I replaced the RAM in my MSI B450 Tomahawk Max with two 8GB DDR4-3200 Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro sticks. Afterward, the monitor stopped detecting an HDMI signal and the motherboard's BOOT debug light came on. Reinstalling the original 2x4GB DDR4-3000 Patriot Viper RAM did not fix the problem.
I originally checked that the modules were installed in the recommended A2 and B2 slots and have also tested individual sticks in different slots. I reseated the GPU and M.2 SSD and cleared the CMOS by removing the battery, but the system still does not display anything. The case, CPU, and GPU fans spin, while the keyboard and mouse LEDs turn on. The RAM lighting also works, and the DRAM debug light is not illuminated.
Could the memory still be poorly seated, or might I have disconnected a cable or damaged another component while replacing it? I'm not sure which BIOS version is installed, although it may be around version 7C02v30. Any troubleshooting suggestions would be appreciated.
3 Answers
The exact hardware details matter here: this is an MSI B450 Tomahawk Max with the original 2x4GB DDR4-3000 Patriot Viper kit and a replacement 2x8GB DDR4-3200 Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro kit. Since the computer also fails with the original memory, the issue may not be compatibility with the new RAM. The BIOS version would normally help, but it’s difficult to verify without a display.
Testing one stick at a time in different slots is the right approach, but make sure each module is pressed firmly into place on both ends until the retention clips click. It’s common to stop just short because it feels like too much pressure, and a stick that is not fully seated can prevent the system from posting.
The BOOT debug light generally points toward the boot drive or the system’s boot process rather than the memory itself. Since the M.2 drive was removed and reconnected, check that it is fully inserted and secured, and also recheck every power connection—especially the 24-pin motherboard cable and 8-pin CPU cable. The fact that fans and LEDs spin does not necessarily confirm that all required connections are correct.
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