Can't run my RAM at XMP settings

[Tondar]

Hello,

My system is:

Asus Maximus VII Hero
Intel 4790K
Geil Evo Potenza 16GB (2x8GB) 2400 11-13-13-30-2

My problem is that as soon as i set the XMP profile for my RAM in the bios and reset, i get stuck in a boot loop. meaning the PC turns on and then turns off after a few seconds and repeats that forever. but if i change my RAM timings to lower speeds like 2133 it boots and runs fine. i've tried setting the timings manually in the bios myself but i just can't get it to run at 2400. I can't even use Ai Suite 3's auto tuning as the first thing it does is setting the XMP profile for the RAM and it causes the endless boot loop. i've also tried with and without any overclocking of the CPU but the result was the same.

So i'm wondering whether the problem is with the RAM or maybe the CPU's controller? or maybe i'm doing something wrong? is there any chance the problem will be fixed in future bios updates?

[Nate152]

Hello Tondar, Welcome to the ROG forum.

You wonder correctly, it is either the ram or the cpu's IMC. (Integrated memory Controller)

I see your ram kit is designed for the latest z87 mother boards. You have a z97 mother board. Not sure if this could be an issue or not.

The timings for your kit seem fairly loose for 2400MHz so it seems like it should work, but since it isn't working try raising the VCCSA voltage to 1.20v then try setting XMP. If you can't get it to go at 2400MHz you can settle for a lower speed and see if you can lower the timings a bit or I would recommend you a G.Skill Trident X kit.

[CND_MIGHTY_MOOS]

Try what Nate152 said.... hope it fires for you without the boot loop.

If that does not work....try manual entry for the ram timings.......in other words no xmp. However enter the timings manually and the voltage req.
From your timings of 11-13-13-30-2 are loose for 2400Mhz but what volts ???????
If you have a crummy IMC then you will hit a wall, start lower and then increase Mhz and timings.


Also have you tested the ram for errors?

Here is the site for downloading ramtest
http://www.memtest86.com/
Get which suits your needs, always good to know its not a bad stick.
If all passes then lessen the Mhz....see if you can get stable for one.

Hope you sort it.

[Tondar]

Thanks for your replies.

I've tried:

- Setting the system agent voltage offset to 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.35
- Setting the analog and digital I/O voltage offsets to 0.15, 0.20
- Setting the RAM voltage to 1.65 and 1.7 manually
- Entering all the timings manually
- Testing my RAM with memtest86 and there were no errors

I've been messing up with my speed and timings and the best i can get is:

2200 Mhz | 10-11-11-30-1



Also something i noticed in AIDA64, it lists the memory controller voltage needed for the XMP profile as 1.4v. isn't it too high?

[Chino]

How many passes of Memtest86+ did you run?

[Tondar]

1...
got bored after the first pass. it takes too long >.<

[Chino]

Memtest86+ does take a while to complete but it's one of the best way to see if your RAM is defective.

What you need to do is clear your CMOS. Run Memtest86+ on each stick individually. See if any errors show up. Then report back your results.

[Tondar]

I tried half a pass of memtest86+ again but i gave up on it as i thought it's not a problem with the memory and it seems i was correct.

I'm running my RAM at its XMP profile right now without any problems and i fixed my problem in an interesting and weird way.



I had an old AMD 4850HD GPU installed and it was running hot around 80 degrees. and since the difference in performance between it and the IGP of the CPU (4600HD) isn't much, i decided to remove it and use the 4600HD instead. what i noticed after that was around 7 degrees temperature drop in the motherboard as well as the CPU. Another interesting effect it had is that now i can run my RAM at XMP without any problems!

I don't know if the 4600HD and the IMC are linked together in such a way that using 4600HD allows for better memory speeds or not but this is what solved my problem. i don't think it's the CPU temps because i tried OCing my CPU to speeds that raised the temps to levels more than before and still i could run my RAM at XMP timings. the motherboard temperature is lower than before but i'm not sure if that's the cause either.

So my suggestion to anyone else that can't run their RAM at XMP timings is to remove their GPU card and try booting with the integrated graphics of the processor and try setting XMP for their RAM then to see if it works. if it does, the RAM sticks are good and they need to use a better and cooler GPU card.

[Nate152]

That does seem strange that xmp works without your old gpu installed and doesn't with it installed. A big hi-5 for finding the problem. With your new build, I do believe it is time to upgrade your gpu.