Purchased an RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell MaxQ a week ago for my Windows 10 PC. Now it only runs on 2 RAM cards when I restarted after an update.

Understanding and Troubleshooting GPU and RAM Compatibility Issues: A Case Study with the RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell MaxQ

Introduction

Upgrading or integrating new high-performance components into a PC build often brings exciting benefits, but it can also introduce unexpected complications. Recently, a user shared their experience after installing an NVIDIA RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell MaxQ GPU in a Windows 10 desktop configured for professional workloads. This situation underscores the importance of understanding hardware compatibility, BIOS configurations, and troubleshooting procedures to ensure stable operation.

System Overview

The user’s build includes:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen x7950
• Motherboard: ASRock X670 Taichi
• Power Supply: Be Quiet! 1500W
• Memory: 128GB RAM across four modules
• Graphics Cards:
• NVIDIA RTX 8000 Quadro (used as display output and for gaming)
• NVIDIA RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell MaxQ (used for local AI model inference)
• Additional Cooling: Four case fans and one CPU fan

Initial Performance and Setup

Before recent issues, the GPU configuration was stable. The Blackwell MaxQ GPU accelerated local AI computations effectively, while the RTX 8000 Quadro handled display output and gaming, with both cards operating at manageable temperatures thanks to robust airflow.

Problem Encountered

After a Windows 10 update and subsequent restart, the system exhibited boot issues:

• The PC’s fans would spin up to high speeds, but the system would be stuck at POST code 46, indicating a hardware initialization problem.
• Attempting to boot with only one RAM module at slot A1 resulted in a C5 error, suggesting memory detection issues.
• Using alternate RAM slots (A2, B2) and resetting BIOS/CMOS allowed Windows to boot successfully with two RAM modules.
• Reinstalling all four RAM modules without the MaxQ GPU caused the system to hang at code 46 again, necessitating fallback to two RAM modules for stability.

Hardware Diagnostics and Observations

Several key insights emerge from these observations:

1. RAM Functionality: All four RAM modules seem operational individually and in pairs, with no visible damage or obstruction in slots. The main issue arises when attempting to use all four simultaneously with the MaxQ GPU installed.

2. GPU Impact: The presence of the Blackwell MaxQ appears to influence boot stability, though the hardware itself seems undamaged.