F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question about cold start issue in dual channel setup

Question about cold start issue in dual channel setup

Question about cold start issue in dual channel setup

S
sheepers01
Junior Member
21
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#1
Hey there,
I’m facing some RAM problems when my PC starts up cold. I’m not very experienced, so I’m seeking some guidance. If I let the computer sit overnight and attempt a cold start, the fans begin to spin but it still won’t boot. On my motherboard, there’s a yellow LED that’s flickering slowly, which I think might be a sign of RAM issues. I own two 16GB DDR4 2400MHz CL17-17-17-39 modules—one bought with the PC and another later. They’re installed in slots 2 and 4 of my ASUS Prime B-350 motherboard. When I start the PC, only one of them works without any trouble; it only fails when both are connected. This leads me to believe either the slots aren’t working or the RAM isn’t functioning properly.

Occasionally, I swap them in and out, and the system boots fine, but sometimes the problem remains, which is confusing. Could there be an issue with the dual-channel setup? I also tried resetting the CMOS, which allowed the PC to boot, but I don’t want to reset it or keep reinserting the RAM during cold starts multiple times.

I attempted adjusting the RAM voltage settings in BIOS (trying 1.35V and up to 2933MHz), though results were unclear since I can only test once daily during cold starts.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions or need more details!
Best,
Tobias
S
sheepers01
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #1

Hey there,
I’m facing some RAM problems when my PC starts up cold. I’m not very experienced, so I’m seeking some guidance. If I let the computer sit overnight and attempt a cold start, the fans begin to spin but it still won’t boot. On my motherboard, there’s a yellow LED that’s flickering slowly, which I think might be a sign of RAM issues. I own two 16GB DDR4 2400MHz CL17-17-17-39 modules—one bought with the PC and another later. They’re installed in slots 2 and 4 of my ASUS Prime B-350 motherboard. When I start the PC, only one of them works without any trouble; it only fails when both are connected. This leads me to believe either the slots aren’t working or the RAM isn’t functioning properly.

Occasionally, I swap them in and out, and the system boots fine, but sometimes the problem remains, which is confusing. Could there be an issue with the dual-channel setup? I also tried resetting the CMOS, which allowed the PC to boot, but I don’t want to reset it or keep reinserting the RAM during cold starts multiple times.

I attempted adjusting the RAM voltage settings in BIOS (trying 1.35V and up to 2933MHz), though results were unclear since I can only test once daily during cold starts.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions or need more details!
Best,
Tobias

B
Bruh_ItzCake
Junior Member
15
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! It seems you didn't specify the make, model, and age of the PSU powering your build. What cooling solution are you using for the processor? I think it might be something similar to what you see on Xilence. You could check this link: https://www.xilence.net/en/cpu-coolers/150
Regarding the RAM, are you using two different types of sticks? It would help if you shared pictures of the RAM modules you're working with. What BIOS version is installed on your motherboard?
If I were you, I'd recommend thoroughly cleaning the interior of your case or build. This helps eliminate dust and debris. You might also try using an eraser to clean the gold contacts on the RAM sticks. Gently wipe away any residue, then use a soft-bristled brush to clear the RAM slots, and finally reinsert the RAM sticks.
B
Bruh_ItzCake
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer! It seems you didn't specify the make, model, and age of the PSU powering your build. What cooling solution are you using for the processor? I think it might be something similar to what you see on Xilence. You could check this link: https://www.xilence.net/en/cpu-coolers/150
Regarding the RAM, are you using two different types of sticks? It would help if you shared pictures of the RAM modules you're working with. What BIOS version is installed on your motherboard?
If I were you, I'd recommend thoroughly cleaning the interior of your case or build. This helps eliminate dust and debris. You might also try using an eraser to clean the gold contacts on the RAM sticks. Gently wipe away any residue, then use a soft-bristled brush to clear the RAM slots, and finally reinsert the RAM sticks.

V
VOZIXGOD
Member
68
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#3
I can't display screenshots directly, but I can guide you on how to find them using CPU-Z for the memory and spd sections in both modules.
V
VOZIXGOD
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #3

I can't display screenshots directly, but I can guide you on how to find them using CPU-Z for the memory and spd sections in both modules.

L
leo_b0a
Member
199
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#4
Hey,
I have a Corsair VS550 PSU with Xilence cooling. The look matches the one you shared.
Here are my components:
RAM: https://imgur.com/a/frhzJCq
Mainboard/BIOS: https://imgur.com/a/aVkQ3as
CPU-Z: https://imgur.com/a/CskVuSg
PSU: Corsair VS550
L
leo_b0a
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #4

Hey,
I have a Corsair VS550 PSU with Xilence cooling. The look matches the one you shared.
Here are my components:
RAM: https://imgur.com/a/frhzJCq
Mainboard/BIOS: https://imgur.com/a/aVkQ3as
CPU-Z: https://imgur.com/a/CskVuSg
PSU: Corsair VS550

B
beichner
Senior Member
447
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#5
Ram is sold in kits for a specific purpose.
A motherboard needs to handle all the ram according to the same voltage, casing and speed requirements.
The internal design is tailored to the capacity of the kit.
Ram from the same vendor and part number may have different manufacturing parts over time.
Some motherboards are particularly sensitive to these changes.
This becomes more challenging when multiple sticks are used.
Ram must be compatible for optimal performance.
The easiest option is to purchase a single ram kit that is officially supported for your motherboard and CPU combination. Check the motherboard ram QVL list or the G.skil support list.
Occasionally adjusting voltage or reducing speed can make the ram function correctly.
Perform a memtest test with at least one full pass and no errors.
B
beichner
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #5

Ram is sold in kits for a specific purpose.
A motherboard needs to handle all the ram according to the same voltage, casing and speed requirements.
The internal design is tailored to the capacity of the kit.
Ram from the same vendor and part number may have different manufacturing parts over time.
Some motherboards are particularly sensitive to these changes.
This becomes more challenging when multiple sticks are used.
Ram must be compatible for optimal performance.
The easiest option is to purchase a single ram kit that is officially supported for your motherboard and CPU combination. Check the motherboard ram QVL list or the G.skil support list.
Occasionally adjusting voltage or reducing speed can make the ram function correctly.
Perform a memtest test with at least one full pass and no errors.

C
coolman9222
Posting Freak
754
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#6
Switch ram modules to 2400mhz mode.
C
coolman9222
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #6

Switch ram modules to 2400mhz mode.

S
Shadowc8
Junior Member
28
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#7
Now it's back to the standard setting, but I experimented with the voltage and frequency because of this problem. At first, everything was in its default state.
S
Shadowc8
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #7

Now it's back to the standard setting, but I experimented with the voltage and frequency because of this problem. At first, everything was in its default state.

I
ItsTalaGaming
Member
236
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM
#8
Low-cost test.....swap the bios chip.
I
ItsTalaGaming
11-23-2025, 03:47 PM #8

Low-cost test.....swap the bios chip.