PC Doesn't Allow to Change RAM Profiles, Can't Access to BIOS

[kaptangenzosan]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me troubleshoot a weird issue I'm having with my RAM on my gaming/virtualization PC.

TLDR: My PC, which was running 128GB of RAM at 4800 MHz (DOCP1), now refuses to boot with any DOCP profile enabled. After a boot failure with a DOCP profile, the system doesn't automatically go back to the BIOS; it just stays at a black screen with an orange DRAM light, requiring a CMOS reset. Currently, I can only boot at the default 3600 MHz. This issue started suddenly without any BIOS updates or hardware changes. I was using this PC stable with 4800 MHz. I have tested PC, it runs fine with 3600 MHz for last 24 hours.

My setup:

• Motherboard: Asus B650 TUF Gaming (Latest BIOS: 3222)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• RAM: 2 X G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64GB (2x32GB) 5600 MHz CL28 (F5-5600J2834F32GX2-TZ5RK DDR5)
• I have 4 RAM slots populated with a total of 128GB (mistake on my part for 4 slots, I know, but it was running fine with 4800 Mhz).

Previously, I had all 128GB running stable at 4800 MHz using DOCP1. This speed was perfectly acceptable for my usage (80% virtualization, 20% gaming).

Two days ago, after playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and shutting down my PC, I tried to boot it up again about two hours later. However, the PC got stuck at boot with a solid orange DRAM light on the motherboard. I have waited for 30 minutes, PC stucked at black screen

Here's what I've tried:

• Waited for 30 minutes - black screen, orange light persisted.
• Performed a BIOS reset (removed CMOS battery). After this, the RAM was running at the default 3600 MHz.
• Tried enabling DOCP1 again - no boot, same orange light. Waited 30 minutes, can't access to BIOS, BIOS reset.
• Performed another BIOS reset and tried DOCP2 - same result, no boot, can't access to BIOS, BIOS reset.
• Tried "DOCP Tweaked" after a reset - same issue, can't access to BIOS, BIOS reset.
• I've even gone as far as disconnecting all components (RAM, drives, etc.) and testing with minimal configurations, but the problem persists when trying to enable any DOCP profile.
• I also uninstalled Armoury Crate, but that didn't change anything.
• I format C drive without installalling any driver, tried to change profile, nothing happened.
• I removed GPU,tried it, nothing changed.

The strangest part is that unlike previous RAM profile failures where the system would revert to the BIOS, now it just hangs at a black screen with the orange DRAM light. The only way to get it to POST again is a full BIOS reset by removing the CMOS battery.

Any ideas on what could be causing this or how to fix it? Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[ir_cow]

I think what you are experiencing is not a hang, but memory training. The Motherboard doesn't have the debug coder. But if it did, you would see Code 15 (memory training). Instead you get a orange light. It can take up to 5 minutes for memory training with dual-rank memory (what you have). Even longer if you fill all the slots.

So next time you enable DOCP (which is just XMP ASUS calls it for AMD essentially). Wait 5 minutes on the orange light.

I'm often staring at Code 15 for memory reviews. It takes forever sometimes. I''ve walked away and make a sandwich once. reminds me of dial-up lol.

Edit: I just remembered sometimes Clear CMOS doesn't always work on AMD. Best way I found was to cut power and press the button (or jumper) a few times. upon the next boot only put 1 DIMM in. I don't know why these motherboards get stupid, but it happens.

Another option is if you are in the BIOS, select load defaults (usually on the exit screen). That can also clear unwanted BIOS settings.

 

[kaptangenzosan]

Hellow ir_cow, thanks a lot for fast reply.

I wasted all day with waiting. I mean, I have waited 30+ minutes for every configuration change, but nothing happened. Even I am OK with 4400 MHz. Should I wait for more after BIOS configuration change?

 

[VuurVOS]

Did you try to reseat the processor? Did you verify none of the pins are bent?

 

[kaptangenzosan]

Everything works great at 3600 MHz. I tested PC 24 hours without any problem. I cant change to 4000 or 4400 or 4800 MHz even I run this PC with 4800 MHz for 6 months without problem, no idea why

 

[VuurVOS]

That is not an answer my question. It might work great again if you try to reseat the processor?

 

[kaptangenzosan]

Sorry. No, I didnt touch the CPU for a long time and I checked it is ok and pins are OK too.

 

[ir_cow]

I wasted all day with waiting. I mean, I have waited 30+ minutes for every configuration change, but nothing happened. Even I am OK with 4400 MHz. Should I wait for more after BIOS configuration change?

No need to wait past 5 minutes. The worst I've experienced is 7 minutes with 256GB (4x64 GB).

To understand more, you had 128GB (4x32GB) previously at 4800. Now this new kit that is 2x32 will not boot at 5600?

There is a few things you can do in the BIOS like changing the ULCK/Mem ratio to 2:1 or manually setting a dram frequency.

 

[kaptangenzosan]

There is no new kit. Everything is same. I want to use 4×32 4800 or 4400 like 2 days ago. But I can't. I am not familiar with dram changes. I will check it.

 

[VuurVOS]

Sorry. No, I didnt touch the CPU for a long time and I checked it is ok and pins are OK too.

I assume, you just reseated the processor?

 

[ir_cow]

There is no new kit. Everything is same. I want to use 4×32 4800 or 4400 like 2 days ago. But I can't. I am not familiar with dram changes. I will check it.

Simple mistake to make, but are they in the correct slots for 2 RAM sticks?

Or are saying 2x worked but never 4x?

 

[kaptangenzosan]

Thank you very much for your replies. I asked on different sites, and you were the only one who answered, I really appreciate it.


I had it working with 4 slots (128 GB) at 4800 MHz. I probably reset the BIOS more than 20+ times and made many changes, but it’s currently only stable at 3600 MHz. With 2 slots (64 GB), it works perfectly at 5600 MHz without any issues. I’ll stick with 64 GB for now, as it’s enough for my needs. I’ve already spent too much time troubleshooting. It's enough.


Thanks again for your time. Mods can close this topic if necessary.

 

[ir_cow]

Thank you very much for your replies. I asked on different sites, and you were the only one who answered, I really appreciate it.

Hope you stick around!

I had it working with 4 slots (128 GB) at 4800 MHz. I probably reset the BIOS more than 20+ times and made many changes, but it’s currently only stable at 3600 MHz. With 2 slots (64 GB), it works perfectly at 5600 MHz without any issues. I’ll stick with 64 GB for now, as it’s enough for my needs. I’ve already spent too much time troubleshooting. It's enough.

Okay. Sorry I didn't fully understand the problem at first.

So yes. 4x Dual-rank is very hard on the CPU memory controller. Getting 4800 working is actually pretty good. 5600 is very very unlikely without extra CPU voltage for memory rails and or changing the memory/ULCK ratio to 2:1.

It is certainly possible to get 4800 stable, but not plug n play unfortunately.

Thanks again for your time. Mods can close this topic if necessary.