Question RAM problems

[lad2525]

Hello, I'm just a quick note that I built my pc and kinda new regarding pc hardware.

I have been using my PC for almost a year now and recently had this problem where my ram's only using 8gb instead of 16gb and its speed suddenly went from 3200 to 2133 MHz.

I don't know when this problem started but I have a guess when it did. It probably started when I recently cleaned my pc using a vacuum cleaner set to blow.

After I re-plugged all the wires to my pc (monitor, mouse, etc), I booted it up the lights turned on then off then it turned on again and off, and it repeated again then it booted up properly.

After that event, the next time I booted up my pc it has a significant delay where I press the switch, light turns on, but it takes time for the peripherals to light up. Unlike before it was cleaned up, it boots up instantaneously. This also happens when I exit bios.

I have went to the bios and I can not find where I could adjust the ram frequency and timing, although I didn't have any problem setting it when I first configured it.

My bios is has not been manually updated since I built my pc.

I have seen a thread where you could set the maximum memory in BOOT Advanced option. I haven't tried but it seemed to work on the person on the thread. I haven't done this because I wanted also my ram speed to be 3200MHz.

tldr: 16gb ram 8gb usable, ram frequency went down from 3200MHz to 2133MHz, and PC delay in turning on.

I'm really sorry if my explanations are messy. I'm currently typing this really late at night.

CPU-Z SPD Tab:

CPUZ Memory Tab:

Task Manager:

System:

NZXT CAM:

CAM's cpu timing is 15-15-15-36 but when I checked the bios it's 16-18-18-36.

Specs:
Msi B350 Mortar
GTX 1070
Ryzen 5 1600x
Corsair 8x2 DDR4 3200MHz
Windows 10 Pro

 

[Calvin7]

SPD Latency: 15-15-15-36
SPD Speed: 2133MHz
SPD Voltage: V1.2

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Memory/VENGEANCE®-RGB-16GB-(2-x-8GB)-DDR4-DRAM-3200MHz-C16-Memory-Kit/p/CMR16GX4M2C3200C16#tab-tech-specs

SPD is what memory runs at if left on [Auto].

You need to set memory BIOS settings either manually or by enabling XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile).

As for "using 8gb instead of 16gb", do you have memory in the recommended slots? You can test for defective memory with MemTest86.

MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool

MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.

www.memtest86.com

Supported memory configurations:
https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/amd/ryzen_5/1600x

Speeds over 2666MHz may require an overclocked CPU.

 

[lad2525]

Thanks for the reply.

When I first built my pc, I was able to set the ram speed to 3200MHz and the ram frequency successfully and I didn't do any overclocking on the CPU.

I will stop fiddling with my pc and I will be going to a local technician tomorrow because I'm afraid that I may brick my pc.

I might come back the next day and post what is the cause of the problem.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Darkbreeze]

You don't need to go to a technician, you just need to reconfigure the settings in your bios. When you unplugged the power from everything it's likely you accidentally reset the BIOS. And if you removed your memory, or even if you didn't because while cleaning it you may have bumped one of the modules enough to jar it loose, just double check that both sticks are fully seated (And that the locks at both ends, or in some cases there may only be a pivot lock at one end, snick into place and engage the cutout in the end of the memory module) and are installed in the A2 and B2 slots, which are the second and fourth ones away from the CPU socket.

Then go into the BIOS and enable the XMP memory profile, save your settings and then exit the BIOS. That is probably all you need to do unless you damaged something while cleaning, which is unlikely unless you are particularly vigorous with your cleaning. All you need to do is blow it out lightly with compressed air occasionally. It's not a hospital, it doesn't need to be clinically clean, just dust free.