F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop DRAM red light on motherboard

DRAM red light on motherboard

DRAM red light on motherboard

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irishredhead
Junior Member
4
04-29-2025, 09:50 AM
#1
I received my cousin's old computer as a gift. I connected everything properly, but when trying to boot it up, the screen remains blank and a red light appears next to the DRAM on the motherboard. I looked up possible causes and found it might be related to the RAM. I tested various configurations—changing slots, using different sticks, even swapping with a compatible model—but nothing resolved the issue. I also attempted to clear CMOS and reset the RAM, but it didn’t help. The new RAM sticks I used didn’t work either. Here are my specifications for reference: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/cyLsTn
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irishredhead
04-29-2025, 09:50 AM #1

I received my cousin's old computer as a gift. I connected everything properly, but when trying to boot it up, the screen remains blank and a red light appears next to the DRAM on the motherboard. I looked up possible causes and found it might be related to the RAM. I tested various configurations—changing slots, using different sticks, even swapping with a compatible model—but nothing resolved the issue. I also attempted to clear CMOS and reset the RAM, but it didn’t help. The new RAM sticks I used didn’t work either. Here are my specifications for reference: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/cyLsTn

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Phanic_ATD
Junior Member
12
04-29-2025, 11:04 AM
#2
Have you inspected the CPU socket for bent pins? Any bent pins marked in red could impact memory performance.
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Phanic_ATD
04-29-2025, 11:04 AM #2

Have you inspected the CPU socket for bent pins? Any bent pins marked in red could impact memory performance.

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FurryFox0202
Member
198
04-29-2025, 07:21 PM
#3
I don’t possess a magnifying glass to clearly inspect for bent pins. I plan to purchase one after work. I attempted to capture an image of the socket, but focusing on my phone proved difficult. I did manage to photograph the back of the CPU and observed some discoloration. Might this indicate bent pins?
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FurryFox0202
04-29-2025, 07:21 PM #3

I don’t possess a magnifying glass to clearly inspect for bent pins. I plan to purchase one after work. I attempted to capture an image of the socket, but focusing on my phone proved difficult. I did manage to photograph the back of the CPU and observed some discoloration. Might this indicate bent pins?

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PoPicorniMorN
Junior Member
4
05-01-2025, 09:45 AM
#4
A bit of discoloration isn’t usually a big issue. It might just mean the thermal paste was left behind. But if there’s also paste stuck in the socket around the pins, that could be the real concern.
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PoPicorniMorN
05-01-2025, 09:45 AM #4

A bit of discoloration isn’t usually a big issue. It might just mean the thermal paste was left behind. But if there’s also paste stuck in the socket around the pins, that could be the real concern.