I built my PC back in 2017 on a budget and now I'm trying to upgrade my RAM from 2x8GB to 2x16GB. Every time I install the new RAM, my PC gets stuck in a boot loop, but when I put the old RAM back in, everything works fine. I've already updated the BIOS, reset the CMOS, and tried different slots with one stick at a time, but nothing seems to resolve the issue.
The RAM I purchased is supposed to be compatible, but I suspect it's a voltage issue since my motherboard sets the highest voltage at 1.20V, and the new RAM requires 1.35V. Also, I read that my motherboard only supports up to 2400MHz while the new RAM is 3200MHz. I'm wondering if there's any way to mod the BIOS to increase the voltage safely or if I should just accept that I need to buy different RAM or even a new motherboard altogether. I was hoping to do gradual upgrades rather than buy everything at once. Any advice?
3 Answers
Honestly, if you can't even get into the BIOS with the new memory, it likely won't work with your current motherboard. The max you could probably support is 2400MHz. If you're considering a new motherboard, maybe look for something like a Z270 on eBay? It'll be a good upgrade and is usually pretty cheap. Also, since you're already looking at upgrading, it might be worth considering a new CPU as well. Something like an AMD 5600 would pair nicely with a new board and give you a solid performance boost for gaming and other tasks.
It sounds like you've really done your homework on this! If your BIOS is up-to-date and you're still having issues, there's a chance that one of the new sticks might be defective. That does happen sometimes, even though it's rare. Maybe try testing each stick individually to rule that out? Also, DDR4 can usually downclock pretty well, but if you're boot looping, it might not be responding correctly. Have patience; sometimes RAM can take a few minutes to 'train' after you've changed it out. Just give it some time after you boot it up.
Many users have had success running newer RAM on older boards, but it's a bit of a gamble. If you find the new RAM isn't compatible, consider going for RAM that's lower voltage and speed, like 2400MHz, to avoid these issues. If you still want to try your luck with your current setup, go into the BIOS settings and see if you can manually set your RAM to operate at a lower voltage. Just be careful with altering settings—always good to check your motherboard's manual before doing anything dangerous!
I was in a similar boat once! Letting it sit for a bit did the trick for me. Just don't give up too quickly!