I'm troubleshooting a new build with an Intel Core i9 12th Gen CPU, an RTX 3060 OC, 32GB of RAM using two sticks, and a 650W power supply. The system initially POSTed normally and I could enter the BIOS, but after setting the memory speed to its maximum, it began restarting randomly while I was still in the BIOS. This continued for several days, and eventually the display stopped working altogether.
Now the motherboard's debug LEDs cycle from DRAM (orange) to CPU (red) and back again. After roughly 10 seconds, the DRAM light stays on and the system never boots. I've already cleared the CMOS, reseated the memory, tested each stick individually, tried different slots, and attempted to start it using the screwdriver method.
Could both memory sticks have failed, or is a faulty motherboard, CPU socket, BIOS setting, or memory controller more likely? What else should I test before buying another 32GB kit?
2 Answers
I’d hold off on buying replacement memory for now. Since the sticks fail individually, it’s less likely that both died at the same time. A DRAM debug light can also be caused by a bad DIMM slot, bent pins in the LGA1700 socket, BIOS problems, incorrect CPU power, excessive cooler pressure, or an issue with the CPU’s memory controller.
Try the motherboard with only the CPU and cooler, power supply, graphics card if required, and one memory stick installed. Test each stick separately in the recommended A2 slot and then B2, clearing the CMOS between attempts and giving the board several minutes for memory training. Verify that the CPU/EPS power cable is connected correctly and hasn’t been replaced with a PCIe cable. Inspect the socket carefully for bent pins, reinstall the CPU, and tighten the cooler evenly without overtightening it. If supported, try the board’s BIOS Flashback feature, and test the setup outside the case to rule out a short.
A compatible known-good memory stick would be useful for testing, but the motherboard or socket currently seems more suspicious than both RAM sticks failing together.
Check the motherboard manual for the exact meaning of that LED sequence, but using a cheap, compatible memory module can be a practical diagnostic step. You don’t necessarily need to buy a full replacement kit—one inexpensive stick is enough to see whether the board can POST with known-good memory. If the result is unchanged, focus on the socket, motherboard, CPU power connection, and BIOS rather than immediately replacing all your RAM.
That sounds like a reasonable test. I’m using an MSI PRO Z690-A, although I no longer have the manual or original box, so I’ll look up its troubleshooting information online.
It was a new build, and Windows was never installed. It worked well enough to enter the BIOS until I increased the memory speed, after which it started restarting randomly. After three or four days it stopped showing any display at all. I’ve already cleared the CMOS and tested each stick by itself without any improvement.