Should I RMA? - ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4

[imthecleanup]

Hey guys, I have recently been having trouble with the RAM for my computer. One after another modules stopped working. I originally had a 4x8 configuration, then 3x8, 2x8, 1x8... Recently I got a new kit of ram, 2x16 @ 3600Mhz XMP. I installed the ram into the A2 and B2 slots, it boot looped for a while but eventually I got into the BIOS and enabled XMP, then it rebooted and nothing happened, just the DRAM light on and no boot loop.

I kept trying different slots and eventually I got the memory to work in slots B1 and B2 and enabled XMP. It works but now the memory is running in single-channel.

Should I RMA this board? I had modified it a little by cutting a plastic piece off to get my air cooler to fit so I am not even sure if it would be accepted.

[JohnAb]

It could be the board, true, but before returning it, I would also check that:

1. There is no dirt or debris in the CPU socket

2. The cooler is not overtightened

3. There is no damage to the motherboard traces under the cooler mounting posts

4. Some people have had success with pressure plates to better spread the pressure on the CPU. 

The problem could also be a faulty CPU or RAM, so if you can, try swapping out parts to eliminate problems. That's not a job that many of us can do, but it's the best way to find the issue. I hope you make some progress...

[imthecleanup]

I am using a contact frame instead of the stock retention bracket, I've been having ram problems on this board since I got it almost 2 years ago.

It just doesn't make any sense why it will run in B1 and B2 and not A2 and B2

[JohnAb]

A2/B2 are the recommended sockets, so yes, does seem strange. I don't have any other suggestions than the ones I mentioned, unless a little more RAM voltage will help. There are plenty of guides if you want to give that a try. You should also try updating all of your drivers and ME/BIOS etc if you haven't done so. 

[Silent_Scone]

Hi there,

Because single channel is easier for the CPU memory controller to run than dual.

Can you please specify which memory kit? Please include the part number.

[imthecleanup]

G.SKILL DDR4-3600 16GBx2 CL 16-19-19-39 @ 1.35V -- F4-3600C16D-32GVKC

12700K

be quiet! Dark Power 12 850W

[Silent_Scone]

At the risk of seeming like a broken record, that kit is not present on the QVL. If you can, return it and purchase one validated here: ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4 | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global (asus.com)

[imthecleanup]

After removing the heatsink, I undid the screws on the contact plate, wiggled the cpu a bit, then screwed the contact plate back down, tightening until I could no longer use my fingers to torque it down rather than my wrist. I did the same amount of torque for the heatsink and the system fired right up with the ram in the A2 B2 slots, I as well enabled XMP and it's stable.

I also had removed the cmos battery rather than using the reset cmos button on the IO.

[Silent_Scone]

Over torquing contact frames is easily done without a torque driver. The TG frame it’s recommended to finger tip tighten and then an additional 90 degrees. Glad you were able to resolve