Problem persists after multiple attempts to start the new build.
Problem persists after multiple attempts to start the new build.
My setup issue: i7-13700K with 32GB RAM (2x16GB) from Corsair Vengeance, ASRock Steel Legend MB 1000W Gold Seasonic PSU, Crucial P3 Plus 1TB NVMe Aorus Waterforce Cooler, MSI 3080 GPU H5 Flow. My main problem is the machine won't boot. I've changed coolers, motherboards, and RAM multiple times, but nothing works. The new board shows a red DRAM light that stays on regardless of RAM settings. The motherboard powers up, RGB works, GPU fans spin, AI-O and PSU appear normal. I haven't tried swapping CPU yet since I don't have one. I'm overwhelmed and need guidance. Update: Thanks for the tips. I'm attempting a BIOS update now.
Updating the BIOS might be necessary. Your RAM likely isn't fully supported by the system right now. You could test the board with just one RAM stick to determine if it works. Running without any RAM should let you access the BIOS or trigger an error display. It seems unclear whether your monitor outputs anything or if it freezes before that. You haven't mentioned the exact memory type, but faster models than Intel's specifications often cause problems unless the motherboard recognizes them in BIOS. Make sure you have the most recent BIOS installed.
Occasionally GPU issues can trigger DRAM faults. Consider redirecting your monitor output to integrated graphics and disconnecting the dedicated GPU. Verify the GPU placement is correct. Inspect other DEBUG indicators besides the DRAM light. A faulty RAM slot might be the cause—try installing one RAM stick at a time in each slot and see if the DRAM light remains red or if the system responds. If the CPU cooler is overly tight and pressing the CPU, errors can occur. The final step is to test your PSU for voltage problems; switching to a different PSU, even a basic or older one, can resolve the issue. A BIOS update may also help, as the motherboard could be incompatible with your CPU.
I observed that the original poster never followed up to confirm if the setup succeeded, which is quite common. I also encountered the same problem with the Asrock Steel Legend Z690 and an i5-13600k. It turns out the BIOS included with most Z690 boards doesn’t support 13th Gen Intel CPUs. There’s an update available for Asrock boards that does include support for newer processors. If your board has a 13th Gen Intel CPU and the DRAM indicator remains on, the issue likely lies with the memory. I’ve tested three different RAM kits. You can find Asrock’s BIOS page here and the latest version available as of February 9, 2023. If you need to use FlashBack because your CPU isn’t compatible with the board, be sure to remove it before flashing the BIOS. It might also help to take RAM and GPU out temporarily. Good luck with your build, and consider trying a Linux distribution once you’re up and running. PopOS works well, even with Linus’ occasional hiccups. Or try Fedora if you prefer. Edit: After my initial post, a newer BIOS for this board was released. I’ll revisit it. Here’s a link for the Steel Legend if you’re short on time.