windows 11
-BIOS Expo on/off

I then tried installing the RTX5080 in my old Intel computer, where there were no stuttering issues, then I installed my old RTX2080 in the new AMD computer, where I had exactly the same stuttering issues.

I'm slowly reaching my limits. I don't know if it's the RAM, the motherboard, or a crappy hook somewhere in the BIOS. I've now ordered an MSI X870e and other RAM. If it still doesn't work, I'll get rid of the AMD and go back to Intel. It's frustrating.

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @maxxbox,

are you able to record the stuttering? Does it occur in canned benchmarks such as Futuremark tests?

Have you tried at Optimised Defaults (no memory overclocking DOCP/EXPO)

Please also list the memory kit part number

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hi @maxxbox 

Thank you for reaching out to us. 

We recommend installing BIOS and driver versions that come directly from the device manufacturer's official support page, as these are verified for compatibility and stability. For example, we suggest using the Chipset Driver provided on the ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO support page rather than the one from AMD.

Based on your description, could you please help confirm the following details:
- What is the full memory part number (e.g., CMK64GX5M2B6000Z30W (Ver 5.43.01)) and which two DIMM slots are the modules installed in?

- What are the driver version and VBIOS version of your Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G? Which slot is it installed in, and are you using any riser cable or adapter?
Please make sure to use the driver provided by the GPU manufacturer’s official website, not NVIDIA’s generic version.
- When removing all discrete GPUs and using the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for DP/ HDMI output, does the stuttering in games still occur?
During the above tests, please disconnect unnecessary peripherals and Clear CMOS before entering the system with default BIOS settings, including with all power adjustments or EXPO profiles disabled.

Thank you.

[maxxbox]

After some trial and error, I was able to narrow down the problem. Apparently, there is a stability issue with the connections between the M2 sockets.
I have two 4TB Samsung 9100pro SSDs.
SSD 1 (C:,D:) is connected to M2_1, has Win11pro, and is partitioned into C: 1TB with Win and D:3TB with data.

SSD 2 (E:) is connected to M2_4 or M2_5, I don't remember exactly, and this drive is unpartitioned.

When I install Steam on C: and install Steam games on C: or D:, there is no lag, but only when I restart the computer.

Steam has a feature that allows it to move games to disks without loss.
If I now move the games from SSD 1(C:or 😧 ) to SSD2 (E:) AND restart the computer, the stuttering of games is enormous, actually unplayable. If i switch back, all is ok.

I checked both SSD disks with software, everything is fine, so it can only be due to instabilities within the M2 connections.

What I haven't checked is the connection between M2_2 and M2_3 to M2_1.

The games I used were Ready or Not and Helldivers with steam.

I'm getting an ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 HERO with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in the next few days and will run the tests again. If I don't have any problems, I'll stick with Intel again.
Solving AMD problems is just a waste of time for me, as Intel has always been foolproof. I have updated all drivers in the BIOS and everywhere else. Please look for the problem on your end and not on the user error side. Best regards

[Silent_Scone]

For the record, I'm using M.2_1 and M.2_4 and 5 on the X870 Hero and don't experience this issue. I have Steam libraries on both M.2_4 and M.2_5 drives, although the driver models differ, I have no stuttering issues. Let us know how you get on with the replacement.

[maxxbox]

So, I may have figured out the problem: one of the three new Samsung 9100 Pro SSDs was apparently defective.
Unfortunately, the SSD wasn't so defective that it no longer worked or that an error could be found via software.
It seems to be a random error, possibly in the controller chip on the SSD.

Right at the beginning, when I first set up the PC, the defective SSD also disappeared from my hard drive overview, and it wasn't replaced until the following day. I thought the system was just experiencing a “hiccup.”
After numerous tests, I stumbled upon the “Performance Optimization” tab in Samsung Magican by chance.
I had three identical SSDs, but I couldn't set the defective one to “Full Performance Mode.”
Strangely enough, there were no error messages anywhere.

I have now sent the defective drive in and will see if the system finally works correctly after the SSD replacement. This means I don't have to switch to Intel, so I apologize to AMD fans 🙂

[maxxbox]

[hoangyfrank]

You using the new nvme that is for pcie 5.0 x4 mode, slot 1, 2, and 3 supports this. 4 and 5 supports 4.0 x4 mode.

[Magnum_P_I_]

Hi, I also use the X870E Hero in combination with M.2s. So far I am running Win 11 Pro (C:)on a Acer Predator 2TB M.2 in M.2_3 socket. I tested the PC for 1 week and al was running good. I added 3 days ago another Acer 4TB (D:) which is installed on the M.2_1 socket where I installed Steam and my game on and now the PC lags every 30 to 40 seconds for about 2 seconds even without any usage like gaming or surfing on the web or watching YouTube. Strangely the lagging disappears when I verify my installed Steam games or when I runn chkdsk in the "D". With what tool did you test your M.2 drives?

[maxxbox]

I used the Userbenchmark program and paid a 10€ annual fee so I wouldn't have to wait in line. Unfortunately, I couldn't pinpoint the error with 3D Mark, Cinebench, or even Crystal Disk Mark, which is specifically for SSDs. The Userbenchmark tests also show that only the 4k and DQ measurements did not work; otherwise, the SSD worked and “hid” the actual errors.

https://www.userbenchmark.com/resources/download/UserBenchmarkInstaller.exe