The DRAM lights up following the CPU LED flashes.
The DRAM lights up following the CPU LED flashes.
Hello there,
My PC has been inactive for several days. When I try to start it, the screen remains black along with the keyboard and mouse. The fan noise is normal, and the PC sounds fine. I opened the case and noticed the DRAM LED stayed steady. I tested various solutions:
- CMOS reset
- Power supply without a power strip
- New mainboard battery
- Single RAM module
- Using the beeper method with case LEDs
I removed the CPU and reinstalled it, which worked perfectly—no physical contact for years. I also removed the GPU, hard drives, RAM, and only kept the CPU and power supply. When I turned it on, I saw a long light followed by two short ones. After turning it off and installing the RAM in different configurations, I didn’t get any lights at all. The CPU LED stayed on for a second, then the DRAM LEDs lit continuously.
Based on the beeping, if there’s no sound when RAM is inserted, it suggests the RAM might not be working or not seated properly.
I’m confident the RAM is inserted correctly, but it’s unusual for all four to fail simultaneously.
Details:
- Z97 Pro Gamer Mainboard
- CPU: Intel Core I7-4790K
- GPU: MSI GTX 970
- PSU: Enermaxx Modu82+ 525W (over 12 years old)
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 2400Mhz, CMY8GX3M2A2400C11 (9 years old)
- RipJawsX 8GB G.Skill DDR3-2400 DIMM L11 Dual Kit (4 years old)
Appreciate your help!
Can you try using another CPU in the slot? It's not easy to find one that's still working, considering they're old. I believe it's very unlikely all four RAM sticks failed at the same time. Since none of them function in any setup, it seems either the CPU or the motherboard is faulty. If you get the same issue with another CPU, it's likely the motherboard needs checking. Would you consider bringing it to a service technician for testing?
It should emit a beep without a RAM installed.
If it doesn’t, the motherboard or PSU might be dead.
It could also indicate a CPU issue, especially if it was overclocked heavily. However, CPUs are generally difficult to destroy.
If the beep occurs without RAM, test with a single RAM module and check each slot.
Repeat the process using all RAM modules one at a time.
The most probable cause is that it may have died or is deteriorating, possibly affecting some RAM and/or the motherboard as well.
Could you clarify if you're asking about potential risks when moving your CPU between systems?
Even if the CPU is damaged and placed in a functioning system, there could still be issues.
We're not sure about the specific type of CPU damage involved. If the CPU fails completely, it won't function in another system and that would be a waste of time.
The risk is usually the opposite—issues with the motherboard are more common, but a faulty PSU can still cause problems.
Often, a bad power supply and a defective motherboard together can harm the CPU through voltage fluctuations.
Yes. I tried with CPU Board PSU only. I dont have a speaker so i tried with the case LED and it gives me 1 Long 2 short flashes iterative when no ram installed. With ram no light at all.