BIOS does not recognize all RAM

[Manotas]

Hello everybody.

So, I just build another stick of RAM (KingStone HyperX DDR4 2400) in order to go from 8GB to 16GB. The problem is, that the BIOS nor Windows recognize the new installed RAM.

But, CPU-Z, AIDA 64 and HWmonitor does.

I have been surfing the net for answer and until now I have try the following recommended fixes without any success:

• 
  Booting with each individual stick to confirm its functionality.
  
  Different combinations on the motherboard sockets (including, of course, the one recommended by the manual).
  
  Running the X.M.P profile, manual configuration of RAM clocks, under clocking the RAM, overclocking the CPU.
  
  Change the DRAM voltage to 1.2, 1.3, 1.35.
  
  Reset the bios, both, by jumper method and by taking off the battery.
  
  I already have the lasted BIOS update, but I reinstalled it anyways.
  
  I Run memTest on both sticks individually and together.
  

I also find out that the BIOS Option that give you info about the DIMMS you have instaled does shows the two stick, but the rest of the BIOS options and twekers don't.

After all this I resort to the MemOK on board button to see if it can fix the problem… and it did. Finally, the BIOS recognized the RAM.

But I encounter another problem after. When trying to save the changes, as the MemOK told me to, the BIOS tell me that I have made no change.

I saved it anyway and boot to windows to encounter that the detected RAM was again only 8GB. Y did the MemOK fix again, it fixes the problem again, but instead of save and exit, I just exit “discarding changes” and since the PC doesn’t need to rebot itself if one chooses that option, windows boots and finally I could see the 16GB on windows task manager.

Sadly, I find out that when I restart or turn off and on the PC, the fix is voided and the problem comes back again.

I been trying to find a way to save the changes that the MemOK does to the BIOS, because it clearly works, but I cannot have been able to find the way.

I Hope that any of you guys could give some answer, I’m really desperate (besides of the new stick RAM and the GPU, all my PC is out of warranty).

I attach the DIMMS info, if it is of any help.

My System Specs:
CPU: i7 5820k
MOBO: Asus X99A-USB 3.1
RAM: 2x8GB KingStone HyperX DDR4 2400, PC19200
GPU: MSI GTX 1070 Gaming X
HDD: Toshiba 2TB
PSU: Antec EarthWatts 500W 80 bronze plus.
OS: Windows 10 PRO

 

[MeanMachine41]

Hi Manotas

This can happen when mixing RAM that have not been tested together as a single kit. Even the slightest difference in CAS latency can cause minor issues. DIMMs are matched as pairs in the factory as minor discrepancies in manufacturing can create a mismatch so they bin them to comply. Notice the difference in DIMM part Nos.
They appear to be working and set correctly so what is you current concern.? If Bios is failing to recognize your settings and what you describe continues then return the last RAM you bought and exchange them for a single 16GB kit and keep the others for spares.

 

[Manotas]

Hi Manotas

This can happen when mixing RAM that have not been tested together as a single kit. Even the slightest difference in CAS latency can cause minor issues. DIMMs are matched as pairs in the factory as minor discrepancies in manufacturing can create a mismatch so they bin them to comply. Notice the difference in DIMM part Nos.
They appear to be working and set correctly so what is you current concern.? If Bios is failing to recognize your settings and what you describe continues then return the last RAM you bought and exchange them for a single 16GB kit and keep the others for spares.

Hi MeanMachine. Thanks for your answer

My concern is that the MemOk button on the board, appears to fix the problem. The thing is that i haven't been able to save the changes made.

 

[MeanMachine41]

Hi Manotas

This can happen when mixing RAM that have not been tested together as a single kit. Even the slightest difference in CAS latency can cause minor issues. DIMMs are matched as pairs in the factory as minor discrepancies in manufacturing can create a mismatch so they bin them to comply. Notice the difference in DIMM part Nos.
They appear to be working and set correctly so what is you current concern.? If Bios is failing to recognize your settings and what you describe continues then return the last RAM you bought and exchange them for a single 16GB kit and keep the others for spares.

Hi MeanMachine. Thanks for your answer

My concern is that the MemOk button on the board, appears to fix the problem. The thing is that i haven't been able to save the changes made.

MemOK when used, will Auto tweak DRAM related parameters till it reaches a state that allows the system to start up and complete POST. It is then up to the user to save these settings, discard them, modify or update Bios as new RAM come on to the market.
Once MemOK works then access Bios and use F10 to save and exit.
If it does not save and you have to continually use MemOK then as said before, get a single kit of matched modules.

 

[Manotas]

Hi Manotas

This can happen when mixing RAM that have not been tested together as a single kit. Even the slightest difference in CAS latency can cause minor issues. DIMMs are matched as pairs in the factory as minor discrepancies in manufacturing can create a mismatch so they bin them to comply. Notice the difference in DIMM part Nos.
They appear to be working and set correctly so what is you current concern.? If Bios is failing to recognize your settings and what you describe continues then return the last RAM you bought and exchange them for a single 16GB kit and keep the others for spares.

Hi MeanMachine. Thanks for your answer

My concern is that the MemOk button on the board, appears to fix the problem. The thing is that i haven't been able to save the changes made.

MemOK when used, will Auto tweak DRAM related parameters till it reaches a state that allows the system to start up and complete POST. It is then up to the user to save these settings, discard them, modify or update Bios as new RAM come on to the market.
Once MemOK works then access Bios and use F10 to save and exit.
If it does not save and you have to continually use MemOK then as said before, get a single kit of matched modules.

Thanks for your help man. I have finally manage to make work the 16gb through underclocking the RAM to 1866Mhz, it sad to have a DDR4 Clocked so low, but that was the only way i figured. And i don't really have money to buy a 16GB kit.

One las question. Do you think this low RAM frecuency will affect to much the Gaming and productivity performance of the overall PC?

 

[MeanMachine41]

Very little effect in performance and productivity from 1866MHz to 2400Mhz when gaming Manotas.

You can probably make them work at the higher frequency by manually Tweaking Primary Timings and DRAM Voltage in Bios.

Things to try if Bios provides: (not all ASUS MBs provide for these settings)
Change Dram command rate from default 1 to 2.
Dram Current Capability: increase percentage from default to 120%
Dram Power Phase Control from Default to Extreme.
Dram Voltage from Auto to Manual and upping Voltage in small progressive amounts.
Change VDDR from Auto and upping Voltage in small progressive amounts.

Reference voltages for VREFDQ and VREFCA: The memory reference voltage “configures” both the memory controller and the memory module.
DRAM VREFDQ and VREFCA Voltage address control lines for channel A and B.
Still no guarantee tho.

 

[Manotas]

Very little effect in performance and productivity from 1866MHz to 2400Mhz when gaming Manotas.

You can probably make them work at the higher frequency by manually Tweaking Primary Timings and DRAM Voltage in Bios.

Things to try if Bios provides: (not all ASUS MBs provide for these settings)
Change Dram command rate from default 1 to 2.
Dram Current Capability: increase percentage from default to 120%
Dram Power Phase Control from Default to Extreme.
Dram Voltage from Auto to Manual and upping Voltage in small progressive amounts.
Change VDDR from Auto and upping Voltage in small progressive amounts.

Reference voltages for VREFDQ and VREFCA: The memory reference voltage “configures” both the memory controller and the memory module.
DRAM VREFDQ and VREFCA Voltage address control lines for channel A and B.
Still no guarantee tho.

Hi MeanMachine, it's me again.

I tried the workaround that you sugested, but unfortunently it didn't make them work any faster. 🙁

But in the end i managed to make them work at 2000Mhz @ 12-12-12-12-28-1T-1.2v hoping that the low latency make up for the frecuency loss.

Finaly i just wanted to extend you, my thanks again for your time and help.

 

[MeanMachine41]

As you can see Manotas, It can be a frustrating excersize however you did get them to work at 2000MHz which is good. It can also help to reach your target frequency by OCing the CPU and you do have an i7-5820k currently at 3.3GHz. You can get to at least 4.4GHz with your chip depending on what cooling system you have. I can help you with your CPU OC if your wish as this is where real performance gains are obtained.

 

[Manotas]

As you can see Manotas, It can be a frustrating excersize however you did get them to work at 2000MHz which is good. It can also help to reach your target frequency by OCing the CPU and you do have an i7-5820k currently at 3.3GHz. You can get to at least 4.4GHz with your chip depending on what cooling system you have. I can help you with your CPU OC if your wish as this is where real performance gains are obtained.

The CPU is already overclocked to 4.5Ghz@1.25v. i tried make the ram work on higher frequencies playing with the CPU clock( from base clock to the current clock) without success.

Anyway, with the lesson learned from this problem, i will be sure to buy paired RAM kits from my future upgrades.