since 0x129 microcode BIOS update: not stable with XMPII RAM profiles (PRIME95)

[Gurgeh]

This is more for general community awareness rather than engaging in fault finding but:

Since applying 0x129 microcode BIOS update 2503 08/08/2024) for ROG Z790E Gaming WiFi (1st edition) with intel 13900K Then with all loaded optimised defaults + XMPII profile (Corsair CMH32GX5M2B6400C36 , 2x16GB sticks) , PRIME 95 blend tests fails very easily/quickly. NB: It has been about a year since I last ran these, but I was thorough back then.

All defaults (no XMP) seems stable running for about 20mins far.

Comments welcome. Speculation welcome. Fix suggestions welcome also (I've not got a clue how to approach RAM config timing issues, however, I may not be doing any testing any time soon)

I'm happy to provide more info and answers questions as and when I can though.

[LukeJoseph]

There is still a chance that it is CPU instability. 6400 should be very very easy on 16x2 with just about any Z790 and a 13900K. I would set prime95 aside for now. Do this. Download Benchmate and run CB15 Extreme 5-10 times on stock settings. Cinebench is not a stability test, but if you have a hint of instability this is going to turn it up pretty quick. Look for WHEA errors.

Then turn on XMP and try again.

Also try y-cruncher 2.5b. This is also in Benchmate, I believe they still have a 7.x and 8.x version, just use the latest. A pop up will open with a drop down menu to select 2.5b. Run this about 5 times as well.

[TIGGO]

I updated the BIOS and used Intel Default with XMP II enabled. My computer started randomly shutting off. I had to turn off the PSU to reboot. After reading this I went into the BIOS and set it to XMP I, so far it's has been fine. Interestingly the shut offs happened just from reading emails. Not gaming. So is this new BIOS Beta update not able to support XMP for the DRAM? Anyone else able to use XMP without issues?

[csimon]

For me, I only had the issue on bios 2301 and no other bios at all. I ran xmp I until the next bios came out and went right back to running xmp II.

[TIGGO]

Just spontaneously rebooted again with XMP I set in BIOS 2503. Changed it to Auto. Will see how it goes. Never happened like this before. May roll back BIOS if it happens again. I have the ASUS ROG z790 Hero MB and a I9-14900KF with Corsiar DD5 6600 ram. This sucks.

[JGdaCaesar]

I have the z790-e too with a 1400k. I am also having the same issue with XMP for me both profiles cause random crashes and BSODs. If i enabled XMP and run cinnabench it will freak out and crash. As soon as I turn off XMP no more crashes. Even fallout 4 would randomly crash with XMP on.

[csimon]

What are your ram specs and quantity? Have you tested in memtest86? 

[TIGGO]

CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6600MHz CL32 Intel XMP.

No, I haven't tested it because it has been running fine for 5 months prior to the BIOS update.

[JGdaCaesar]

64 gb of G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series (Intel XMP 3.0) DDR5 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) 6400MT/s CL32-39-39-102 1.40V Desktop Computer Memory UDIMM - Matte Black (F5-6400J3239G16GA2-TZ5RK)

[csimon]

I would suggest memtest86. If all 4 sticks don’t pass try sets of 2. Also, consider flashing back if that worked well for you.

[TIGGO]

Thanks for confirming the problem. I have it on Auto now and going to try it in Delta Force. If it dies then I'm going to roll back the BIOS.