ARES F3-2133C9Q-16GAB and ASUS P9X79 Pro XMP instability

[t1nKing]

Hi all,

Just wondering if I can get some help. I have just built my computer using the ARES F3-2133C9Q-16GAB ram it runs fine at 1600 but when I enable the 2133 XMP profile in the BIOS after a few boots the computer hangs during POST and states 'system not stable'. When I turn the XMP profile off it goes back to being fine and runs stable with no problems. Just wondering what the problem might be, and how I can get this ram to run stable with the XMP profile enabled? I'm assuming it isn't a compatability issue as the G.Skill website states ram is qualified for my motherbaord (although its not on ASUS's QVL). Specs below.

CPU: i7-3930K (I think C0 stepping, as BIOS says South Bridge C0), intend to OC
RAM: ARES F3-2133C9Q-16GAB
Motherboard: ASUS P9X79 Pro
BIOS: 1203 x64 (latest fom ASUS)
DRAM Voltage: Auto. when at 1600 and 2133 DRAM voltage ~1.64-1.66
GPU: Gigabyte 680 GTX OC Driver ver 301.42 (latest)
OS: Win 7 Professional (SP1)

Thanks for the help.

[Tradesman]

Have you tried setting them up manually at 2133?

[The Veterant]

I have the same kit on a Asus P8Z77-V premium MB and I never had problem with them, Both profile saved on XMP they work flawlessly: Profile (1) has clock of 2133Mhz,(2) has clock of 2134 and both with timming set @ 9-11-10-28-2. Hey T1 do a CMOS clear first then enter bios and do a XMP test again if that doesn't help, do a CMOS clear and go Manual.

I don't have my MB OC is just running @ 3.9Mhz and with that speed mine works perfect.

[t1nKing]

Tman - if I manually set the frequency to 2133 and run Prime95, Prime95 test fails and returns an error - "possible hardware failure". When I set frequency to 1866 and run Prime95 I get BSOD. Leaving frequency on 'auto' Prime95 happily gets through it tests.

Note that I didn't manually change timings or voltage (they are around 1.65V using auto), only changed frequency in BIOS.

[Tradesman]

May require adjusting of VCCCA and MC voltage

[t1nKing]

Hmm okay. I was hoping that as I paid the extra for the 2133 set, I wouldn't have to manually overclock and push voltages above the 1.65V that the set states is required for the 2133 XMP profile. Is it common for this to occur? If so what is the theory behind it being called (and paying a premium for) a 2133 set of RAM yet it being unstable at the stated frequency and voltage? Is it just bad luck of the draw/poor compatibility with my RAM or MB?

I'll give the manual RAM OC procedures a go.

[Tradesman]

Very few of the mobo makers were ready for every one jumping into 16/32 and 64 GB of DRAM especially at higher freqs, and even less ready to update (in effect) older mobos, as they are concentrating on the newest Z77 chipset 1155's....so (not that your's is old) but additional work on the BIOS for X79 and the 'older' 1155 socket mobos (P67/Z68/H67 chipsets) is somewhat on the back burner