I moved my PC components into a different case, and afterward my Corsair Vengeance DDR4-3600 32 GB kit (CMK32GX4M2D3600C18) would only run at the default 2133 MHz speed. It previously worked at 3600 MHz in the same system. I have an Intel Core i7-10700 and an MSI Z490-A Pro with the latest BIOS. The RAM is installed in the recommended second and fourth slots. Enabling XMP causes the computer to restart repeatedly and then shut down, and loading BIOS defaults has not fixed it. The problem started around the case move, before the BIOS update, so I'm trying to determine whether this is a BIOS setting, seating issue, or hardware problem.
1 Answer
Start by fully clearing the CMOS rather than only loading BIOS defaults. Power the system off, disconnect it from the wall, clear the CMOS using the motherboard jumper or battery procedure, then boot with the memory at its default speed. Once it is stable, enable the XMP profile again. Also reseat both modules and confirm they are in the second and fourth slots from the CPU. If XMP still causes failed memory training, check that the modules are firmly installed and inspect the CPU socket and cooler mounting, since socket contact or excessive cooler pressure can affect the memory controller. You can also test one stick at a time and try a slightly lower speed such as 3200 MHz to identify whether one module or the 3600 profile is the issue.
The modules are already in the second and fourth slots, but enabling XMP makes the system attempt several restarts before shutting down. I have restored the defaults, although I have not performed a full CMOS clear yet. The crashes began before the BIOS update, so I’ll also test the sticks individually and inspect the seating after the case transfer.