[SOLVED] MSI MEG X570 unify based, brand new system - Error Code 54 in POST

Jul 3, 2021
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First, about the system:

Corsair HX750 80+ Platinum
MSI MEG x570 unify
Ryzen 9 5900x
2 x 16GB DDR4 3600 CL19 (Corsair LP)
Powercolor RED DRAGON Radeon 6800
Samsung 980 PRO M.2 SSD 1TB

I also attached two pictures of the build after "completion" to the current point.
View: https://imgur.com/c5OdJfI

View: https://imgur.com/3t6U4TN



Turning on the power worked fine, the debug LED went through several codes each time within a few seconds, then stopped at the code 54.
According to this list:

54 means an "Unspecified memory initialization error".
I must add here that the code 54 isnt even documented in the official manual for this board, which I find pretty disappointing btw....
However, I guess the above linked also applies to my board. Theres still a chance it doesnt though.

I only had two DDR4 RAM Sticks to play around with. Using them each on its own, I still got the code 54 each time.
I checked the manual, installed them correctly, DIMM A2 and B2 or only A2 when testing with single sticks.
So wrong installation shouldnt have been a problem.
I also made use of the Clear CMOS button when reconfiguring the RAM installation, so I could be clear that I didnt carry over any errors from previous tests.

I already ordered two packages with 2 RAM sticks each on amazon.
However, there is of course still a chance that its NOT the RAM sticks.

Thats why Im coming here.
First, how probable do you think it is that I got 2 faulty RAM sticks?
Second, how probable do you think its something else but the RAM?
CPU, MOBO?
I hope its neither of those, but if its one of them, I guess the MOBO is more likely?
Because if the CPU was faulty, I guess I wouldve gotten code 00?

In another forum where they talked about memory errors someone mentioned "reseating" the CPU. I dont know, what do you think?
I definitely put it in the direction ^^
Find it hard to imagine that the CPU does sit well.
 
Solution
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

is the PSU brand new? I would try and remove the HDD cage/caddy that seems to be brushing up against the GPU's back end. Can you take a look at the sticker on teh motherboard next to a barcode, it should specify the BIOS version that the board came shipped with. Just to be sure that you've got the latest BIOS version, refer to page 57 in your motherboard manual, and proceed to flash BIOS with the latest iteration.

What cooler are you using on that Ryzen 9 processor?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

is the PSU brand new? I would try and remove the HDD cage/caddy that seems to be brushing up against the GPU's back end. Can you take a look at the sticker on teh motherboard next to a barcode, it should specify the BIOS version that the board came shipped with. Just to be sure that you've got the latest BIOS version, refer to page 57 in your motherboard manual, and proceed to flash BIOS with the latest iteration.

What cooler are you using on that Ryzen 9 processor?
 
Solution
Ahoy!
Yeah the PSU is brand new! :)
Here is a photo of what I think you meant by "sticker on teh mobo" ^^

View: https://imgur.com/kPcMwog


If its not what you were asking for, please tell me and I'll continue on my search 😀
I will flash the BIOS with the latest driver now.
If that didnt help, I'll try removing the cage next and tell you if it changed something 😀

Im using this cooler:
https://www.amazon.de/Noctua-NH-U12...&qid=1625423393&sprefix=noctua,aps,225&sr=8-4

Thanks for the help so far!
 
I changed out the GPU to an old saphire radeon HD6450, no power supp needed, very small, proven to work. Didnt change a thing. Tried it in different PCI-E lanes, no difference.

Next thing I'll try is reseat the CPU. Cant do so right now still waitin for thermal paste to arrive today. Fan was had paste pre-applied, but no extra syringe included...dont like it ^^
 
Okay, now I removed the MB completely from the case.
I got the absolute minimal setup.
Just the MOBO, the CPU and RAM. Still the same debug code.

I also got the new RAM I ordered, 4 x 16gb. None of those made any difference.
So I guess either the MOBO or the CPU, or maybe even both have a defect.