New ASUS systemboard, Corsair memory, and AMD Ryzen 7 2700X - constant system locks, maybe memory issue?

[iamtherealmiggy]

Okay, so after several years it was time to upgrade. I decided on staying with AMD system after reading good things about Ryzen. So I got that and one of the ASUS AMD boards, and some DDR4 memory. Here are the specific parts:

ASUS Prime X370-A Systemboard

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

Corsair Vengeance DDR4 - 2666

I plugged all the new parts into the case, powered it up, and so far so good. The animated BIOS screen: cool. The RGB CPU fan and red lit board, even cooler. And from what little I've been able to experience in Windows, this system seems super fast. But I have an issue.

The first thing I noticed on that initial boot into BIOS, is that it is listing the memory's top speed as 2133. I switched over to the OC profile #1 and that changed it to 2666 and the correct timings. But when I saved settings and restarted, I got 3 beeps. Eventually booted back to BIOS in "safe mode" and suggested I check the settings. Long story short after much testing, I can successfully boot with any memory frequency 2400 and under. If that were the end of the story, I could settle for that and wouldn't bother thinking of a return or exchange.

However, after I installed Windows (having settled for 2400 speed), the system locked up. And it continues to lock up, some times as little as a minute but no more than 10 minutes after loading Windows. It locked up while trying to install a driver. It locked up while bookmarking a site. It locked up when I just moved the mouse. I left Windows running to go take care of something, and when I returned it was locked up.

Most times it just freezes, requiring a hard shut down. But a few times, Windows managed to bring up Windows 10 version of the BSOD giving error message "clock_watchdog_timeout". I searched that and found it commonly occurs with excessive overclocking. But I'm not overclocking, but in fact underclocking.

I'm really at a loss and just thought I'd see if I could get any answers here before I return the memory and try another one that's on the ASUS approved memory list (which I've never even worried about before).

I did have an idea today about the memory voltage maybe needing to be raised, but it is set for 1.2 just as the memory is designed for.

 

[bmockeg]

Exchange that motherboard for a x470 or b450.

I would exchange the RAM for DDR 3200mhz if possible.

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

Exchange that motherboard for a x470 or b450.

I would exchange the RAM for DDR 3200mhz if possible.

Thanks for the reply, bmockeg.

I don't really want to spend so much on the motherboard (for the X470), but the B450 might be doable, assuming this is what you are referring to. Right now I'm leaning more toward exchanging the memory for a pair or 8 GB sticks that are listed on the board's QVL memory list, as that's the easiest solution. So I'll probably try that first, but if I may ask what would changing to the B450 board do?


As far as memory speed, I read that the Ryzen processor I have is limited to 2666 mem speed if more than one stick is installed. So I was staying at that or under. Here is the one I am thinking about, as it's the only 2 X 8 GB kit listed on the QVL from a brand I've actually heard of (I didn't include Corsairs as I've now read that the Vengeance has a lot of compatibility problems).

 

[bmockeg]

The motherboard has the most to do with memory compatibility. B350 and,x370 motherboards were notorious for poor memory compatibility including inability to reach maximum advertised RAM clock speeds. This was modified heavily with the b450 x470 motherboards where memory compatibility was greatly enhanced. Its also newer technology and made for the 2nd generation ryzen processors.

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

The motherboard has the most to do with memory compatibility. B350 and,x370 motherboards were notorious for poor memory compatibility including inability to reach maximum advertised RAM clock speeds. This was modified heavily with the b450 x470 motherboards where memory compatibility was greatly enhanced. Its also newer technology and made for the 2nd generation ryzen processors.

Okay.... I might exchange the board then as I don't want to regret not doing it while I had the chance. The above board I referenced for B450 is the one you're talking about?

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

The motherboard has the most to do with memory compatibility. B350 and,x370 motherboards were notorious for poor memory compatibility including inability to reach maximum advertised RAM clock speeds. This was modified heavily with the b450 x470 motherboards where memory compatibility was greatly enhanced. Its also newer technology and made for the 2nd generation ryzen processors.

EDIT: Actually I like the layout of this B450 better.

 

[drivinfast247]

I agree with what has been said above. Get yourself a b450 board and better RAM. 2x8gb 3200mhz will serve you well for quite some time. Also, be sure you're installing the RAM in the correct slots.

 

[bmockeg]

Either of those boards are fine.

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

I just ordered ASUS B450-Plus and G.Skill memory.


Hoping for better results with that. Thanks for your input, bmockeg.

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

I agree with what has been said above. Get yourself a b450 board and better RAM. 2x8gb 3200mhz will serve you well for quite some time. Also, be sure you're installing the RAM in the correct slots.

Thanks, drivinfast. See the reply I just made for the parts I ordered.

I didn't go any higher on memory, as I don't want to spend too much. And that was the best choice I could see from the ASUS memory QLV.

 

[bmockeg]

Looks good

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

Just got back n town and got my new parts.

The B450 does do better with the memory, as I can apply profile #1 to get the correct speeds and it boots successfully.

But, I'm still having the lockups once in Wndows. It's happening the same way as before, random lockups within 10 minutes or less.

So...…… maybe the processor is bad? I can send it in for a replacement, unless there's something else I'm missing?

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

The motherboard has the most to do with memory compatibility. B350 and,x370 motherboards were notorious for poor memory compatibility including inability to reach maximum advertised RAM clock speeds. This was modified heavily with the b450 x470 motherboards where memory compatibility was greatly enhanced. Its also newer technology and made for the 2nd generation ryzen processors.

BTW, this (Thermaltake 550 watt) is the power supply I have. Is it possible that the new boards and CPUs aren't liking it?

 

[bmockeg]

Did You reinstall windows?

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

Oh, yeah, I'm doing a clean install of Windows, or at least trying to.

I tried to install updated ASUS chipset drivers, but can't get it installed before the system locks up.

Since my last post, I took the system apart and put in only essentials - I have to put in a video card. Same results.

What's the best option: try a new power supply or exchange the CPU?

 

[Peter Martin]

I would try a PSU

 

[bmockeg]

That PSU is not a recommended one. I would replace it if you can.

Seasonic Focus Gold is my preference, followed by EVGA Supernova G2 or G3, cheapest I would get is a Corsair TX series.

What GPU do you have?

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

That PSU is not a recommended one. I would replace it if you can.

Seasonic Focus Gold is my preference, followed by EVGA Supernova G2 or G3, cheapest I would get is a Corsair TX series.

What GPU do you have?

I put in my original AM3 board (Asus M5A97 R 2.0) and am loading Windows on it now. I will test that for a day or 2, but I'm fully expecting it to be fine.

I would guess then that my current power supply could be just fine for that, but not for the new system? I don't want to spend too much more money on getting this going, so would this one be fine?

EDIT: I just noticed that PSU is not available now. I'll have to look around some more, but want to stay around $100 or less..

GPU = Geforce 970 GTX.

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

After a couple of hours of testing, the old board, processor and memory are doing just fine.

Based on your recommendation and reading the reviews, I have ordered a 650W Seasonic FOCUS PSU.


So early next week I'll find out if that's the answer.

 

[bmockeg]

A 650 Seasonic Focus will work,perfect

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

"BTW, this (Thermaltake 550 watt) is the power supply I have. Is it possible that the new boards and CPUs aren't liking it?"

I don't know what I was thinking. I found that in my order history at newegg and assumed it was my power supply.

Mine is actually a Coolermaster 600 watt; I must have bought it at a local store and not on-line.

Hopefully, though, that does turn out to be the culprit and the Seasonic will fix me up.

 

[bmockeg]

Coolermaster 600 isn't a very good PSU either. How old is it?

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

Coolermaster 600 isn't a very good PSU either. How old is it?

I got it to go with this full tower case I'm still using.

It must be at least 7, 8 years ago. Possibly longer.

 

[bmockeg]

YES, please replace that!

 

[iamtherealmiggy]

YES, please replace that!

Replaced the power supply and still same issue.

Here is a thread I started in the System forum, as this issue is obviously not limited to memory.