Question Troubleshooting a RAM issue - - - - what's my next step ?

[Bob McCully]

The issue is my 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR4 RAM is only giving 16GB, I have 2x 32GB Corsair sticks running in slots A1 & B1, and getting 32GB total, verified with CPUz.

Main board is MSi Tomahawk B550 with Ryzen 3700X CPU and ROG Thor 850W PSU.

Here's the history:

Cleaned slots and re-seated RAM, no damage found.

Tested RAM in single slot, AI and A2. Same result, half RAM value.

Tested RAM with 16GB (2x 8GB) from another PC. Same result half RAM value.

Stress tested CPU, no issues all 8 cores running.

Reseated CPU, can't really go wrong with the AM4 socket. No bent pins or damage.

Update BIOS and CPU, same issue.

Replaced Main board to ASRock Steel Legend B550, still same issue.

Updated BIOS, same issue.

Replaced Ryzen 3700X with 5700X. Same issue.

Replaced Corsair RAM with 2x 32GB G.Skill DDR4. Still same issue. This is the last step I've just completed.

All the above were done step by step to troubleshoot working from similar RAM issues found on the web.

At this point I'm $500 down (luckily the AM4 and DDR4 tech is now considerably cheaper) and with a spare. Main board, a spare CPU and potentially 128GB of RAM.

What's my next step please?

 

[thestryker]

Maybe try a different CPU cooler since you've replaced literally everything else that I'm aware of which can cause the issue. Generally when all of the DRAM isn't being properly allocated it's motherboard, CPU, DRAM or mounting tension.

 

[SkyNetRising]

The issue is my 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR4 RAM is only giving 16GB, I have 2x 32GB Corsair sticks running in slots A1 & B1, and getting 32GB total, verified with CPUz.
Tested RAM with 16GB (2x 8GB) from another PC. Same result half RAM value.
What's my next step please?

Put ram modules in slots A2 and B2.
Can you show screenshots from CPU-Z memory and spd section
and Task Manager - Performance/Memory section?

With all ram options:

when running with 2x16GB​

when running with 2x32GB​

when running with 2x8GB​

​

(upload to imgur.com and post link)

I suspect, you're reading/understanding ram model names wrong.
Ram modules from a kit will have model name with full capacity of the kit in it
(individual ram module capacity is only half of it).

 

[Bob McCully]

Maybe try a different CPU cooler since you've replaced literally everything else that I'm aware of which can cause the issue. Generally when all of the DRAM isn't being properly allocated it's motherboard, CPU, DRAM or mounting tension.

Thanks, but it is still the same even without the cooler locked down.

PC laying on it's side with cooler straps unhooked. (should have added that to the list lol)

 

[Bob McCully]

I suspect, you're reading/understanding ram model names wrong.

I will be happy if that is the issue, ok let me do it tomorrow and post back to you.

FYI in the meantime, the label on the back of the box of the new G.Skill RAM says DDR4-3600 16GBx2
BIOS reads in slot A1 and B1 DDR4-2666 16GB

edit: I can't get imgur links to post images at the moment, please tell me if these links work for you.

G.Skill Label
BIOS Image

Thanks

 

[SkyNetRising]

Photos are viewable.

Put ram modules in slots A2 and B2.
You have them in A1 and B1 currently.
To achieve rated speed of ram modules, you have to enable A-XMP/DOCP.

Anyway - 2x16GB configuration seems to be detected properly.
Can you show also screenshots from CPU-Z - memory and spd sections?

 

[Bob McCully]

2 x 32GB A2 B2 no XMP
XMP Profile
2 x 32GB A2 B2 XMP on
2 x 32GB A2 B2 CPUz Memory
2 x 32GB A2 B2 CPUz SPD
2 x 32GB A2 B2 Task Manager

2 x 16 GB A2 B2 XMP on
2 x 16GB CPUz Memory
2 x 16GB CPUz SPD
2 x 16GB A2 B2 Task Manager

 

[thestryker]

2 x 32GB A2 B2 no XMP
XMP Profile
2 x 32GB A2 B2 XMP on
2 x 32GB A2 B2 CPUz Memory
2 x 32GB A2 B2 CPUz SPD
2 x 32GB A2 B2 Task Manager

That's a 32GB kit of memory using two 16GB memory modules.

2 x 16 GB A2 B2 XMP on
2 x 16GB CPUz Memory
2 x 16GB CPUz SPD
2 x 16GB A2 B2 Task Manager

That's a 16GB kit of memory using two 8GB memory modules.

Everything appears to be working correctly with each of those memory kits.

 

[Bob McCully]

4 x 32GB BIOS
4 x 32GB CPUz Memory
4 x 32GB CPUz SPD
4 x 32GB Task Manager

Corsair 16Gb RAM Detail
Corsair 32GB RAM Detail
G.Skill 32GB RAM Detail

 

[Bob McCully]

Everything appears to be working correctly with each of those memory kits.

OK, am I simply misunderstanding the BIO/CPUz/TM readings then?

I assume that if you have 32GB (2x16) RAM in one slot the readings should show 32GB, not 16GB.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I assume that if you have 32GB (2x16) RAM in one slot the readings should show 32GB, not 16GB.

You can not have 2x16GB in one slot. It is TWO modules. They occupy TWO slots.
Single module is 16GB. Two modules 2x16GB = 32GB.

F4-3600C18-16GTZR - is a kit of 2x8GB.
F4-3600C18D-32GTZR - is a kit of 2x16GB.
CMK16GX4M2B3200C16 - is a kit of 2x8GB.
CMK32GX4M2B3200C16 - is a kit of 2x16GB.

 

[Bob McCully]

You can not have 2x16GB in one slot. It is TWO modules. They occupy TWO slots.
Single module is 16GB. Two modules 2x16GB = 32GB.

F4-3600C18-16GTZR - is a kit of 2x8GB.
F4-3600C18D-32GTZR - is a kit of 2x16GB.
CMK16GX4M2B3200C16 - is a kit of 2x8GB.
CMK32GX4M2B3200C16 - is a kit of 2x16GB.

Yes I understand that, I just didn't write it clearly

A 32GB RAM (a kit of 2x16GB) should read as 32GB in BIOS or 16GB?

 

[SkyNetRising]

A 32GB RAM (a kit of 2x16GB) should read as 32GB in BIOS or 16GB?

It's a kit of two modules.
With single module installed it will show 16GB in BIOS.
With two modules installed it will show 32GB in BIOS.

 

[Bob McCully]

Ok, I don't know why you're choosing to be pedantic, what I'm asking is quite clear.

If the 32GB RAM that I have is installed, should it show as 32GB or 16GB in Bios?

I've shared the images you requested. Is there an issue or not?

If not then thank you, if yes then what is my next step to troubleshoot it?

 

[SkyNetRising]

Ok, I don't know why you're choosing to be pedantic, what I'm asking is quite clear.

It sometimes seems, like you're asking one thing but mean something completely different.

If the 32GB RAM that I have is installed, should it show as 32GB or 16GB in Bios?

If you install 32GB of ram, then it shows 32GB in BIOS.

I've shared the images you requested. Is there an issue or not?

I don't see any issue. Other than you misidentifying capacity of your ram modules.
You DO NOT HAVE any 32GB modules.
You have only 8GB modules and 16GB modules.

 

[Bob McCully]

I don't see any issue. Other than you misidentifying capacity of your ram modules.

Misunderstanding, yes, but misidentifying... anyway good to know there is no issue.

So can you explain a bit more detail to why is it sold as 32GB, when the value is only 16GB, that is confusing me.

A 32GB RAM (a kit of 2x16GB) should read as 32GB in BIOS or 16GB?

It's a kit of two modules.
With single module installed it will show 16GB in BIOS.
With two modules installed it will show 32GB in BIOS.

So, one more question please.

The 32GB RAM has 2 modules of 16GB, yes I totally understand that and it clearly says it on the RAM stick. If the 32GB RAM (2x16GB) is placed in a single slot, why does the BIOS only read 16GB on that slot?

You DO NOT HAVE any 32GB modules.

I haven't said that I have 32GB modules, only that I have 32GB RAM sticks. Which you can see from the labelling is what it is sold as.

You're giving me good info, just need a bit more clarity to get my head around it. When I first noticed the disparity between the perceived value of RAM added and the actual value given, I did the usual and looked on the web for answers and found many with a similar observation but no clear resolution.

It would be good if another person found this thread and saved themselves $500 replacing parts.

 

[thestryker]

Misunderstanding, yes, but misidentifying... anyway good to know there is no issue.

So can you explain a bit more detail to why is it sold as 32GB, when the value is only 16GB, that is confusing me.

It's not "sold as 32GB" with a value that is 16GB as you're saying here. If you bought a single 32GB module it would be 32GB, what you've purchased is a dual channel kit made up of two 16GB modules with a total capacity of 32GB.

The 32GB RAM has 2 modules of 16GB, yes I totally understand that and it clearly says it on the RAM stick. If the 32GB RAM (2x16GB) is placed in a single slot, why does the BIOS only read 16GB on that slot?

You need to explain what you're talking about here, because as you've written it makes no sense. You can only put one module in one slot so it will only show the capacity of that individual module.

I haven't said that I have 32GB modules, only that I have 32GB RAM sticks. Which you can see from the labelling is what it is sold as.

If you read the labels the Corsair kits have (2x8GB) and (2x16GB) right next to the total capacity while the G.Skill has 16Gx2 on the label.

 

[SkyNetRising]

So can you explain a bit more detail to why is it sold as 32GB, when the value is only 16GB, that is confusing me.

It is sold as 32GB. Because total capacity of two modules (modules sold together in kit) is 32GB.

The 32GB RAM has 2 modules of 16GB, yes I totally understand that and it clearly says it on the RAM stick. If the 32GB RAM (2x16GB) is placed in a single slot, why does the BIOS only read 16GB on that slot?

Again this weird question?
How exactly is it physically possible to place two modules (2x16GB) in a single slot?
No. It is not possible. Why are you asking this again?

I haven't said that I have 32GB modules, only that I have 32GB RAM sticks.

What? Module is the same thing as stick. What do you think module is?

Single module:

Two module kit (two modules tested for working together and sold together in one package) :

These are ram slots. There are 4 of them in the photo. Each can have only a single module installed in it.

 

[Bob McCully]

Sorry for the delay in replying, I've been travelling.

Semantics and pedantics aside, the question still remains;

if one module of RAM is 32GB (2x16GB) why does BIOS only show 16GB in the slot?

 

[thestryker]

if one module of RAM is 32GB (2x16GB) why does BIOS only show 16GB in the slot?

Because you stubbornly refuse to listen to what you're being told and/or accept what the memory specifications say. You have a kit of memory which is 32GB and contains two 16GB modules to reach a total of 32GB hence the "2x16GB".

 

[SkyNetRising]

if one module of RAM is 32GB (2x16GB) why does BIOS only show 16GB in the slot?

2x16GB is not one module. It is TWO modules.
If you install only half of two modules (one module), then you get only half of capacity.

 

[Bob McCully]

Because you stubbornly refuse to listen to what you're being told and/or accept what the memory specifications say. You have a kit of memory which is 32GB and contains two 16GB modules to reach a total of 32GB hence the "2x16GB

it's not a stubborn refusal, it's you stuck on semantics... ok so I didn't know the right word
I get it, it's not that difficult, perhaps you just don't know the answer to the question

 

[Bob McCully]

2x16GB is not one module. It is TWO modules.
If you install only half of two modules (one module), then you get only half of capacity.

ok... let me say it really slowly...

I put ONE RAM stick in ONE slot
The RAM stick says its 32GB
The BIOS says only 16GB in that ONE slot

Why?

 

[thestryker]

it's not a stubborn refusal, it's you stuck on semantics... ok so I didn't know the right word
I get it, it's not that difficult, perhaps you just don't know the answer to the question

No it's you not understanding what you bought. Those sticks do not say that they're "32GB" which you keep claiming.

Let's do this really slowly so you can get it because you REFUSE to accept reality.

Here's your G.Skill memory right?

Now let's go check that model number F4-3600C18D-32GTZR:
https://www.gskill.com/product/165/166/1562823993/F4-3600C18D-32GTZR

Now click on the specifications tab:
Memory Type - DDR4
Capacity - 32GB (16GBx2)
Multi-Channel Kit - Dual Channel Kit

So it's DDR4 memory maybe we can agree on that.

The total capacity is 32GB in the form of 2x 16GB modules which we clearly cannot agree on despite that literally being what's printed on the memory and the specifications page.

It says it's a Dual Channel Kit which means it contains 2 memory modules because you cannot have 2 channels on DDR4 without 2 modules.

This means that if the total capacity is 32GB and it contains 2 modules to make up that 32GB those modules must be 16GB.

At this point you're either trolling or being willfully ignorant either way I'm not going to further waste my time.

 

[runnyolk]

maybe you should re-read your MB book to find the proper placement of 2 sticks (modules) . they (the owners manual) are pretty specific on the placement of each module ...