PowerSpec G520 Questions on RAM

Birdy

Hi, hope you're having (or had) a happy thanksgiving.

Recently bought a pre-built PowerSpec G520, and 1 stick of G.Skill X5 16GB with the intention of having a total of 32GB of RAM.

However, the pre-built PowerSpec G520 came with a G.Skill S5 (instead of X5). What is the best course of action here?

Could I go back to Microcenter, and ask if I could "exchange" the S5 (that came with the pre-built) for an X5?

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Birdy

Same Hynix M-Die IC. Different PMIC's though, Ampec and Richtek. I'd try to load XMP/EXPO on it, if it gives you any trouble we can exchange it.

Recommend running memtestx86 overnight: https://www.memtest86.com/

Birdy

Hi @PowerSpec_MikeW,

Thanks for the response, appreciate it. Unfortunately, loading XMP/EXPO is beyond the realm of my technical expertise.

My local microcenter at DFW was unwilling to exchange the S5 stick of RAM that come from the PowerSpec G520 for a X5 stick. Is this something you could help me out with please?

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Birdy

Lets try to load XMP first. Restart and tap 'Delete' to enter the BIOS. It should be in Easy Mode. If not, hit F6. On the left side you should see your RAM, and there should be a toggle there for XMP/EXPO, lets see if it'll even give you the option and try to train.

Birdy

Hi MikeW,

I was able to get to the BIOS, RAM section under easy mode (F6), and there is a toggle for XMP/EXPO.
It is initially set to "XMP". It is interesting that when I click on the button, it toggles to "Auto" and "EXPO", but never gives me the option for "XMP" again.
Does this mean the S5 and X5 sticks are compatible? What exactly am I doing with these BIOS options?

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Birdy

Well, that's what we're going to find out. If it says EXPO, it's reading the X5 kit. Try that, let it reboot. Should take 40-60 seconds to train.

Birdy

@PowerSpec_MikeW
Okay, looks like it is able to reboot and seems to work "normally" with a S5 and X5 stick installed.

Still feels slightly wrong to have "mismatched" RAM, but if you say its OK that's good enough for me. :D

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Birdy

Ideally you'd have a matched kit, but you're not overclocking. IC is the biggest thing, the PMIC's should auto negotiate individually. Let us know if you see any signs of instability.