Problems with 4 sticks of RAM DDR 5 (128GB) BSOD or QCode 31 loop

[xlar8or]

Hello, i have a Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Hero and i've been using 2 sticks of GSkill Trident Z DDR 5 6000 MHZ CL 32 (F5-6000J3238G32GX2-TZ5K) totalling 64 GB without a hitch. Due to the nature of my job i reached the conclusion i needed more RAM, so i bought another set of 2 sticks with the exact same specs. When i started the pc after installing the new sticks i got stuck for a while in QCode 31, which eventually would move on to another but it would loop back to it and never boot. After a few tries i got it to enter windows with a BSOD or apps closing automatically. I tried lowering the frequency to 4400 MHZ but most of the time i still can't boot due to the QCode 31 loop. Any ideas on what's causing this and how to fix it? Thank you.

[JohnAb]

4 sticks are always tricky and especially if all 4 sticks don't come from the same kit i.e. a kit of 4 matched sticks.  You could try increasing voltages  - there are many threads about RAM stability on this forum, but you would probably be better returning those new sticks if you can and buying a complete kit. Also, people do get success with 4 sticks but you might have to lower your RAM speed. From what I've read, you might better off with 2 x 24GB sticks if 48GB is going to be enough. 

There are many people here that have experience with 128GB (I have only ever used 2 x 16GB)  and hopefully somebody more knowledgeable than me can give you some more advice. 

[xlar8or]

Thank you for the reply, these 4 sticks are all exact matches, the only difference is that one pair is from january and the other is from july. I just find it weird that i have the QCode 31 loop sometimes and others i enter windows. i would thought that it would only be windows stability problems.

[JohnAb]

I meant that they should come from the same batch, 4 sticks all in the same box. If you can't return them, see if you can lower the RAM speed to get full stability as well. Good luck. 

[xlar8or]

Ah ok, didn't it made that big of a difference not being from the same batch, talk about picky haha I can't returns the ones from January, but i have 30 days to return the ones i just bought and stay with 64 GB. I'll see if i can find a solution or someone here can suggest a solution, worst case i'll return them. Thanks 🙂

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @xlar8or,

The reality is it doesn't make much of any difference whether they're from the same batch. The kits are binned in the density in which they are sold. Mixing is not recommended by the board or memory vendor. When we combine memory kits, regardless if they are the same part number or not, the guardband for which the memory vendor has made assurances for compatibility is no longer valid.

If you think about it, the vendor has obviously taken the time to assort the modules and bin them in a particular configuration. If they're not testing to see if the modules are able to maintain stability when combined with a further 2 modules at the kit frequency, timings and voltage - how can they make any assurances it will work without manual adjustments to these parameters? Moreover, the platform may not even be capable of running the kit frequency at that density due to hardware limitations.

Always best to opt for a single kit on the QVL for the configuration you require if looking for plug-and-play.

[xlar8or]

So you recommend returning this kit and keep the 64GB and eventually upgrade it to 2x64 when we have those?

[Silent_Scone]

Go with whatever single kit you feel would suit your needs. Can't speak for unreleased/non-existent IC / kits 🙂

[xlar8or]

Btw what is the maximum voltage can i bring my memories safely? They default to 1.4v and do 6000mhz. Is 1.5v still safe?

[Silent_Scone]

1.5v is fine assuming you’re able to cool it. Due to the power management now residing on the modules, the temperatures can rise beyond 50c which can impede overclocking.