Does my computer occasionally fail to start, showing just the RAM indicators?
Does my computer occasionally fail to start, showing just the RAM indicators?
My computer starts up occasionally and sometimes fails entirely, only the RAM lights stay on. When it does boot, everything functions properly. However, once I removed the PCIe cable from the power supply, the system would start but the CPU lacked integrated graphics, making it impossible to use a dedicated GPU instead of the built-in one.
I have tried these steps:
1) Replaced all RAM one by one.
2) Disconnected the PCIe port in the GPU section of the PSU, then reconnected it; the system booted normally.
3) Performed a CMOS battery reset.
4) Tested the PSU with a paperclip (checking fans and case).
This issue occurred about 7 days ago. At that time I replaced only two RAM sticks, thinking one was faulty. After getting four, it worked fine initially.
One day after installing the new RAM, the problem reappeared. My solution was to disconnect the PCIe port in the GPU, restart, and then reconnect it. It booted successfully again. The next day I restarted it, and after using it for four hours, I shut it down. When I tried to boot it later that evening, it wouldn’t start.
I have tried all the methods listed but still haven’t found a fix. After a successful boot, I disabled fast startup, checked voltages and temperatures with HWMonitor, and used a GPU tester—everything was functioning correctly.
I’m unsure if the problem persists. I’m seeking advice from others who may have encountered this issue or if I overlooked something. My current suspicions are:
1) A faulty PSU (sometimes it provides enough power, other times not).
2) Grounding issues in the system—do I need to rebuild?
3) A faulty GPU or can I rule that out?
4) A BIOS update? I saw a recent update on the website.
My specifications are:
- Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC (1 year used)
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 (1 year used)
- Cooler: Deepcool AK400 (new)
- RAM: Gskill Trident Z Neo 16GB 8x2GB 3200MHz (2 years used)
- GPU: Gigabyte RTX 2060 OC 6GB (2 years used)
- SSD: Teamgroup 512GB M.2 SSD (1 year used)
- HDD: 1TB Seagate Barracuda 3.5" (1 year used)
- PSU: Cooler Master MWE 650W 80+ Gold (3 years used)
- Case: Robin Mini Dual Chamber
- Fans: 3x Cooler Master DF12025 aRGB - new
- PC cooler: 120mm 3in1 aRGB Deepcool new
- Extra RAM: Gskill Trident Z Neo 16GB 8x2GB 3200MHz (NEW)
Monitoring tools:
HWMonitor
HW Monitor 2
HW Monitor 3
The PC is functioning properly now. Decide whether to proceed with an update or wait for the issue to recur.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
MOBO: Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC
+
Bios update? On the website I noticed a new update for my BIOS.
What BIOS version do you have installed on your motherboard? If there’s an update waiting, flash it to the latest version and then reset the CMOS. To reset the CMOS, turn off the power, open the case, and remove the CMOS battery.
PSU: Cooler Master MWE 650w 80+ Gold (used for 3 years)
That should work, though I doubt it by getting a well-built 650W PSU and checking if it helps.
Paperclip test on PSU: When I do this, the fan and case fans spin.
Just a note, this test only shows the PSU can deliver power—it doesn’t indicate how much it can actually provide to your system.
my bios version is F19 with a recent update f20b (released on July 11, 2024). I plan to purchase a USB for this first since I don’t have any right now. Is the GIGABYTE APP CENTER safe to use after the server update? Thanks for the information and your help.
Avoid attempting to use different RAM modules. Set up a matching pair in slots a2-b2. Reset the CMOS.
Thank you for your reply.
I didn't use different RAM modules; they were the same, and I also installed them in the A2-B2 slot (the new RAM sticks).
I tried clearing the CMOS when the issue occurred, but it didn't fix the problem.
My PC is currently working fine, but I want to understand why it happened so that I can take action if it happens again.
Thanks again.
The issue came back again, so I unplugged the GPU PCIe and it restarted. After reattaching it, it still didn’t boot. I left it on for an hour or two and then tried again—it worked unexpectedly. My main concern is a damaged PCIe cable or PSU, which could explain the inconsistent behavior. I’ll update if I have a verified working PSU for testing. A BIOS update didn’t help.