[SOLVED] Can't get 3200mHz DDR4 memory to work with MSI Z170A mobo

[greatavocado]

Hello, everyone! Appreciate some help here. I have an old-ish system, ended up buying 2x16GB 3200mHz (https://www.newegg.com/xpg-32gb-288...e=adata_gammix d30-_-0RN-003P-001H1-_-Product) without realizing that it might not be compatible with my mobo/processor combo. I've got an Intel i5-6500 installed in the MSI z170A M5 mobo, and every time I try the new memory sticks I still can't get things to boot up. I'm using slots 2 and 4 per recommendation from the mobo manual, and I've tried messing around in the BIOS settings to no avail. I'm wondering if it's just not possible for me to use this memory for this processor/mobo combo, or if there's something I can do. Appreciate any insight/assistance!

 

[okjak808]

It's your CPU. After looking at your CPU it only can support up to DDR4-1866/2133 ram speed, but it can support up to 64 GB.

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...5-6500-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-60-ghz.html

In bios set your ram speeds to 2133mhz which is the max speed your CPU can support hence why it's not booting up. Though your motherboard does support your new ram.

MSI Z170A Gaming M5 - motherboard - ATX - LGA1151 Socket - Z170 Specs

MSI Z170A Gaming M5 - motherboard - ATX - LGA1151 Socket - Z170 overview and full product specs on CNET.

www.cnet.com

.)

When you installed your new ram it's probably running at it's max clock speed (Auto) I think.

 

[greatavocado]

It's your CPU. After looking at your CPU it only can support up to DDR4-1866/2133 ram speed, but it can support up to 64 GB.

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...5-6500-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-60-ghz.html

In bios set your ram speeds to 2133mhz which is the max speed your CPU can support hence why it's not booting up. Though your motherboard does support your new ram.

MSI Z170A Gaming M5 - motherboard - ATX - LGA1151 Socket - Z170 Specs

MSI Z170A Gaming M5 - motherboard - ATX - LGA1151 Socket - Z170 overview and full product specs on CNET.

www.cnet.com

.)

When you installed your new ram it's probably running at it's max clock speed (Auto) I think.

Yep, I actually tried that. To be clear about what I did (and forgive me, I'm still new to building PCs) is I enter the BIOS with my 2x4gb sticks installed, then go to the overclock menu and change the DRAM frequency from Auto to 2133MHz, then save the configuration, then turn off my system, then remove the 2x4gb sticks, then install the 2x16gb sticks into the same slots, and try to turn the PC on again but then nothing happens.

Is it possible to adjust any other settings to make these "faster" memory sticks useful?

I appreciate your response!

 

[SkyNetRising]

Your motherboard has port 80 indicator.
What numbers/letters do you see on it, when you start your pc?

Try with single ram module first, before you install both modules.

 

[okjak808]

Right as skynet said if you look at the bottom right of your mobo there should be this LED that shows up numbers. If there's something wrong with your motherboard when posting it should give you error codes.

Although your motherboard seems to boot up fine when using your old ram, and does not boot when using the new. This sounds like a compatibility issue (I think) which is weird because I've done research with your new ram, mobo, and cpu which it should work.

Try to reseat your new ram to different ram slots like try to mess with it maybe try underclocking your new ram to 1866 to see if it boots up at least.

Question: With the 2x4 DDR4 ram what are the specs, or what brand is it, and what speeds do you run them with is it automatic?

Maybe it could be Dram timing issues too, but I'm not an expert with configuring Dram timings.