[SOLVED] - ROG Strix X570-E Red CPU Light Q-Code 04 (2024)

Hi SethSlax

The only thing I can think of is your RAM as you eluded to.
Qcode 04 is an initialization issue (early in the Post cycle phase) and RAM has been known to throw up this code.

Have you eliminated the possibility of RAM errors using Memtest86.?

Does your RAM kit (4 x G.Skill TridentZ 8GB RAM) consist of (4x2GB) modules or (4x8GB) for 32GB and did the DIMMMs come as a single kit.?
Please list the P/N or SKU of your RAM.?

The only reference I could find and Last Bios to work with X570 and 1800x was 1302 according to this post at reddit.
View: https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/id93uo/i_got_my_ryzen_1800x_working_on_an_x570_asus/

In looking at your MB specs your latest Bios is 4204 for Improved system performance and stability and an update to AGESA.

It is also advised you should update your chipset at the same time you update Bios.
Did you use Flashback on the rear IO Panel to update.?

MeanMachine41 said:

Hi SethSlax

The only thing I can think of is your RAM as you eluded to.
Qcode 04 is an initialization issue (early in the Post cycle phase) and RAM has been known to throw up this code.

Have you eliminated the possibility of RAM errors using Memtest86.?

Does your RAM kit (4 x G.Skill TridentZ 8GB RAM) consist of (4x2GB) modules or (4x8GB) for 32GB and did the DIMMMs come as a single kit.?
Please list the P/N or SKU of your RAM.?

The only reference I could find and Last Bios to work with X570 and 1800x was 1302 according to this post at reddit.
View: https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/id93uo/i_got_my_ryzen_1800x_working_on_an_x570_asus/

In looking at your MB specs your latest Bios is 4204 for Improved system performance and stability and an update to AGESA.

It is also advised you should update your chipset at the same time you update Bios.
Did you use Flashback on the rear IO Panel to update.?

Click to expand...

See Also

How to Apply for South Korea’s Q-Code for your Next Adventure! - Klook Travel BlogE-dowód w dłoni, eDO App w telefonie - Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji - Portal Gov.pl[Motherboard] Common Q-CODE(Error CODE) and Troubleshooting | Official Support | ASUS GlobalROG STRIX Z790-E Error code Q 33. No post and no BIOS

Unfortunately I have no way of running Memtest as I can't even get into the BIOS, and my old PC is dead.
The RAM came as 2 packs of 2x8GB modules.
The SKU is: F4-3200C14D-16GTZR DDR4-3200 CL14-14-14-34 1.35v

The Strix X570-E Wifi and Wifi II versions actually have two seperate BIOS (got stuck on this for hours trying to figure out why a brand new MB wouldn't take a BIOS update). The versions available for the Wifi II are 0309 and 4204, and both are supposed to be compatible with the 1800x. They're probably identical, but the renamer changes the names completely.

I updated the BIOS with the rear flashback button.
As for the chipsets, I don't think I can do that without booting into the OS, right?

Thank you for the swift response!

https://rog.asus.com/us/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-x570-e-gaming-wifi-ii-model/helpdesk_cpu

SethSlax said:

Unfortunately I have no way of running Memtest as I can't even get into the BIOS, and my old PC is dead.
The RAM came as 2 packs of 2x8GB modules.
The SKU is: F4-3200C14D-16GTZR DDR4-3200 CL14-14-14-34 1.35v

The Strix X570-E Wifi and Wifi II versions actually have two seperate BIOS (got stuck on this for hours trying to figure out why a brand new MB wouldn't take a BIOS update). The versions available for the Wifi II are 0309 and 4204, and both are supposed to be compatible with the 1800x. They're probably identical, but the renamer changes the names completely.

I updated the BIOS with the rear flashback button.
As for the chipsets, I don't think I can do that without booting into the OS, right?

Thank you for the swift response!

https://rog.asus.com/us/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-x570-e-gaming-wifi-ii-model/helpdesk_cpu

Click to expand...

Also should probably mention that I've tested booting with each DIMMM individually, and always make sure the paired sticks are running tandem in the correct slots.
Tried resetting the CMOS, tried a brand new CMOS battery. No luck.

FYI regarding Memtest86

If your Bios is UEFI configured to RUN the USB device then you don't need to access Bios. Create the USB ISO download image on another pc , then insert the USB into an appropriate port and fire up the system with your USB. Memtest does not need an operating system and is standalone. Run the test for 4 passes and if any errors then your RAM is a Fail. RMA.
Test each module individually and all modules together.

FYI regarding your RAM

Quote "The RAM came as 2 packs of 2x8GB modules." End Quote

Your mixing RAM and that is Not a good idea. This can cause a mismatch due to slight variations in Latency and that's why DIMMS are binned after manufacture to matched kits. Ryzen is picky with RAM.
If you want 32GB then you need them as a single kit (2x16) and as they are OC RAM you will have to tweak Bios for correct Timings and Voltage. I used the DRAM Calculator to get mine just right as I have the same kit as you and they are top modules @3200MHz and c14.
Also test with just one dimm in the slot meant for single channel mode.

You should be able to boot to Windows to enable chipset update YES.

Are you shore your Bios update did in fact work.? There are a number of things that can fail if not done correctly. (Flashback button remains lit) If you continue to fail Post and cannot access your Bios then the issue maybe the MB itself or the Bios is not compatible with the CPU.

MeanMachine41 said:

FYI regarding Memtest86

If your Bios is UEFI configured to RUN the USB device then you don't need to access Bios. Create the USB ISO download image on another pc , then insert the USB into an appropriate port and fire up the system with your USB. Memtest does not need an operating system and is standalone. Run the test for 4 passes and if any errors then your RAM is a Fail. RMA.
Test each module individually and all modules together.

FYI regarding your RAM

Quote "The RAM came as 2 packs of 2x8GB modules." End Quote

Your mixing RAM and that is Not a good idea. This can cause a mismatch due to slight variations in Latency and that's why DIMMS are binned after manufacture to matched kits. Ryzen is picky with RAM.
If you want 32GB then you need them as a single kit (2x16) and as they are OC RAM you will have to tweak Bios for correct Timings and Voltage. I used the DRAM Calculator to get mine just right as I have the same kit as you and they are top modules @3200MHz and c14.
Also test with just one dimm in the slot meant for single channel mode.

You should be able to boot to Windows to enable chipset update YES.

Are you shore your Bios update did in fact work.? There are a number of things that can fail if not done correctly. (Flashback button remains lit) If you continue to fail Post and cannot access your Bios then the issue maybe the MB itself or the Bios is not compatible with the CPU.

Click to expand...

Tried running Memtest86 through UEFI with no luck. Made sure it was installed correctly to the USB and everything.
I've been running the RAM and CPU together for about 7 years prior with no issues, but I do understand that it's risky. I'll aim to get a kit that's 32GB alone for my next build, whenever that happens.

I spoke to ASUS support and explained the issue. They confirmed that the CPU and RAM were fully compatible with the MB, and after some testing they said I could either send it to them for free repair or return it to NewEgg. Going to return it as they have a free replacement policy for defective parts.

Thank you again for all the help, and I'll let you know how the replacement goes when I get it.

MeanMachine41 said:

OK SethSlax and thanks for reporting back. Hope you have some luck with a MB replacement.

Click to expand...

So just got the replacement in today, unfortunately the same issue, Q-Code 04.
When putting all thr parts back onto the old MB everything works fine, although it obviously still shuts down as it did. I tried it on factory, then flashed it to the latest BIOS version (no issues during offline flashback).
Starting to think the CPU and RAM just don't communicate well on this new MB.
Thinking I'll keep the new MB and just save up for a current gen AMD CPU. Do you think that's the better option, or should I save for replacement RAM instead?

SethSlax said:

So just got the replacement in today, unfortunately the same issue, Q-Code 04.
When putting all thr parts back onto the old MB everything works fine, although it obviously still shuts down as it did. I tried it on factory, then flashed it to the latest BIOS version (no issues during offline flashback).
Starting to think the CPU and RAM just don't communicate well on this new MB.
Thinking I'll keep the new MB and just save up for a current gen AMD CPU. Do you think that's the better option, or should I save for replacement RAM instead?

Click to expand...

Gee sorry your still having the same issue. I'm out of ideas and sounds like you have at least a plan.