Error Q-Code 55 (bad memory) with Maximus VIII Hero + i5 6600

[DJFuji]

Hey all,

Putting together a new build and so far it's been REALLY frustrating, especially since I don't have other hardware I can use to troubleshoot individual components.

Here's what I'm running so far:

Asus Maximus VIII Hero
i5 6600 Skylake
32gb (16x2) Corsair Vengeance LPX (CMK32GX4M2A2666C16)
Corsair H80i GT Liquid Cooler

I'm assembling the motherboard with only CPU, cooler, power, and RAM, and I keep getting the "error code 55" which indicates some problem with the memory. I've already tried:

1. Trying only one stick
2. Trying the other stick
3. Trying each of the 4 slots individually (single channel)
4. Reseating the CPU
5. Loosening the CPU cooler screws
6. Changing out the motherboard

At this point i'm thinking it has to be either bad CPU or bad RAM. I changed out mobo first because what are the chances that BOTH DIMMs are bad at the same time? That particular model wasnt on ASUS's QVL list, but I called them and their tech support said it should be fine.

I would prefer not to buy another CPU and another set of DIMMs just to isolate the issue, but it's rapidly coming down to that. Anyone have any guidance or advice on what to try next?

And will amazon even take back opened CPUs?

 

[Burpo]

This is very important.. "That particular model wasn't on ASUS's QVL list".

I don't understand why people don't consult the QVL before buying memory..

What happens if you push the reset button after it gives the error? Does it POST?

The mobo has a MemOk button on it. Try installing the ram in the A2/B2 slots and power up. Hold the button for a few seconds till it reboots. It resets ram at lowest settings for compatibility.

 

[DJFuji]

This is very important.. "That particular model wasn't on ASUS's QVL list".

I don't understand why people don't consult the QVL before buying memory..

What happens if you push the reset button after it gives the error? Does it POST?

The mobo has a MemOk button on it. Try installing the ram in the A2/B2 slots and power up. Hold the button for a few seconds till it reboots. It resets ram at lowest settings for compatibility.

Yeah i couldnt find any of their QVL models on amazon in 2x16 format, and their tech support said it should be fine. Of course, ASUS isnt known for their tech support prowess, but yeah.

System does NOT post. No screen-on, no beep, nothing. It just returns the 55 error code.

Yeah, i tried the memok button too. Nothing. Tried single and dual channel mode in every possible combination.

At this point I'm thinking that it's either CPU bad (ASUS techs thought this was unlikely), bad memory (which i think is unlikely for BOTH sticks to be bad), or my new hypothesis, which is that these sticks are brand new and just arent compatible with this mobo (possibly due to old BIOS.)

I'm going to flash the BIOS to latest using the hardware USB BIOS updater and then try again. If that doesn't work, i'll bite the bullet and grab some G.SKill on QVL list.

 

[XavierMace]

This is very important.. "That particular model wasn't on ASUS's QVL list".

I don't understand why people don't consult the QVL before buying memory.

Because it's a home computer and 99 times out of a 100 you're fine either way?

I mean literally in 16 years of building computers I've only had an issue with correctly spec'd memory like 3 times out of probably a thousand builds/upgrades. Make sure it's the right type, speed, and voltage and odds are good that you will be fine. Desktop computers aren't that picky on memory. That combined with the manufacturers doing a shit job of updating the QVL means there's not much incentive to check it.

That said, his combo IS on Corsair's tested list.

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/download-files/manuals/dram/DDR4-Compatibility.pdf

 

[DJFuji]

Because it's a home computer and 99 times out of a 100 you're fine either way?

I mean literally in 16 years of building computers I've only had an issue with correctly spec'd memory like 3 times out of probably a thousand builds/upgrades. Make sure it's the right type, speed, and voltage and odds are good that you will be fine. Desktop computers aren't that picky on memory. That combined with the manufacturers doing a shit job of updating the QVL means there's not much incentive to check it.

That said, his combo IS on Corsair's tested list.

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/download-files/manuals/dram/DDR4-Compatibility.pdf

Interesting, good find, XavierMace. I didnt think to check corsair's list. Yeah I tried flashing BIOS through USB and getting the exact same result.

Completely out of ideas. At this point it's gotta be either bad RAM or bad CPU (or maybe i've managed to improperly install CPU cooler like 30 consecutive times). It's just hard to believe that either the CPU would be DOA or BOTH ram sticks would be defective

 

[redzo]

Maybe you've already googled this?
http://www.overclock.net/t/1573170/asus-z170-deluxe-ram-issue-q-code-55-or-41/10

 

[DJFuji]

Maybe you've already googled this?
http://www.overclock.net/t/1573170/asus-z170-deluxe-ram-issue-q-code-55-or-41/10

Yeah I've google almost every possible combination of the problem. I think I'm stuck with replacing individual components until it posts.

 

[XavierMace]

Based off that OC.net thread it sounds to me like Asus shipped the boards with overly aggressive XMP settings which makes the board excessively picky on RAM. Even better is the fact (again based off that thread) their updated firmware released to fix this issue have been buggy and there's at least one person in that thread using memory that IS on the QVL and still having the same issue.

That Asus rep's responses are exactly why I don't buy Asus anymore. Their customer service is absolute crap. I'd say return the board and get one that uses reasonable timings.

 

[DJFuji]

Based off that OC.net thread it sounds to me like Asus shipped the boards with overly aggressive XMP settings which makes the board excessively picky on RAM. Even better is the fact (again based off that thread) their updated firmware released to fix this issue have been buggy and there's at least one person in that thread using memory that IS on the QVL and still having the same issue.

That Asus rep's responses are exactly why I don't buy Asus anymore. Their customer service is absolute crap. I'd say return the board and get one that uses reasonable timings.

Swapped out a different set of DIMMs but same issue. They weren't QVL certified, but nothing the store sold was. Going to try a new CPU now. If this doesnt work im throwing this off the god damn balcony.

 

[DJFuji]

SON OF A BITCH. It was a bad CPU giving me the error code 55. Great job with the error codes, ASUS, very helpful in troubleshooting a bad CPU.

 

[Burpo]

Good to hear you got it sorted.. New platform is always a crap shoot troubleshooting.

 

[daveybrat]

SON OF A BITCH. It was a bad CPU giving me the error code 55. Great job with the error codes, ASUS, very helpful in troubleshooting a bad CPU.

WOW, that's crazy man. I don't think i've ever had a bad Intel cpu out of the box in all my years of building pc's. Glad you figured it out. Would have never guessed it could be a cpu.

 

[DJFuji]

WOW, that's crazy man. I don't think i've ever had a bad Intel cpu out of the box in all my years of building pc's. Glad you figured it out. Would have never guessed it could be a cpu.

Yeah, same, man. Would have guessed it was human error WAY before I figured the CPU was DOA.