STRIX X870-F DRAM Q-LED after BIOS upgrade -X870-F/Ryzen 9 9900x/2 x 32GB Corsair Vengence DDR5 CL32

[SPIDY6]

Just finished a fresh build. Could start system to POST screen and even get into BIOS screen showing CPU, DRAM and M2 SSD details.

Then tried to install Windows 11 via USB stick having created it using steps from Microsoft and encountered error screen saying that a file was missing "\windows\system32\boot\winload.efi" Error Code: 0xc0000098

Wierd cos system32 folder is only available AFTER one installs Windows, not before.

Compared the file/folder structure of my Windows install USB stick to that of the Windows 11 Install CD from the licensed pack - they were identical, with a bootmgr.efi file in the root directory.

 So i thought maybe the BIOS needed updating (so that it doesn't go looking for an EFI file in the wrong place)

Downloaded the latest BIOS version, used BIOS Flashback to update and when i restarted the PC
- my power button led was flashing (and all by ARGBs on DRAM, AIO and Fans lit)
- There was a brief message on-screen saying "BIOS Update in progress, do not rest/power off etc..."
- Message went off and i waited for 30mins and screen was still just blank/black.  Toggling the monitor's power switch had no effect.
- Pressed and held the power button for 2-3 secs to initiate power down. No effect. Power button LED still flashing  
- Flipped the switch behind the PSU to initial shut down - successful
- Searched  ASUS website for help again and found this under FAQ  for dealing with Black screen after BIOS update https://rog.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1044348/   
-  So activated the Clear CMOS by using the Clear CMOS Button at the rear panel of motherboard
-  Restarted PC again – still no POST screen. Motherboard Q-LED steady orange (From Motherboard Manual – Q-LED light indicates DRAM issue)

1. Tried using Single Stick in A2 DIMM Slot – No effect
2. Tried using both sticks in A1 and B1 slots – No effect
3. Placed both sticks back into A2 and B2 slots – No Effect.

I am using CL32 6400mhz Vengence sticks btw. Scratching my head cos they were fine (detected) initially after my build?
Any other ideas, folks?

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @SPIDY6 

Thank you for reaching out to us, and sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delayed response.
Regarding the BIOS update situation you described, it is possible that the update was not successfully completed. May I ask which BIOS version you were updating from and which version you were updating to?
If you attempt to update again using the BIOS FlashBack method, are you able to complete the update successfully?

As for memory, default parameters may vary across different BIOS versions, which could lead to a scenario where the system was previously stable and able to boot but failed to pass POST after the update.
Could you provide the full part number of your installed memory or confirm whether it is listed on the ROG STRIX X870-F GAMING WIFI QVL? If possible, we recommend cross-testing with other memory modules listed in the QVL. And kindly refer to [Motherboard] How to query (CPU/memory) QVL List? if needed.

Thank you.