A VERY strange failure after I set the memory frequency of HP Pavilion 690

[Jin_Jin]

I have an HP 690-0024 and recently purchased a pair of DD4 3600 memory to upgrade the memory. Everything went smoothly at the beginning. When I tried to set the memory to 3200MHz with AMD-Ryzen-Master software, I could not start again after restarting the computer.  As long as the memory is inserted, the power will be cut off one second after pressing the power button, even if the original memory is replaced. If the memory stick is not inserted, it will always be powered on and alarm. I have tried various methods, including clearing the CMOS, even removing the battery on the motherboard and leaving it overnight, replacing other components, minimizing the system, and only installing CPU and memory, but failed to successfully start the computer again. Since I assembled the first PC in 1995, I have never encountered such a strange problem. After all, I only set the memory frequency with software, and there is no reason to cause the physical failure of the computer, and the AMD-Ryzen-Master itself is also very conservative. In the past, even if the setting failed, it would be restored by itself after restarting, at least after clearing the CMOS, it can be restored to normal. It is worth noting that the memory frequency usually does not restore to a conservative value like the CPU after the CPU overclocking fails, but continues to execute the original setting. If the setting is wrong, the alarm will sound and the black screen will remain until the restart. It will return to normal after 3 times. I suspect that setting the memory frequency is a lower-level operation that triggers the unique protection mechanism of the HP motherboard, causing it to fail to start? This situation is a bit like a short circuit between the memory and CPU communication lines, but I said that when all this happened, I did not open the case or even set the voltage, and the frequency setting would not cause the motherboard to short circuit. And I checked the circuit board carefully, and I didn't find any signs of a short circuit. Is there any guidance from an engineer who understands HP motherboards? I can't use my beloved computer at all now, save me！

[praveenbv]

HI@Jin_JinWelcome to HP Community!

Let's start with performing a hard reset on the PC to release any excessive static/power that could have caused the issue. 

• Turn off the computer. 
• Disconnect all external connected peripheral devices such as USB storage devices, external displays, and printers. 
• Unplug the AC adapter from the computer. 
• Press and hold down the Power button for about 15 seconds to drain any residual electrical charge from the capacitors that protect the memory. 
• Press the Power button to turn on the computer. 
• If a startup menu opens, use the arrow keys to select Start Windows Normally, and then press the Enter key. 

Second, you can check if there is Bios update available for your PC, here is the link to download. 

Performing a test on the Hard drive as well as on the Memory from the Hardware diagnostics:  

1. Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the menu appears, press the F2 key.
3. On the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) main menu, click System Tests.
4. Click Extensive Test.
5. Click Run once, or Loop until error.
   While the test is running, the time remaining and test result for each component are shown on the screen. The test can take 2 or more hours to complete.

   NOTE:

If the diagnostics are not available when using the F2 menu, run the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics from a USB drive. To download the latest version of the diagnostics, go to the HP Hardware Diagnostics website. For instructions, see Testing from an external USB device.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.

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