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Stuck on DRAM LED -- PC WILL NOT BOOT

XGZiDeus
Level 9
Building my son his rig.

CPU - 12700K
MB - Z690-A ROG Strix
RAM - G-Skill DDR4 4000 CL16 (2x16)
GPU- 3080 Ti EVGA FTW3


The damn thing won't boot. It's stuck on DRAM LED with RAM modules in slots 2 and 4 configuration. RAM modules in slots 1 and 3 doesn't work either.

But it boots if I only use ONE RAM module, and it only works if it's installed in slot two.

Any insights as to what might be the problem and ofcourse -- the solution.
6,966 Views
8 REPLIES 8

Shark007
Level 10
have you tried to clear cmos?

XGZiDeus
Level 9
Yes. Did it twice. Updated BIOS as well.

JohnAb
Level 17
Boot with each RAM stick in slot 2 and run MemTest86 on both sticks. You might have a defective stick.
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

JohnAb wrote:
Boot with each RAM stick in slot 2 and run MemTest86 on both sticks. You might have a defective stick.


I have done that too. Both RAM sticks work on slot 2. I also tried to ask google but I can't seem to get anywhere.

Thank you for helping out, it's appreciated.

JohnAb
Level 17
Ok, next thing, did you update Intel ME firmware when you updated the BIOS?
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

Silent_Scone
Super Moderator
Remove the CPU whilst checking for any socket/pin damage. Remount cooler and check for even mounting pressure and retest (this is the most common cause for the system dropping a module at POST)
13900KS / 8000 CAS36 / ROG APEX Z790 / ROG TUF RTX 4090

XGZiDeus
Level 9
@JohnAb @Silent_Scone@ROG

Thanks for sharing your insights. Unfortunately, nothing works. I have performed the following diagnostics:

1 Reseat CPU
2 Check for bent pins
3 Reseat RAM and tried all configurations for two modules
4 Made sure BIOS and Firmware are updated
5 Replace CMOS battery and reset CMOS
6 Boot with default (auto), XMP 1 & 2 profiles
7 Boot with default BIOS settings

Nothing works. Conclusion -- defective MB. My options are:

1 To let it run with just one RAM module. This is decreases performance and it's unappealing
2 Replace the MB. This will cost me more time, money and effort
3 File a warranty claim to ASUS. Turn around time around 4 weeks if approved (costs even more time & effort)

It's a dilemma

JohnAb
Level 17
Sorry to hear that. Frustrating. Probably is worth contacting Asus support and discussing a return. Seems to me that a faulty motherboard is certainly a possibility 😞

It could also be a problematic CPU, but on balance of probabilities, probably more likely to be the motherboard I think.
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.