DRAM error LED on Mobo despite new RAM + New Mobo?

harry66

Hi all,
Hope the experts can confirm / help...

Built a PC for the first time in over 10 years a few weeks ago. Ryzen 5 CPU   X370 motherboard and compatible RAM etc.
All was working fine and dandy for about 2-3 weeks.
Did a shutdown one evening last week. Next morning, the PC failed to boot up - no screen, no POST etc.
So, checked the Mobo and could see the DRAM led was lit up.
Ok, so tried moving the RAM around in different slots, tried just one stick - no joy.
Tried CMOS clear - still nothing.
Ordered some new RAM, fitted it - again no POST, just DRAM led lit up. Tried different slots, tried just one stick - still  no joy.
Ok - maybe its the motherboard, so I ordered a new X470 motherboard- same problem, not posting and DRAM LED lit up.
Tried the new RAM in different slots, single stick / dual stick - still no joy.

So, now the only thing I can think is the CPU has failed, I have ordered a new CPU - but just wondering - could it be the PSU? I know it does not sound logical but just wondering? The PSU seems to be working, the GPU fans fire up when the PC is booted, all the case fans and the CPU cooler seem to be working fine...

It's definitely the DRAM LED lit up on both Mobos - NOT the CPU led - double checked the manuals and the LED colours for CPU and DRAM are different too.

Any other ideas / suggestions welcome. Thanks!

EndlessWaves

You've disconnected all non-essentials (including the drives) and reset the CMOS?

harry66

Yes - disconnected the NVME drive as well - we tried with just CPU and RAM, and with and without graphics card...all scenarios on both old and new motherboard...

EndlessWaves

It could also be that your old motherboard has damaged the new memory when you tried it, which is why it now won't work in the new board.

harry66

ok - thanks, I had not considered the possibility...
Will await the new CPU...
So, is the idea of a dodgy PSU possible or unlikely given the above?

EndlessWaves

Faulty PSUs can cause odd effects so it's a possibility, is it putting out the right voltages?

harry66

FYI - in case someone else has similar scenario...
It turns out the CPU was the cause - we replaced it and the PC posted and booted up fine.