Sometimes getting Q-code 53 memory error on ASUS motherboard

[anandtechreader]

Hi, I have the G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200C14 RGB RAM (16GBx4) and ASUS WS Z390 Pro motherboard.

After running my i9-9900K computer at DDR4-3200CL14 for a few days, suddenly I got a Q-Code 53 error when I turned on the machine. Resetting and force rebooting several times did not help. I removed two memory modules, disabled XMP, resit the modules and enabled XMP. It started working. However, a week later, same thing happened. Anybody knows what is going on? How do I know if it is the problem with the motherboard or the RAM? No other RAM nor motherboard to test and the return period is in 2 days. Shall I return the RAM and choose another product?

This RAM is not on ASUS QVL list but before purchase, G.Skill told me that it is compatible with my motherboard. When I had this problem the first time, G.Skill said they had no idea what is wrong but ASUS suggested me to return the RAM due to controller issue with the RAM and also lower the speed of the RAM. I inserted the RAM in the order G.Skill suggested: A2 B2 A1 B1, starting from the lowest serial number.


G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series 64GB (4 x 16GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600) Desktop Memory Model F4-3200C14Q-64GTZR

 

[Shmee]

Try a memtest first, though it could just be the board or CPU having intermittent instability. A bios update might also help.

 

[RLGL]

If the memory is not on the QVL list, replace it with something that is. The new boards are picky about ram.

 

[anandtechreader]

The Corsair 64GB DDR4-3466C16 ram kit just arrived. Unfortunately, after installation of this new RAM, I still get Q-code 53 error. Does that mean it is the motherboard that is defective?

If money is not an issue, what are the top two best Z390 motherboards? Ones that can work well with 64GB RAM at speeds 3200C14, 3466C16 or above? I am using high-end components such as i9-9900K, fast 64GB RAM and EVGA Nvidia RTX 2080Ti Ultra Gaming. Main uses are computationally intensive scientific computations, CAD, computer simulations, Matlab, CUDA computations. Secondary use is 4K gaming. How about the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme, Aorus Master and the MSI MEG Z390 Godlike? Which is better in terms of compatibility, performance and support?

As for the RAM, which has better formance, Corsair 64GB DDR4-3466C16 or G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200C14 RGB RAM (16GBx4)?

 

[LTC8K6]

Run the ram at the stock speed of the 9900K, 2666 and see if the error goes away.

 

[anandtechreader]

Run the ram at the stock speed of the 9900K, 2666 and see if the error goes away.

When I wrote Post #4, RAM was running at stock speed since XMP was disabled.

 

[LTC8K6]

Try clearing the CMOS and making the motherboard go totally to default settings.

 

[anandtechreader]

Try clearing the CMOS and making the motherboard go totally to default settings.

Did that and also unplugged the power from the wall and pressed power on to take up whaterver electricity remained in the board.

 

[LTC8K6]

Okay now you want to try one stick at a time in whatever slot you are supposed to use for a single stick.

Not sure what that is for your board.

Try one stick at a time in that slot and see if there are some sticks that work and some that don't.

 

[anandtechreader]

For G.Skill RAM, sometimes even 1 stick failed. After I got one working, adding a 2nd stick to any slot failed as well. ASUS and G.Skill think my MB is defective.

 

[Shmee]

Sounds like a bad board or CPU, though more likely to be the board. Have you memtested though?

 

[anandtechreader]

Thanks. I just returned the motherboard for a refund. Even it is within return period, ASUS asked me to RMA the board to them for testings. In addition to posting on the internet, I emailed them almost everyday for the past few weeks. No way I spent that much money on a motherboard, give up my right to get a refund and continue to be their beta tester.

 

[Sermak]

I had the same problem and I cleared the CMOS by pressing the button next to the display that showed the 53 status, then the screen came back to life and reloaded the BIOS from the administrator start screen.
The computer is back up, I've built this system and has been running for 3 years now without this problem ever surfacing.
Seems to be good now.

Now showing a beautiful AA on the display.

Good luck.