System locked during memory assessment.
System locked during memory assessment.
You can test the probe connections using a DVOM (multimeter). If the readings are significantly different, it likely points to the motherboard. For advice on handling an RMA, reach out to ASUS support. You may need to replace either the motherboard or CPU to identify the issue. I don’t notice obvious problems with the socket, but it’s hard to tell from photos.
I checked the voltages at the probe locations and here are my findings. I’m unsure about the engineering tolerances, so I’m sharing the full readings from my meter, just cutting off any unnecessary trailing zeros. VCORE reads 0V (sometimes 1 mV)—should it be higher during this boot stage? MB_SOC is 0.89 DRAM_AB, DRAM_CD is 1.193, PLL is 1.757 (about 5% below expected), SB is 1.2, GND is 0 because I used it as the reference terminal. All measurements were taken when the system was in that same condition I’m accustomed to: sitting quietly with "Memory Test" displayed on the OLED, fans running and lights operating, but no beeps or signals. I took readings before pressing the start button and everything came back effectively zero. I also performed continuity tests across different areas of the case to check for any shorts from the motherboard mounting. Nothing was found. It seems I could verify if VCORE is shorted to GND as long as I have the meter connected.
Testing with various boards presented challenges. The first board arrived damaged, likely due to the shipping box condition, and its value was unexpectedly high. The second board had the CPU installed but the cooler was incorrect, preventing a boot attempt. The third board is currently in use and shows no unusual sounds, though a memory test issue remains unresolved. I haven’t returned the second board yet; I’m considering testing it now to determine its condition.
You're safe to keep the existing thermal paste in place during testing. It won't significantly impact results for this short test, as long-term effects are more relevant.
I think VCore should be around 1.4 volts now. Did you confirm if it was connected to ground? The DRAM seems to be receiving the right voltage, making it hard to be sure. A 5% tolerance is acceptable for startup. I usually worry about a 10% difference, but is the MB_SOC really near 9V? That’s a bit worrying, though I’m not sure how it’s affecting things. Please test the CPU on board #2 and check its VCore while you do. You can keep the paste on for short tests.