Question DDR5 RAM speeds reset after a Windows update ?

[skaloyan]

Hello,

I can't seem to find anyone with a similar problem as mine through Google. I recently upgraded to a 7800X3D from a 3600 and bought a MAG B650 Tomohawk Wifi motherboard. I did not do a clean install of Windows because I heard that you only need to do that if you're going from one x3d CPU to another, so I'm not sure why this is happening.

Basically, if I restart Windows myself, my RAM speeds stay at their rated EXPO settings of 6000 MHz, however, if I update Windows, which I've had to do twice since I upgraded, my RAM speeds reset back to 4800 MHz. Just curious if anyone might know why this is happening.

Thank you!

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Hello,

I did not do a clean install of Windows because I heard that you only need to do that if you're going from one x3d CPU to another, so I'm not sure why this is happening.

You heard wrong.

A change of motherboard requires you to reinstall Windows to avoid an uncertain outcome and possible glitches both now and in the weeks and months ahead.

 

[Misgar]

I think I might be missing something here.

When you "update Windows", are you running Windows Update on the Second Tuesday of each month, to download the latest security patches?

Windows should not affect the memory overclock.

Memory speed is defined in the BIOS, not in Windows.

If the BIOS detects your 6,000MHz overclock is unstable, which could happen when you're running Windows, the BIOS might revert to the JEDEC default of 4,800MHz.

Is your RAM listed in the motherboard manufacturer's QVL?

If not, you cannot expect memory to run at 6,000MHz, but it might be stable at 5.600 or 5,200MHz.

Have you tested RAM with a full pass of MemTest86+ at 6,000MHz?

 

[skaloyan]

I think I might be missing something here.

When you "update Windows", are you running Windows Update on the Second Tuesday of each month, to download the latest security patches?

Windows should not affect the memory overclock.

Memory speed is defined in the BIOS, not in Windows.

If the BIOS detects your 6,000MHz overclock is unstable, which could happen when you're running Windows, the BIOS might revert to the JEDEC default of 4,800MHz.

Is your RAM listed in the motherboard manufacturer's QVL?

If not, you cannot expect memory to run at 6,000MHz, but it might be stable at 5.600 or 5,200MHz.

Have you tested RAM with a full pass of MemTest86+ at 6,000MHz?

Yea sorry, I meant the security patches.

Based on my understanding of my motherboard's QVL, I do believe that my RAM is supported.

Regardless, I've never tried running MemTest86+, but I will give it a shot. We'll see how it goes, and thank you for the reply!

 

[skaloyan]

I think I might be missing something here.

When you "update Windows", are you running Windows Update on the Second Tuesday of each month, to download the latest security patches?

Windows should not affect the memory overclock.

Memory speed is defined in the BIOS, not in Windows.

If the BIOS detects your 6,000MHz overclock is unstable, which could happen when you're running Windows, the BIOS might revert to the JEDEC default of 4,800MHz.

Is your RAM listed in the motherboard manufacturer's QVL?

If not, you cannot expect memory to run at 6,000MHz, but it might be stable at 5.600 or 5,200MHz.

Have you tested RAM with a full pass of MemTest86+ at 6,000MHz?

Just went through two passes of MemTest86+ with no errors. I'm going to try just MemTest86 because I heard it tests differently? Not really sure what I'm doing tbh, but I'm starting to think it's not my ram and that I should exchange my CPU before the warranty expires.

 

[Misgar]

I tend to run MemTest86 (without the +) on old hardware, circa 2016 and earlier, but if MemTest86+ gives a pass on your machine after two runs, it implies the RAM, motherboard and memory controllers the CPU are OK at the speed tested.

If you change the memory speed in the BIOS, run MemTest86+ again, especially if you increase the speed of the RAM and/or the CPU.

What speed did you run the RAM at for two passes of MemTest86+? 4800, 6000, or something in between?

 

[skaloyan]

I tend to run MemTest86 (without the +) on old hardware, circa 2016 and earlier, but if MemTest86+ gives a pass on your machine after two runs, it implies the RAM, motherboard and memory controllers the CPU are OK at the speed tested.

If you change the memory speed in the BIOS, run MemTest86+ again, especially if you increase the speed of the RAM and/or the CPU.

What speed did you run the RAM at for two passes of MemTest86+? 4800, 6000, or something in between?

I believe I figured out the issue. Yesterday I ran the RAM at 6000 MHz and it passed twice with no problem. I ran another test of MemTest86+ overnight with PBO enabled, and I received errors, one of which was on the second pass which was interesting. I just tested the RAM again at 6000 with PBO set to Auto and it went through 12 passes with no error so I believe it was because of PBO. I know this doesn't mean 100% that everything's fine, but I'm just glad I don't think I have to RMA the RAM. Regardless, thank you for the idea! I truly appreciate it! I guess I just got super unlucky with the silicon lottery, but that's not the worst thing in the world.

 

[Misgar]

You've got more patience than me. I generally stop running MemTest after three complete passes. Mind you, a lot if the systems I test are still running DDR3 and a full scan often takes at least 3 hours.

Glad to hear you've isolated the trouble to PBO. Outside of benchmarks and FPS readings, I doubt you'll notice much difference with it switched off.