F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop New Build - DRAM Red LED - but it's not a RAM stick issue?

New Build - DRAM Red LED - but it's not a RAM stick issue?

New Build - DRAM Red LED - but it's not a RAM stick issue?

O
Oma_
Member
68
11-27-2022, 02:34 AM
#1
As indicated by the title, I assembled a new computer and the parts list is attached. The device doesn’t start up properly, consistently showing a red LED on the DRAM and no visible output. I’ve tested with various monitors and a TV, but no display appears, let alone BIOS access. It’s clear the issue isn’t with the memory modules themselves. Swapping them with those from my existing desktop resolved the problem. The memory sticks from my desktop still show the same red LED, suggesting the problem lies elsewhere—possibly in the motherboard or CPU, rather than the DRAM.

I’ve attempted several troubleshooting steps:
- Left the system running for an hour to check for memory activation.
- Reset the CMOS by inserting a metal screw between the two pins as per the manual.
- Used both 4+4 pin and 8 pin power connectors on the CPU.
- Disconnected and reconnected everything.
- Performed a Q-Flash BIOS update via USB key using the provided button.
- Removed the GPU and switched to the motherboard’s HDMI output.
I haven’t disassembled the unit to inspect the CPU. Given the time and fatigue, I plan to examine it further tomorrow.

Here is the parts list:
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
- Gigabyte X870I AORUS PRO ICE Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard
- Patriot Viper Elite 5 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 6000 CL30(PC5 48000)
- Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X2 NVME SSD
- ASRock Steel Legend Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB Video Card
- Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case
- Be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
O
Oma_
11-27-2022, 02:34 AM #1

As indicated by the title, I assembled a new computer and the parts list is attached. The device doesn’t start up properly, consistently showing a red LED on the DRAM and no visible output. I’ve tested with various monitors and a TV, but no display appears, let alone BIOS access. It’s clear the issue isn’t with the memory modules themselves. Swapping them with those from my existing desktop resolved the problem. The memory sticks from my desktop still show the same red LED, suggesting the problem lies elsewhere—possibly in the motherboard or CPU, rather than the DRAM.

I’ve attempted several troubleshooting steps:
- Left the system running for an hour to check for memory activation.
- Reset the CMOS by inserting a metal screw between the two pins as per the manual.
- Used both 4+4 pin and 8 pin power connectors on the CPU.
- Disconnected and reconnected everything.
- Performed a Q-Flash BIOS update via USB key using the provided button.
- Removed the GPU and switched to the motherboard’s HDMI output.
I haven’t disassembled the unit to inspect the CPU. Given the time and fatigue, I plan to examine it further tomorrow.

Here is the parts list:
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
- Gigabyte X870I AORUS PRO ICE Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard
- Patriot Viper Elite 5 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 6000 CL30(PC5 48000)
- Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X2 NVME SSD
- ASRock Steel Legend Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB Video Card
- Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case
- Be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

B
BadMemory
Member
206
11-27-2022, 04:07 AM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Ensure the case is positioned correctly or breadboarded, then reinsert the CPU into the socket. While you're here, inspect for any bent pins or broken connections. If none are found, place the cooler onto the CPU's IHS instead of securing it with the mounting tool.
Q-Flashed a BIOS update via USB using the provided button on the motherboard.
Adhering to the steps in this guide:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrwP29lYQ-I
Different boards are fine, but which BIOS version were you using for the flash?
Have you experimented with installing one stick of RAM per slot?
The problem you described matches several possibilities:
a faulty integrated memory controller
a faulty motherboard
a corrupt BIOS
a corrupt BIOS chip
faulty RAM slots
or
a faulty RAM stick.
I swapped them with the pair on my Desktop and it resolved the issue.
Do you have any links to the RAM kits you tested on your X870 platform?
B
BadMemory
11-27-2022, 04:07 AM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Ensure the case is positioned correctly or breadboarded, then reinsert the CPU into the socket. While you're here, inspect for any bent pins or broken connections. If none are found, place the cooler onto the CPU's IHS instead of securing it with the mounting tool.
Q-Flashed a BIOS update via USB using the provided button on the motherboard.
Adhering to the steps in this guide:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrwP29lYQ-I
Different boards are fine, but which BIOS version were you using for the flash?
Have you experimented with installing one stick of RAM per slot?
The problem you described matches several possibilities:
a faulty integrated memory controller
a faulty motherboard
a corrupt BIOS
a corrupt BIOS chip
faulty RAM slots
or
a faulty RAM stick.
I swapped them with the pair on my Desktop and it resolved the issue.
Do you have any links to the RAM kits you tested on your X870 platform?