Strix B550-F Gaming - RAM issue?

qbazdz

qbazdz

qbazdz

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EDIT:
Subject changed as the issue seems to be around RAM atm lol.
See post no #6 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/forums/posts/34052096

Original post.
--------------
Hi All,
Had been tearing my hair out tonight, trying to install Win10 of a USB drive with the following setup:

Ryzen 5 3600
ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wifi
16GB 3200Mhz Team RAM
GTX1650S
WD Blue 1TB NVMe

I created the Win10 USB by using Media Creator ISO file, that I've put on an USB stick (USB 2.0, oldie but goodie) with Rufus Tool so all should have been set up correctly.
I had also done the same with a USB 3.0 caddy that has a SSD fitted (brand new), with exact same method.

In both cases after setting BIOS up to boot from USB device, which can be found (showing as UEFI OS in Boot Menu) it seems that I only get fans just spin up for a sec and then board reboots and completes POST.
Ive tried:
Fast boot disabled
CSM Enabled, with UEFI and Legacy Boot Control, all options set to UEFI.
Secure boot set to UEFI, PK state unloaded (I deleted the PK key).

Ive updated the BIOS to the latest 1004 version and still no luck.

I had enough fun after the board fail to boot properly after setting RAM stick to work at 3200MHz, for some reason it didn't like it a lot.
Current setup is Ai Overclock Tuner on DOCP set to the only profile available, Mem Frequency set to DDR4-3200MHz, Asus Performance Enhancement Off, all the rest to Auto, other than DRAM Voltage set to 1.35V.

Any ideas?
What could I have missed?
 
Last edited:
Main culprit so far had been getting the windows install.
I will try with default JEDEC spec to begin with.
I had WMC tool also setup the SSD in the caddy as the usb stick so not sure. Faulty USB stick?

EDIT. I can boot the Win install on USB flash drive or USB caddy on my older machine (Z68 Extreme4 +2500K) so everything points to the setup in BIOS, doesn't it?
 
Last edited:
So.. now I am suspecting MOBO or RAM issue somewhere.
Had been trying to get the damn thing to boot and POST properly in following sequence.
- Memory out, CPU and GPU in. Boot. Mobo can't find sticks and stops at RAM check (shown by QLED diagnostics).
- 1 stick in - hard reboot, can get it to POST and enter BIOS, comes up with 2400Mhz default. Load defaults, save and reboot.
- seems like a POST bootloop, however if I do a soft reset it POSTS and boots into BIOS.
Same happens if I load DCOP for 3200Mhz config.

Unfortunately I haven't got another DDR4 stick to check this with.
 
Interestingly, this set of Vulcan Z I got is not on the QVL list...
I'd never expect that poor compatibility, if the type, speed etc is common to what you normally buy.

I've got the 3200MHZ LPX set coming, that is in QVL list, but it won't turn up until Sunday.

I'm just a bit south from Gatwick (20min) near A24.
 
geekyadz said:
Apologies for going over the start, but I've just had a re-read of your original post.

I take it you was trying to get the memory to do an overclock (or get the memory to the speed it should be using)?

Was the PC working ok on stock settings (ie before the OC)?

Have you tried turning off any AI overclock?
Click to expand...

I had checked this tonight, as I was thinking maybe Im expecting too much, but I cant save settings and run the stick(s) at even full auto, or at lower setting (say 1600Mhz from pre-selection).
Whenever I pick settings and save in BIOS, I cant POST. After doing case button reset, it will POST and I can go into BIOS and see setting allegedly working (for example new speeds set). I save and exit and end up not being able to POST again.
So my original assumption that getting the Win10 USB stick to start up was a problem is not the case anymore... Gonna change title for this.
 
geekyadz said:
Almost sounds like another case of Asus strikes again (going by this similar sounding post): https://www.overclockers.co.uk/forums/threads/new-build-problem.18901330/#post-34025202

As I said, I could come over with my PC and USB Win 10 stick and see if we can get down to the bottom of it, but then if you also have new RAM arriving on Sunday is it really worth it?

Hmm.
Click to expand...

It was very kind offer, thanks. Especially that the PC is meant to go to Uni with friend's daughter next week. He managed to order a set that was due Sun, but somehow out for delivery today so will have an extra RAM to check this with.
 
There is certainly some progress. I had been able to borrow some LPX sticks from a friend (only 2666MHz though) and try and the board boots no problem, BIOS even loaded DOCP automatically.
It was than happy to boot repeatedly with that but no joy recognising UEFI drives :D
Waiting for delivery to get past Win install.
For some reason Team sticks are unhappy on that mobo.
 
Thanks. I've been only plugging to ports at the back of the mobo. My SSD caddy has a LED to signal the status and it seems to be initialising ok, going from white to blue and blinking as per usual operation so its all strange that it didnt boot into Win install.
I'll take some pics later.. still waiting for the dreaded delivery lol

Also, I thought of checking the M.2 by unplugging that and using a spare SATA ssd to be the temporary destination drive for Win.
Last resort will be migrating a DVD drive and hooking this up temporarily as this new PC case doesnt even have front pockets for it :D
 
Well, no.
Right now I can't even place where the issue is.
New RAM, one stick. No POST. QLED suggests CPU issue.
Power down, check all connections and PSU again (I've got Antec PSU checker).
Power on and can POST and go into BIOS but can't save settings without needed a switch reset to get it to POST, mobo is stuck in POST loop and can't boot.
QLED for RAM is on for the longest.

How can I rule our CPU or Mobo without having spares?
 
Justintime said:
Qvl ram? At least ryzen optimised?. Fact it boots fine with lpx seems to point to memory incompatibility.
Click to expand...
Not quite. All complete POSTs are a bit random. Depends if I had board unplugged a bit or not, if I reset or go from power off etc.

Right now I can boot from original Team sticks and from new LPX too, but I can't do it stably and repeatedly.
 
I tried CMOS clear earlier today. No joy.
Same with bent pins - all seems to be in order. Nothing in socket suggesting issues there either.
I flashed older BIOS and exact same issue - cold boot, need to restart once at least to get past POST and into BIOS.

Unfortunately, the CPU didn't come from from OcUK, and I do wonder if we didn't get unlucky with a returned unit from this shop. My friend didn't spot it until I looked at the CPU but there was no paste on the retail cooler and the metal lid on CPU was dirty. Cooler looked like someone did a poor job at cleaning it - I could still get lots of residue with IPA. Box on the outside was dented but seal looked like new.
Maybe a coincidence, but someone could have returned a dud and retailer didn't notice?
 
I noticed that there was no paste when we unboxed it, but I applied my AS5 and a H100. We went ahead with the build as we needed the machine for Monday. Got a replacement coming tomorrow lol.. Its been a never ending story of 1 day turnaround re-orders.
Now reports of Asus struggling with AMD/DDR4 boards are making me nervous for future stability - we'll see.
 
Yes - same story. That's why I think its either CPU or Mobo now.
I would expect change in behavior if it was purely memory issue when QVL sticks were fitted but it was exactly the same as with non QVL ones.
 
Good news lads. It was the dodgy CPU. New one fitted and the new baby booted without issue. Just in the middle of configuring Win10 now lol!
Haven't used M.2 drives yet so I am amazed with the speed..
 
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