I recently built a new system with the following specs: a 9600X processor, Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz CL36 RAM, an MSI MAG A650BN PSU, a WD Black 2TB SN850X storage drive, and an XFX 9060 XT 16GB GPU. Initially, I had a B650 HDV M.2 motherboard, but I switched to an MSI B850M Gaming WiFi Plus. The issue I'm facing is that I can't get the RAM to run at the advertised 6000MHz using the EXPO profile; it crashes and shows various errors. When I test each RAM module individually with Memtest, they both error out. However, when I downclock the RAM to 5600MHz, everything runs smoothly with no errors. I'm starting to suspect that the CPU might not handle 6000MHz RAM, especially since having both RAM sticks defective seems unlikely. Any thoughts or suggestions?
3 Answers
If I were you, I'd consider returning your current RAM and trying a 6000MHz CL30 kit instead. A lot of CL36 kits don't hold up well under pressure, especially when temperatures rise.
It sounds like your RAM is indeed the culprit here. Running at 6000MHz can be finicky, and you might not be missing much stability-wise by sticking to 5600MHz. Just make sure your new memory kit, which is CL30, works. If that gives you similar issues, it's probably a safe bet it’s the CPU's limits causing the problem.
Check the compatibility of your RAM with AMD EXPO. Some Corsair sticks are only rated for Intel XMP. If your RAM claims to support EXPO and is on the QVL list, you're probably good, but it's worth double-checking.
I have a CL30 kit arriving today, so I'll see how that goes!