Sabertooth Z77 - DRAM LED is RED.

[Engima]

Hello, I built my first computer yesterday and it wouldn't boot. Every fan is working and spinning, my mobo got power etc.

However it wouldn't post up on the screen, the only error I could find was that the DRAM Led was red.

This is the full component list:

Case: NZXT 810 Switch White
Mobo: Asus Sabertooth Z77
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k
GPU: EVGA GTX 680
RAM: Corsair 8GB DDR3 Vengeance LP 2x4 (White) Not on the qualified list but it should work right?
Power supply: Corsair AX 860 (Fully modular)
SSD: Samsung 256GB 840 Pro

So far i've tried:

-Resetting CMOS.
-Both memory sticks in every slot while running MemOk! (Ends up shining red after blinking stops)
-A friend of mine who have built a lot of computers helped rebuild it from SCRATCH but still the same problem so I don't think there was anything wrong with the build in the first place.
-Mobo on the box to avoid shorting (Same problem, everything gets power/fans are working but DRAM LED is RED.
-Used the BIOS Flashback function and "successfully" updated the BIOS(I.E it blinked and stopped blinking, but since i can't access BIOS i'm not sure it worked)

I'm almost 100% sure it's a problem with the motherboard itself, i was very careful to touch the metal of my case while handling the build and i haven't dropped anything or damaged any component.

I will borrow some RAM from a friend and try with those, if i do get the same problem i will most likely RMA it, sucks because it's my first build and i'm not sure what the problem is.

Appreciate any possible solutions you can provide, sincerely Viktor.

[Chino]

Welcome to the ROG forums, Viktor.

Your best bet is trying it with another set of RAM like you mentioned. The DRAM LED stays lit because it doesn't detect any memory modules. That means that your RAM is either DOA or your motherboard is. Let us know how your testing goes. 😉

[Engima]

Just tested my friends RAM. Both of his stick that are working in his computers doesn't work in mine, guess the mobo was DOA 😞

[Chino]

Before you installed your CPU, did you inspect the CPU socket carefully for bent or missing pins?

[Engima]

This was my first time building a computer and while i was aware of the problem that CPU pins might get bent i didn't think they would be missing or bent when i received it. No i did not check that, i think even if i did i would have a hard time seeing wrong from right 😛

Any idea what i would be looking for?

[Chino]

Remove your CPU and grab a magnifying glass. Start inspecting row per row and see if any pins are out of place or missing. You'll notice right away because it won't look identical to the rest of the pins on the same row. I'll leave you a few pictures that'll serve as a guide. 😛

[saipan]

what slots are you using on your board for the ram? if its 1 and 3 try 2 and 4. I cant recall which ones I have, but when I first built mine that's the mistake I made.

[Engima]

It would appear one of the CPU pins is "slightly" bent upwards moreso then the others. How can i fix this?

[Chino]

Engima wrote:
It would appear one of the CPU pins is "slightly" bent upwards moreso then the others. How can i fix this?

With a magnifying glass, tweezers or toothpick in combination with a steady hand and a lot of patience, my friend. If you feel competent, of course. If not, try RMA.

[gamester5]

Use just one stick of ram until windows is loaded. Then once windows is loaded you can go with 2 sticks. I had the same issue.

Use slot A2 with your first stick. After Windows is loaded drop the other stick in B2.