Yellow DRAM Q-LED after BIOS 3205 on Strix X670E-F

[Mindtrix]

Hi all

I’m having a persistent issue with my ROG Strix X670E-F motherboard after updating to BIOS 3205. Since the flash my system won’t POST and the DRAM Q-LED stays yellow immediately upon power-on even with only one stick of RAM installed

Here’s what I’ve tried so far

Basic troubleshooting including power cycling the system and checking PSU connections. I tested one stick of RAM at a time in each slot A2 and B2

CMOS clearing including pressing the Clear CMOS button on the rear I/O, removing the CMOS battery for 10 to 15 minutes while the PSU was unplugged, and holding the case power button for 30 seconds to discharge residual power

BIOS rollback attempts using USB sticks for BIOS versions 3003 renamed with BIOSRenamer as SX670EF.CAP. I used USB BIOS Flashback through the dedicated rear I/O port, waited until the LED stopped blinking, and booted with minimal hardware CPU plus one RAM stick . The DRAM LED still stays yellow

Other checks included ensuring the PSU was switched on, trying both RAM sticks individually in all slots, and letting DDR5 memory train for up to 20 minutes each time

At this point I’m unsure whether the 2×32 GB RAM kit is incompatible with this BIOS revision, there is a corrupted setting that isn’t clearing, or something more serious occurred during the 3205 flash

I would appreciate guidance on any additional steps to fully clear CMOS or force safe defaults, recommended BIOS versions for high-capacity 2×32 GB DDR5 kits on this board, and whether ASUS RMA service is needed for BIOS recovery in this situation

Thank you in advance for any advice

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Mindtrix 

How long are you leaving the system at the DRAM Q-LED? The initial process post-flash can take upward of 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the memory configuration and density.

EDIT. I see you mention leaving it 20 minutes. It might be an idea to inspect the CPU and socket, remount the CPU and inspect the pin-pad and socket for any debris or damage. If using an aftermarket contact frame, remove and reinstall the stock retention mechanism. 

Ensure consistent mounting pressure when reattaching the cooler.

[Mindtrix]

Hi,

thanks for replying. The pc was working perfectly and had been for a while. The only change is the updated bios. I was having a bad day and thought I’d do something to distract myself and saw it could be updated. No hardware has changed.

i can try reseating the cpu, but i dont think this would be the issue would it? It’s a black screen and dram light following the bios update. 

[Silent_Scone]

It seems just as unlikely (at least vicariously) that the update could have caused an issue, especially since flashing back has not reverted any foul play. 

Have you tried using USB Flashback using an alternative USB flash drive?

[Mindtrix]

Good idea, will see if I have one and try

[Mindtrix]

Sadly didn’t work.

I tried taking all the ram out and it still presented same symptoms, fans and cpu aio turn on and constant yellow dram light. 

It behaves exactly the same with or without RAM, like the board isn’t getting far enough into POST to even check memory.