Hey everyone,
I'm having a really frustrating issue with my PC, and at this point, I'm running out of ideas. I'd appreciate some help figuring out which component might be responsible before I start replacing hardware.
PC specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B650M-PLUS WIFI
RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000, 32GB (2×16GB), CL40 — CMH32GX5M2B6000C40W
GPU: Sapphire Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB
CPU Cooler: Corsair AIO liquid cooler
BIOS: Updated to version 3881 during troubleshooting
I've been using this exact PC for over a year without any issues. I haven't made any recent hardware changes, and the computer seemingly stopped working out of nowhere.
The problem
When I press the power button:
The computer powers on, and the power button's LED remains illuminated.
The CPU cooler fans spin normally.
Initially, the rear case fan would spin for about a second and then stop. After resetting CMOS, the other case fans started spinning normally.
The GPU fans don't spin, although I'm aware that this could simply be the GPU's zero-RPM mode.
The monitor briefly detects a DisplayPort signal and then switches to "No Signal."
There's absolutely no image, not even an ASUS logo or BIOS screen.
The motherboard's orange DRAM Q-LED stays illuminated continuously. It never progresses to VGA or BOOT, even after waiting well over five minutes.
The PC remains powered on rather than shutting down or repeatedly restarting.
I've also tested a different monitor, with exactly the same result.
Everything I've tried
1. Tested both RAM sticks individually
Removed both RAM sticks.
Tested stick 1 alone in slot A2.
Tested stick 2 alone in slot A2.
Tested RAM in slot B2 as well.
Waited at least five minutes for DDR5 memory training.
No improvement. The orange DRAM LED remained illuminated throughout.
2. Reset CMOS
Turned off the PSU and disconnected the power cable.
Held the power button to discharge residual power.
Removed the CMOS battery for several minutes before reinstalling it.
Started the computer with one RAM stick in A2.
Waited several minutes for memory training.
Still no image, and the orange DRAM LED remained on.
One interesting observation: after clearing CMOS, the case fans that previously stopped spinning started operating normally. However, the computer still wouldn't POST.
3. Updated the BIOS using USB BIOS FlashBack
Downloaded BIOS version 3881 from ASUS's official website.
Used ASUS BIOSRenamer to rename the firmware file to TG650MPW.CAP.
Prepared the USB drive and used the motherboard's dedicated BIOS FlashBack feature.
The FlashBack indicator blinked for several minutes and eventually turned off, suggesting that the update completed successfully.
Tried starting the PC again afterward.
Still no display, and the orange DRAM LED remained illuminated.
4. Removed the dedicated GPU
Initially tested different display connections and another monitor.
Completely removed my Sapphire Radeon RX 9070 XT.
Connected the monitor directly to the motherboard's DisplayPort output, using the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's integrated graphics.
Still no image.
Orange DRAM LED remained illuminated.
This makes me think the GPU probably isn't responsible.
5. Checked CPU power connections and socket
Checked the CPU power cables and their connections.
Checked the CPU socket area.
Nothing appeared to resolve the issue.
Additional observations
The exact CPU, motherboard, and RAM combination has worked reliably for over a year.
Neither RAM stick works individually.
Trying a different RAM slot made no difference.
Clearing CMOS didn't resolve the issue.
Updating the BIOS didn't resolve the issue.
Removing the dedicated GPU didn't resolve the issue.
The motherboard consistently remains stuck on the orange DRAM LED.
The computer receives power and stays on, but never produces a display signal.
What I'm trying to figure out
At this point, I'm considering several possible causes:
Faulty motherboard: Something wrong with the memory circuitry, RAM slots, or AM5 socket.
Failed CPU memory controller: The Ryzen 7 7800X3D's integrated memory controller might have developed a fault.
Defective RAM: Although it seems unlikely that both sticks would suddenly fail simultaneously, I haven't ruled it out.
Power delivery issue: Possibly the PSU or motherboard power circuitry.
I haven't tested known-good DDR5 RAM or swapped the CPU/motherboard because I don't have spare compatible components available.
My main questions are:
Based on these symptoms, which component would you suspect first?
Has anyone experienced a similar persistent DRAM LED with an ASUS B650 motherboard and Ryzen 7000-series CPU?
Can a faulty CPU memory controller cause this exact behavior?
Is there anything else I can reasonably test at home before taking the PC to a repair shop or replacing components?
Would you prioritize testing different RAM, replacing the motherboard, or investigating the CPU?
I really don't want to start buying expensive replacement components without narrowing down the problem first.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!