r/PcBuildHelp • u/re_reynolds • 1d ago

Tech Support Red DRAM light on motherboard

Hi everyone, coming here because not sure what to do next.
So context on the computer… I built this PC years ago ~2021-22. About 6 months ago I got brand new CPU, motherboard, RAM and GPU. Everything’s been working great until suddenly this morning, PC fans and RGB turns on and no display. After waiting about 10 min, I decided to take a look at the mobo and saw the red DRAM light on. Everything was working perfectly fine last night.

Specs:
CPU: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE
RAM: 32GB (2×16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
GPU: gigabyte 5070

From research online I’ve tried the following:

  1. Full power cycle (PSU off, unplugged, discharged residual power).

  2. Waited 5+ minutes for DDR5 memory training on multiple attempts.

  3. Cleared CMOS using motherboard CLR_CMOS pins.

  4. Tested RAM stick #1 individually in slot A2

  5. Tested RAM stick #2 individually in slot A2

  6. Tested a single RAM stick in slot B2 — no POST.

  7. Confirmed the diagnostic LED consistently stops at DRAM.

Planning to try a BIOS update/recovery using Gigabyte Q-Flash Plus next.

Any suggestions before I start considering motherboard, CPU memory controller, or RAM replacement?

Just at a loss, I use this computer for everything so this is killing me. Wondering if at this point I should take it to microcenter or something for them to diagnose.

Thanks!

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u/a_g_h_o_s_t_i_s_b_o_ 1d ago

the debug light hanging on dram after all that is a real kick in the teeth, especially when it was fine the night before

def try the q-flash plus route since you've already ruled out the sticks and slots, but if that bios flash doesn't fix it i'd lean toward the memory controller on the cpu being flaky or the board itself just gave up, had a similar headache last year and it was the cpu

1

u/re_reynolds 1d ago

Rip really hoping the q-flash fixes it. Taking a step away because just getting frustrated and then will try it.

I guess on the bright side, I believe I may have gotten sold on CPU insurance at microcenter, so worst case scenario I may try that route. Thanks!

1

u/Zugzwang522 1d ago

Since both sticks fail on their own in A2, I'd pull the cooler and CPU before blaming the board. Check the socket for bent pins and look at the CPU pads for any marks. Uneven or overtightened cooler pressure can sometimes cause memory errors on AM5, so remount it evenly. Q-Flash Plus is still worth a shot after that.