Newbie: Asus B650 Creator doesn't work with G.Skill Ripjaws. Help!

[jeffkayser]

No issue.

Reseated all memory. Takes a long time to get off the yellow light, but it eventually does. It gets into BIOS now. Lots of RAM => long boot time. I'm good now.

Previous message:

I'm trying to build a PC for A.I. research.

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/s8FXmr

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 4.5 GHz 16-Core Processor ($549.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler ($119.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PROART B650-CREATOR ATX AM5 Motherboard ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card: MSI SUPRIM LIQUID X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card ($1741.81 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL ATX Full Tower Case ($214.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 1650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit ($198.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $3724.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-07-29 19:54 EDT-0400

PCPartPicker thought the components were compatible. However, when I power up, I get the yellow DRAM light. Opinions? Should I replace memory, motherboard, or ????

Thanks for your help.

 

[Nebulous]

 

[EarthDog]

Glad it worked out for you...!

 

[User5566]

I'm yet to put together my first ddr5 build, but I've already ordered a very similar selection of parts including the same MB, cpu and the same RAM (if the one you mentioned is g.skill F5-6000J3040G32GX2-TZ5NR. However instead of a 4090 I have dual rtx3090 with nvlink and my psu is "only" 1000w. So I have certain cooling challenges.


Regarding your now fixed ram problem. This ram is on the QVL so it should work. I'm not sure if this is relevant to ddr5, but on DDR4 when I installed a new ram without setting everything on Auto I would get the dreaded yellow light.

Then if I enabled docp on all 4 modules it wouldn't boot either. I had to put two modules (2nd and 4th), let it boot with that and then insert two more. Still, I had to up the dram voltage by 25mV for it to run stable.

I'm looking forward to hopefully hearing how this kit works for you. Are you planning to OC, undervolt?

Edit: BTW, the QVL has a single 2 module kit on it, there is no g.skill 4x32gb setup on the QVL. The only 4*32gb setups on the QVL are with kingston ram at 5200mhz and cl40. Does this mean there will be problems running 4 modules at 6000mhz? There might well be.

 

[Woomack]

I don't think anyone tests 4 modules at more than 5600 and I don't remember any 4x32GB non-ECC kits in stores. At least officially high frequencies are only on 2x16GB and 2x24GB kits. It doesn't mean it won't work. It's just not guaranteed. G.Skill adds an info card in new memory kits, saying that they don't recommend mixing memory kits (even two, the same PNs).
I can't confirm how well the 4 memory module configuration works on AM5, as I was testing it only on Z690 motherboards. I usually pick 2-slot motherboards for RAM tests and reviews as they support the highest frequencies and don't limit overclocking so much. I wish to test 4x 48GB setup, but I don't want to spend $500+ for a motherboard that I don't need for anything else.

If you want high RAM capacity, then you can also consider 2x48GB kits, as they're rated up to 6800. On the other hand, you won't find anything like that on AMD QVLs. No one wants to send 2x48GB kits for reviews, so I can't say much about various memory series and their compatibility. I can confirm that Micron IC works at 6200 on AMD (96GB kits rated at 5200).

On new AMD motherboards, RAM training takes longer than on the last generation. It's normal. There are BIOS options or improved BIOS versions to make it faster, but it will still take a couple of seconds.

 

[User5566]

@Woomack Which 2x48gb kit did you have in mind (one rated at up to 6800)?

I have seen this one 2x48gb F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RS available. It is quite expensive, but it's 6400 and cl32 and on the QVL. There is one 4x48 Kingston kit on the QVL, but it's "only" 5200 cl40, and I haven't even checked price/availability yet - probably it's a case "if you have to ask you can't afford it"

Edit: @jeffkayser what are your 4*32gb sticks running at? I will be amazed if you get more than 3600MT/s :-( I'm looking into getting that 2x48gb kit and living with just 96gb instead of 128gb.

I kinda wish they just put two DIMM slots on these motherboards, but I only saw one full size X670 board like that (msi dark k|ngp|n), but at a price I'm getting my MB, CPU and RAM at for just the MB (mind that I'm in EU so your prices are likely much better).

Actual AMD spec for 4 DIMMs on 7950x (all 7xxx) are actually just 3600MT/s. And at the latency these sticks run (cl30+) if you need 4sticks the ram speed is probably better on am4

 

[jeffkayser]

@Woomack Which 2x48gb kit did you have in mind (one rated at up to 6800)?

I have seen this one 2x48gb F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RS available. It is quite expensive, but it's 6400 and cl32 and on the QVL. There is one 4x48 Kingston kit on the QVL, but it's "only" 5200 cl40, and I haven't even checked price/availability yet - probably it's a case "if you have to ask you can't afford it"

Edit: @jeffkayser what are your 4*32gb sticks running at? I will be amazed if you get more than 3600MT/s :-( I'm looking into getting that 2x48gb kit and living with just 96gb instead of 128gb.

I kinda wish they just put two DIMM slots on these motherboards, but I only saw one full size X670 board like that (msi dark k|ngp|n), but at a price I'm getting my MB, CPU and RAM at for just the MB (mind that I'm in EU so your prices are likely much better).

Actual AMD spec for 4 DIMMs on 7950x (all 7xxx) are actually just 3600MT/s. And at the latency these sticks run (cl30+) if you need 4sticks the ram speed is probably better on am4

Hi, all.

I have this RAM now: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory

I have not been successful overclocking it. It is running OK with normal clocking at 5600MT/s, but when I try to set the clock to 6400, it does not boot, and I have to undo the overclocking setting.

 

[EarthDog]

Hi, all.

I have this RAM now: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory

I have not been successful overclocking it. It is running OK with normal clocking at 5600MT/s, but when I try to set the clock to 6400, it does not boot, and I have to undo the overclocking setting.

The more RAM you have, the slower its top speed will be (and you increased capacity and speed from the first post).

*Are those new sticks on the memory qvl?
*Update that board to the latest bios if you haven't already.
*Have you tried increasing SOC voltage?
*Try a slower speed (ddr5-6000).

 

[User5566]

Hi, all.

I have this RAM now: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory

*Are those new sticks on the memory qvl?

I second the question...

There is this on the QVL F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RS, but they also have another variant with the last letter different that isn't. And to make it even more confusing they have some Corsair memory like that where they say the type and S/N range. So, one has to check the version of the product now too.

I have not been successful overclocking it. It is running OK with normal clocking at 5600MT/s, but when I try to set the clock to 6400, it does not boot, and I have to undo the overclocking setting.

If it is on the QVL at the OC speed I believe it means only that the motherboard is capable to "deliver it" at this speed, but the actual memory controlled is in the CPU itself and it is subject to the silicone lottery.


If you see AMDs specs, they have the previously mentioned 3600 for 4 dimms and I think 5600 for 1 or 2. Anything above 5600 is an overclock and subject to the rules of the silicone lottery.

I'd be very interested in finding out what percentage of people actually do get the "expo" speeds? Is it 99% (in which case I'd swap the part that doesn't) or more like 50% in which case I'd probably accept it as it is.

 

[Woomack]

@Woomack Which 2x48gb kit did you have in mind (one rated at up to 6800)?

I have seen this one 2x48gb F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RS available. It is quite expensive, but it's 6400 and cl32 and on the QVL. There is one 4x48 Kingston kit on the QVL, but it's "only" 5200 cl40, and I haven't even checked price/availability yet - probably it's a case "if you have to ask you can't afford it"

Edit: @jeffkayser what are your 4*32gb sticks running at? I will be amazed if you get more than 3600MT/s :-( I'm looking into getting that 2x48gb kit and living with just 96gb instead of 128gb.

I kinda wish they just put two DIMM slots on these motherboards, but I only saw one full size X670 board like that (msi dark k|ngp|n), but at a price I'm getting my MB, CPU and RAM at for just the MB (mind that I'm in EU so your prices are likely much better).

Actual AMD spec for 4 DIMMs on 7950x (all 7xxx) are actually just 3600MT/s. And at the latency these sticks run (cl30+) if you need 4sticks the ram speed is probably better on am4

I mean this kit F5-6800J3446F48GX2-TZ5RK. I haven't seen anything besides 2x16GB and 2x24GB on AMD QVL at more than 6400. There are only Micron and Hynix IC that are used in 24GB and 48GB kits. Everything 6000+ at lower CL, like CL38 or less, is the same Hynix M.

Most specs for 2-4x 32GB or 48GB configurations are from AMD CPU specs. In short, no one is testing 4x 32GB/48GB kits because no one is manufacturing them. It doesn't mean it won't work at 6000+, but it's never guaranteed, so hard to recommend it to anyone.
I doubt that 6000-6400 is impossible with 128GB or 196GB kits. 2x32GB is not listed on any AMD motherboard above 6000 (maybe I missed something) and I could set 7600 on my kit.

Hi, all.

I have this RAM now: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory

I have not been successful overclocking it. It is running OK with normal clocking at 5600MT/s, but when I try to set the clock to 6400, it does not boot, and I have to undo the overclocking setting.

At a 1:1 IMC/IF ratio and 2x32/48GB kits, max is usually 6200. Recommended is 6000 and some brands are not releasing higher 2x32/2x48GB kits. Even if you have 6400 kit and it's on QVL, then the CPU may not handle it. I couldn't set fully stable 6400 on 3 different CPUs and 2x32GB kit. One couldn't even post, two were crashing in tests.
Once you set 1:2 ratio then you can go up to 7000+. The only problem is that 6000-6200 CL30/32 1:1 is about as fast as 7400-7600 CL36 1:2, so it's a waste of time trying to push it up to 7600+. My setup could post up to 8000, but wasn't stable above 7600. I'm not sure if 48GB modules OC the same as I have only Microns and they hit a wall at 6800 CL48 or something near.

 

[Woomack]

A little update as I had a chance to run 4x32GB on Gigabyte B650E mobo. If it's acting the same way on other motherboards (and I haven't heard about any really good results), then it's better to get a 2x48GB kit (if a higher capacity RAM is required). At least my setup has problems with training, and it doesn't even post at 4800MT/s (standard SPD profile). The motherboard sets 3600MT/s after the initial training. 2 different 2x32GB kits, but both have about the same Hynix IC.
I will try some more, but it doesn't look good.

 

[User5566]

A little update as I had a chance to run 4x32GB on Gigabyte B650E mobo. If it's acting the same way on other motherboards (and I haven't heard about any really good results), then it's better to get a 2x48GB kit (if a higher capacity RAM is required). At least my setup has problems with training, and it doesn't even post at 4800MT/s (standard SPD profile). The motherboard sets 3600MT/s after the initial training. After some quick tests. 2 different 2x32GB kits, but both have about the same Hynix IC.
I will try some more, but it doesn't look good.

Good to know. Thanks.

I wanted to get the 2x48gb G.SKILL module, but the one on the MB QVL (F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RS) is almost impossible to get around here. While few shops do have the same but with letter K on the end.

Now, the specs of both look identical the only difference seems to be the color. (black for K, and silver for S). So I wrote to g.skill Europe asking for confirmation if these are two color variants of the same kit.

If they are I'll be getting the K version which has been reviewed before by @Woomack on the Intel platform(if I remember correctly). I'm very curious how far it will go on am5.

On a side note, as I'm currently running a g.skill 6000MT/s 2x32gb cl32 kit at 6000 (expo) I was really surprised how long it takes to boot.

I'm not even talking after power cut, but let's say after the reset button is used. I hope this improves in time.

 

[Woomack]

It will be the same - as you noticed, the last letter is a heatsink color, but the same IC and profiles. G.Skill uses only Hynix M IC in these kits.

I doubt I will review the 2x48GB kit. I asked for a 2x48GB 6800 kit from G.Skill, but it wasn't available. Some product numbers have limited availability or are listed, but you won't find them in stores.
I try to pick the most interesting series when I ask for anything specific for reviews. Sometimes vendors offer kits, but usually don't want to change them to anything else. Most brands don't want to send 2x48GB at all. I already asked, and all offer 2x16GB or 2x24GB. Even 2x32GB is quite hard to get. Right now, I have one 2x32GB kit in the queue for review - Patriot Viper Elite 5 6200 CL42. The profile is weird as this kit has a Hynix IC and goes up to 7200+ CL38.

4x32GB takes even longer to post than 2x32GB.

I see mixed comments about various brands and motherboard series. Many users report high RAM frequency on Gigabyte (over 8000 max), but on 2x16GB or 2x24GB kits. On the other hand, 2x32GB and 2x48GB kits seem to overclock better on ASUS. MSI is nothing special in this generation, and ASRock depends on the model - B650E PG ITX overclocks like ASUS, Steel Legend, and one more (I don't remember which one was it) were below average when I tested them. Taichi Lite seems to be better than a regular and more expensive Taichi.

I will try to check 4x24GB when I find one more free kit.

 

[Woomack]

I will try to check 4x24GB when I find one more free kit.

96GB@7600 CL36 - 2x24GB Corsair + 2x24GB Patriot sticks. It's not stable and it's acting weird like sometimes passes tests, but after restart is crashing.
Everything between 7000 and 7600 gives similar memory bandwidth and latency in AIDA64.
7200 acts well and seem to be possible to stabilize. I had no time for longer tests, but at XMP from Corsair Dominator Titanium 7200 kit, with higher SOC and IMC voltages it was working fine for some time. Above that looks like IMC gives up and the motherboard has limited voltages, so can't push it more. More relaxed timings are not changing anything.
Results on dual CCD CPUs will give about 30-35GB/s higher memory read and copy bandwidth.

 

[User5566]

As an alternative here is my first test of g.skill 6400MT CL32 2x48GB kit F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RK. It is only 2 modules, but the total is 96GB, just on DOCP1. Sorry, I only have a trial version of AIDA.

 

[Woomack]

I don't know if it's a wrong reading or you have 1:2 IF/IMC mode enabled. Check if you can make it work at 1:1 as even at 6000-6200 memory bandwidth and latency will be better.

 

[User5566]

Indeed I had 1:2 if:I'm set. Today I'm checking out the performance 1:1 and I'm having the RAM heat up a lot. Even with all my case fans it's reaching 60C after 15min of RunMemtestPro. That's at 6200Mt, cl32 1.35v so below it's expo profile.

What are acceptable temperatures for ddr5? With DDR4 I saw errors above 78C, but that was with quite a bit of OC.

What do you think?

 

[Woomack]

This is normal. Usually, temps are up to 70°C under extended load with some airflow in the PC case, but they're much lower during typical work. I had kits that were working without errors even at 78-79°C in stability tests (7600-8000), but it depends on frequency and memory density. High-capacity kits typically dislike higher voltages, while they still work fine at higher temps. Then you set more relaxed timings and lower voltages but push the frequency.

 

[User5566]

OK, these are results with 1:1 UCLK and MCLK, FCLK=Auto at 6400Mt


An interesting comparison is to see the same memory, same timings, at 6200Mt/s (still MCLK=UCLK, FCLK=Auto)

Finally same settings, MCLK=UCLK FCLK=Auto but 6000MT/s, we can see less bandwidth, but an interesting improvement in latency. No doubt it must be due to FCLK/MCLK=2/3.


And finally we have again 6400 with UCLK=1600. So we can see this is, on average better in terms of throughput that 1:1 at 6000MT/s, but worse in terms of latency. (sorry for the wrong tab on cpu-z, you have to take my word UCLK was 1600 on this one)


Also, I had some failures to pass the memory test with 1:1 and memory set to 6400 before as expo settings. But it has been running fine for about an hour with voltage higher only by 0.1V. I still most likely will run it at 6000MT/s daily due to lower temps.

 

[Woomack]

I would check what the motherboard setting, as some timings and maybe other things under auto are probably too relaxed. It's weird that all settings are so close to each other.
If you don't improve it, then check if you can set 6800-7000 1:2. Maybe it will be better (if you make it work).
In general, it doesn't matter much as you won't see the difference out of benchmarks, but you can always check it.