I just built my new PC and I'm really stressed because it isn't turning on at all after I enabled the XMP profile in the BIOS. Here are my specs: Intel Core Ultra 7 265k, Asus ROG Strix Z890-A motherboard, and 32GB Corsair DDR5 RAM running at 6000MHz (though it's labeled for AMD, it claims to support XMP).
Here's what happened: I powered it on for the first time and entered the BIOS. After a couple of reboots, I changed the memory profile to XMP. The PC then booted into BIOS Safe mode and told me to go back into the BIOS. After shutting it down, it completely failed to turn on.
I've tried clear CMOS both by using the switch and removing the battery. I even updated the BIOS using the flashback feature. There's an indicator light on the motherboard: with one RAM stick in slot A2, it won't turn on at all, and in A1, it lights up amber. I'm really confused and worried that something's wrong!
3 Answers
It sounds like you might have a DRAM issue if you're seeing that amber light on your motherboard. Those Q-LED indicators on ASUS boards are pretty handy for diagnosing problems. First off, ensure that your RAM sticks are seated properly in their slots. If you have multiple sticks, try placing them in the slots recommended in your manual, usually slots 2 and 4. Also, check for any dust or debris on the RAM pins or slots—clean them carefully if you find any.
Lastly, double-check if your RAM is compatible with your motherboard using the QVL on the ASUS website, and maybe test with just one stick to see if one might be faulty.
When you say it won’t turn on, are you hearing any fans or seeing any indicators? If it’s completely dead (no fans spinning, no lights), it might be a power supply issue instead. A common thing to check is if the PSU connections are secure and if the PSU itself is properly functioning. If you can, test it with another PSU to rule that out!
Yeah, I’m not getting any power at all; the fans don’t spin and the board is silent. I’ll check the PSU connections and consider testing it with a spare one.
It might also help to reset the BIOS. With the system powered off, you can try removing the CMOS battery again for a few minutes. Sometimes just resetting everything clears those weird issues. If that doesn't do it, I'd also try booting with just one stick of RAM in slot A2. If it powers up, you can check if it’s just a seating problem or if one of the sticks is faulty.
I’ll give that a shot! It’s just frustrating because I had it all working beautifully before changing the profile.
Thanks, I tried that! The RAM sticks are seated well, but when I use them in the recommended slots, it still won't turn on. I'm thinking even with no RAM, the PC should boot up, right? But it's totally unresponsive.