RAM unstable with XMP profile

[casstoner27]

Hello. 

 

I built a new PC a month ago. In a few last days I experienced some BSOD (once or twice per day I would say) when PC mostly on idle. In stress I didn't notice any issues, no performance drops, nothing. So I started to investigate and now I know I have an issue associated with RAM. I have 4 sticks (4x16GB) HyperX Predator 3600 MHz CL17 - code HX436C17PB3K4/64

 

These are my MemTest86 results:

- XMP Profile 1 (3600MHZ) - thousands of errors, test stopped by MemTest

- Manual 3466MHz + 1.40V DRAM - found 4 errors, test finished

- Manual 3200MHz + 1.40V DRAM - 0 errors

- XMP Profile 2 (3000MHz) - 0 errors

 

Windows Memory Diagnostic found errors in exactly same situations as MemTest.

 

So I would say there is confirmed consenquences with frequencies. 

 

When only 2 sticks are in PC, 3600MHz is not an issue, no errors (tested both pairs, all 4 slots on motherboard also). Errors are here only when all 4 sticks are running at those high frequencies.

 

What do you think about this? I think my system just can't handle 4 sticks of those Dual Rank memory at this frequency. Only thing I have tried I turned off XMP profile and set 3600 MHz manually and set 1.40V DRAM instead of 1.35V which is automatic for both XMP profiles. No change. I don't know about any other values (mean I don't know what are they mean and which values are safe), so I let them set on "Auto". Can I set anything else manually to achieve stability with higher frequency? I felt comfortable only with DRAM voltage increase.

 

I am also using Intel XTU for monitoring and CPU stress tests. There are also settings for RAM. Should I keep using XTU? Will XTU values overwrite BIOS values? I am not planning to overclock CPU, so I can simply uninstall XTU. I am just amateur with this stuff, so I am trying to understand how does it work. 

 

Yesterday after last BSOD I run sfc /scannow, it found something corrupt and it was successfullly repaired. Since then no BSOD. Also BIOS updated to latest version, chipset updated (BIOS and chipset did not make any changes)

 

So I am ready that I keep running the memory on lower frequency. I am only trying to get some knowledge and if you can provide me some tips, I can try. If I achieve some good results - great. If not - no problem  The only issue are those random BSOD, otherwise I was able to play The Division 2 for a few hours without any issue at 3600MHz. Then PC crashed when I was trying to play a Youtube video...

 

Now I am running 3000MHz 1.40V - 17 hours Up time and no BSOD. 

 

All components:

CPU: Intel Core i9-9900KF

RAM: 4x 16 GB HyperX Predator CL17

MB: MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus

GPU: ASUS TUF RTX 3080 10G

SSD: 2x 500 GB Samsung 970 Evo (no raid or something)

PSU: Corsair RM850 (850W)

CPU Cooling: Scythe Ninja 5

 

Thank you for all answers 

[Eighjan]

17 minutes ago, casstoner27 said:

HX436C17PB3K4/64

With that kit of RAM fully installed, what XMP options do you get, in the BIOS?

 

Not to worry; if the 3600, CL17 is unstable, you may need to RMA the RAM.

[casstoner27]

1 minute ago, Eighjan said:

With that kit of RAM fully installed, what XMP options do you get, in the BIOS?

In BIOS I can see 2 profiles

 

XMP 1: 3600MHz 17-19-19 1.35V

XMP 2: 3000MHz 15-17-17 1.35V

[Eighjan]

21 minutes ago, casstoner27 said:

In BIOS I can see 2 profiles

 

XMP 1: 3600MHz 17-19-19 1.35V

XMP 2: 3000MHz 15-17-17 1.35V

Hmmm.
As a "sanity check" those four modules should have consecutive serial numbers; if not then that kit has been "interfered with".

3600/17 should be stable... I'd RMA the kit, to be honest - two 32GB modules may be more stable, too, if you 'need' 64GB RAM.

 

Here's a few examples; the location you're in can be changed in the upper right corner, to get local pricing.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/products/memory/#Z=65536002&S=3600&sort=price&R=5&page=1

Edited June 11, 2021 by Eighjan

[LIGISTX]

Test each stick one at a time with XMP enabled. If they all work, it’s not the RAM, but the CPU. Remember, XMP is an overclock, and the IMC (integrated memory controller) is not guaranteed to run them at those speeds. 99% of CPU’s can, but you may be the unlucky person who’s can’t.

 

Test each stick, if they all pass, the CPU just can’t handle it. May be able to play with system agent voltage, and/or IO voltage in bios to gain stability. 

[casstoner27]

36 minutes ago, LIGISTX said:

Test each stick one at a time with XMP enabled. If they all work, it’s not the RAM, but the CPU. Remember, XMP is an overclock, and the IMC (integrated memory controller) is not guaranteed to run them at those speeds. 99% of CPU’s can, but you may be the unlucky person who’s can’t.

 

Test each stick, if they all pass, the CPU just can’t handle it. May be able to play with system agent voltage, and/or IO voltage in bios to gain stability. 

I have SA and IO voltage to 1.2V. What I should set? 1.25 or 1.30?

[LIGISTX]

9 hours ago, casstoner27 said:

I have SA and IO voltage to 1.2V. What I should set? 1.25 or 1.30?

It sorta just depends. Higher doesn't always equal more stable. maybe try 1.25 on both, and go from there.