My AM5 system has developed the same problem with two different CPUs. The first was a Ryzen 9 9950X, and now a Ryzen 9 9950X3D also gets stuck with the motherboard's DRAM LED lit. I tested two separate RAM kits, but neither works with the affected CPUs. However, installing a spare Ryzen 5 8500G allows the system to boot and run normally with the same memory and motherboard. The PC had been left running for several days before the issue appeared. Could both CPUs have developed a memory-controller fault, or is the motherboard or BIOS more likely responsible? Is there anything else I should try, and could this have been caused by something I did?
3 Answers
It is unlikely that simply leaving the PC powered on for several days would normally damage a CPU. If user error or a bad setting caused the failure, it would more commonly show up immediately, though overheating, unstable memory settings, power problems, or a socket issue should still be checked. Start with BIOS defaults and avoid overclocking or EXPO until the system is stable.
Use the working 8500G to update the motherboard to the latest BIOS, then load the default settings and test the affected CPU again. A BIOS or memory-training issue is worth ruling out before assuming the processor is dead. If the newest BIOS changes nothing, the CPU or motherboard will need to be isolated through testing or warranty service.
Since two different RAM kits fail with the 9950X and 9950X3D while the 8500G works, the problem may be related to the CPUs’ integrated memory controllers, BIOS compatibility, or the motherboard’s CPU socket rather than the RAM itself. Carefully inspect the AM5 socket for bent or damaged pins and check that the cooler is not applying excessive or uneven pressure. If the BIOS update and socket inspection do not help, test the system with another compatible board or contact the CPU and motherboard manufacturers.
That makes sense. I’ll try the BIOS update with the 8500G installed first. I haven’t changed anything intentionally, so it’s strange that the same DRAM error happened again.