PSA: AMD AM5 issue with over voltage requiring BIOS update

[LeeB]

7a is the AMD fixes to the AGESA, I think this is an important BIOS for anyone to update. Did you check the QVL list to see if there were changes?

Had a look at the QVL list and no changes but from the sounds of it they have made some changes to voltage for RAM which should (hopefully) allow me to use the XMP / EXPO settings without issue. Will ask PCS when they get back to me about my graphics card for the approval and steps just to ensure no warranty issues.

Previous PC had auto BIOS updater via Windows so first time doing it via USB in the actual BIOS but seems very straightforward once you follow the steps.

 

[LeeB]

On the one hand, I feel like I should update the BIOS to the latest, given the extra things "allegedly" fixed...on the other, I have zero confidence in ASUS at present so am reluctant to do so. Am still erring on the side of "leave it for 6 months and then re-evaluate"

I'm hoping the fact that it's almost 2 weeks since the last BIOS listed and that this one went straight to a fully tested non-BETA version means they have put the work in on it but yeah, always nervous considering the issues right now!

 

[Scott]

The changes are definitely meant to be the EXPO fix. The QVL changes I could see were limiting the stock RAM voltage to way below what was required.

I'm curious what it will look like when updated, I'll manually set my voltages regardless but it will be interesting to see what the EXPO does and whether it matches the RAM requirement or the listed voltage threshold.

 

[Scott]

This is my RAM below. Firstly, I have no idea why every RAM kit gets 2 lines, but they do. You can see that it's only listed as supporting 2 sticks. I'm not overly surprised with this mind you. The 1.4v is what has me curious. I'm wondering if I switch on EXPO if it will actually set the VDim to 1.4. I think previously it was 1.45 or 1.5v, but I manually set it to 1.35v.

Vendors	Part No.	Size	XMP/EXPO Support	RAM Speed	Supported Speed	SS/DS	Chip Brand	Timing	Voltage	Socket Support
Kingston	KF564C32RSK2-32	2x 16GB	XMP	6400	6400	SS	SK Hynix	32-39-39-80	1.4	1,2
Kingston	KF564C32RSAK2-32	2x 16GB	XMP	6400	6400	SS	SK Hynix	32-39-39-80	1.4	1,2

 

[LeeB]

I can't even find my RAM online (going by the sticker on the back): CMK5X16G1B60Z40A2

Very weird, although maybe not the exact part number you would think a web search would bring up something.

 

[SpyderTracks]

I can't even find my RAM online (going by the sticker on the back): CMK5X16G1B60Z40A2

Very weird, although maybe not the exact part number you would think a web search would bring up something.

It's an OEM model number, wont be listed on the web

 

[LeeB]

It's an OEM model number, wont be listed on the web

Yeah I did think that. Hopefully new BIOS sorts it, will update once PCS approve and I put it on the MB.

 

[Scott]

I can't even find my RAM online (going by the sticker on the back): CMK5X16G1B60Z40A2

Very weird, although maybe not the exact part number you would think a web search would bring up something.

I've said to you multiple times, you need to use the package code.... not the individual stick number

I've listed this for you a couple of times to aid in your search. However, it's very easy to figure out which one it is as ASUS list the timings and spec of the RAM they have tested.

 

[LeeB]

So I'm going to be sending back my GPU for a replacement. Being overly cautious here in taking it out but the latch at the end of the PCIe slot you just push down on the release the GPU and then gently pull it out? I assume this is very straightforward but pulling something this big out of the motherboard I really don't want to cause damage!

 

[Steveyg]

So I'm going to be sending back my GPU for a replacement. Being overly cautious here in taking it out but the latch at the end of the PCIe slot you just push down on the release the GPU and then gently pull it out? I assume this is very straightforward but pulling something this big out of the motherboard I really don't want to cause damage!

Yeah that's it, you can actually feel it release a little when you push the latch down

 

[B4zookaw]

Just make sure all cables removed and unscrew from the back panel before unlatching

 

[SpyderTracks]

So I'm going to be sending back my GPU for a replacement. Being overly cautious here in taking it out but the latch at the end of the PCIe slot you just push down on the release the GPU and then gently pull it out? I assume this is very straightforward but pulling something this big out of the motherboard I really don't want to cause damage!

Assuming you've unscrewed it from the case?

 

[LeeB]

Haven't attempted yet, still in the office so going to have a look when I get home. Unscrewing it and removing power cables should the easy part. Per a pic of the case I have, it's the size of the card and accessing the latch I'm concerned with since I can't even see the latch.

 

[Steveyg]

Haven't attempted yet, still in the office so going to have a look when I get home. Unscrewing it and removing power cables should the easy part. Per a pic of the case I have, it's the size of the card and accessing the latch I'm concerned with since I can't even see the latch.

You should be able to access it from the top of the card, if you have something small you can use than to push the latch as well, I'd recommend something not metal, Like a piece of plastic would be best

 

[B4zookaw]

You should be able to access it from the top of the card, if you have something small you can use than to push the latch as well, I'd recommend something not metal, Like a piece of plastic would be best

I just use a long screwdriver to push down on the latch, works fine.

 

[Scott]

Was that a picture of your board? A number of the boards have remote release buttons now. Just in case you run down a rabbit hole looking for the latch

 

[LeeB]

Was that a picture of your board? A number of the boards have remote release buttons now. Just in case you run down a rabbit hole looking for the latch

Pretty sure it's a latch going by pics of the board online with nothing installed.

I'll be home shortly and will have a look. They offered to do this or take the whole system back so if I can't get into it easily may just take that route. And could ask them to update the BIOS at the same time.

 

[LeeB]

Okay that was much easier than I feared! Came out nice and easy!

 

[LeeB]

So got approval for BIOS 1616 from PCS. Installed smoothly and put EXPO back on and it's showing as 6000mhz.

On the BIOS that came installed on my PC it only showed 5800 mhz before I got the yellow DRAM light so seems to be fine now.

QQ for those more in the know. What's the difference between Auto, EXPO I & EXPO II?

Mine defaults to EXPO I and seems to be running just fine so assume I'm okay to leave as is. Just that there are different options and a bit curious!

 

[SpyderTracks]

So got approval for BIOS 1616 from PCS. Installed smoothly and put EXPO back on and it's showing as 6000mhz.

On the BIOS that came installed on my PC it only showed 5800 mhz before I got the yellow DRAM light so seems to be fine now.

QQ for those more in the know. What's the difference between Auto, EXPO I & EXPO II?

Mine defaults to EXPO I and seems to be running just fine so assume I'm okay to leave as is. Just that there are different options and a bit curious!

Skip to 4:50 in this video, he can explain it far better than I can.

Basically Asus are using the EXPO i and ii things differently to anyone else