Question Really Weird Issue with RAM and System Failing to Boot Most of the Time

[no--name]

Motherboard: ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING
Memory: 2×8GB Patriot Viper 3200MHz (kit) + another 2 modules of the same brand, model, and speed (not part of a kit)

I had to replace my CPU—a 5600X that died (I tested it in another motherboard, and it didn’t boot at all)—with a brand-new 5700X. With the 5600X, all four RAM modules worked flawlessly for years, but now they don’t.

Current Behavior:​

1. With all 4 modules installed: The system doesn’t boot at all; the yellow Q-LED remains on.
2. With 2 modules installed (either the kit pair or the other pair): The system usually doesn’t boot (same symptoms as #1), but occasionally, it does. When it does boot, I can shut down and restart as much as I want without any issues. However, if I try installing the other pair again, the system won’t boot—even if I later remove the second pair.
3. With a single module installed: Similar to #2, but with a slightly higher chance of booting.

Key Observations:​

• When boot failures begin, clearing the CMOS doesn’t seem to help.
• At that point, I have to randomly remove and reinstall the DIMMs while restarting the power until the system boots.
• The PSU doesn’t seem to be the issue, as the same problem occurs with a different unit.
• Once I get a successful boot, everything works normally. The issue does not reappear on subsequent boots—unless I modify the DIMM setup.
• Rolling back the BIOS to an older version didn’t help either.
• Also tried different tweaks in the setup, like reducing RAM frequency or increasing the voltage.

I’m running out of ideas at this point. I’m about to return the CPU and build a new system from scratch unless you guys have any suggestions that are worth trying.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lutfij]

What BIOS version are you currently on for your motherboard? Can you drop both processors onto another known working motherboard with the right BIOS version to rule out your board in being the root of the problem?

Perhaps try and up the voltage for your ram and see if that changes anything, though clearing the CMOS should allow for the system to POST with bare minimum specs even if all ram slots are populated.

 

[JeffreyP55]

Motherboard: ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING
Memory: 2×8GB Patriot Viper 3200MHz (kit) + another 2 modules of the same brand, model, and speed (not part of a kit)

I had to replace my CPU—a 5600X that died (I tested it in another motherboard, and it didn’t boot at all)—with a brand-new 5700X. With the 5600X, all four RAM modules worked flawlessly for years, but now they don’t.

Current Behavior:​

1. With all 4 modules installed: The system doesn’t boot at all; the yellow Q-LED remains on.
2. With 2 modules installed (either the kit pair or the other pair): The system usually doesn’t boot (same symptoms as #1), but occasionally, it does. When it does boot, I can shut down and restart as much as I want without any issues. However, if I try installing the other pair again, the system won’t boot—even if I later remove the second pair.
3. With a single module installed: Similar to #2, but with a slightly higher chance of booting.

Key Observations:​

• When boot failures begin, clearing the CMOS doesn’t seem to help.
• At that point, I have to randomly remove and reinstall the DIMMs while restarting the power until the system boots.
• The PSU doesn’t seem to be the issue, as the same problem occurs with a different unit.
• Once I get a successful boot, everything works normally. The issue does not reappear on subsequent boots—unless I modify the DIMM setup.
• Rolling back the BIOS to an older version didn’t help either.
• Also tried different tweaks in the setup, like reducing RAM frequency or increasing the voltage.

I’m running out of ideas at this point. I’m about to return the CPU and build a new system from scratch unless you guys have any suggestions that are worth trying.

Thanks in advance.

Running 4 sticks is a bad idea. Did you check the QVL for compatibility?

Ram QVL Database – find ram guaranteed to run at rated speeds on your motherboard