New PC not booting up - DRAM led amber and CPU led brief flash

CallumMcG · Feb 4, 2017

Hi everyone,

I've just built up a new PC using both old and new parts. When I tried to turn it on, all of the fans turned on, however I noticed that the DRAM led turned on and there was no output to either of my monitors. I then tried the MEM OK! button, then I noticed that the CPU light was briefly flashing red. I have tried taking a RAM stick out, putting it in all of the slots and the same with the other stick. When installing the CPU I used the Asus CPU installer tool for the first time, although I did watch a tutorial on it and I feel like I used it correctly. I've also tried the EZ XMP switch. Anyone got any ideas? Help is greatly appreciated.

Here is a video of what happens: https://youtu.be/zXWAK3TDaVg

Specs: Asus z270-A Prime (new)
Intel i7 7700K (new)
Corsair lpx 16gb ddr4 3000mhz (new)
Noctua NH-U14S (new)
Galax GTX 970 (old)
EVGA 650w (old)
NZXT H440 (new)
2x HDD 1x SSD (old)

alexoiu · Feb 4, 2017

Hi, Try removing the CPU, posting here a picture of the CPU socket and then we can start from there.

CallumMcG · Feb 4, 2017

Hi Alexoiu,

Thanks for the reply. It's quite late here now so I'm going to go to bed, however I'll be sure to give it a go tomorrow morning. I saw a thread of another user with the same problem as me, same mobo, processor and RAM. Do you think it would be possible that it is a ram compatibility issue?

Thanks, Callum.

alexoiu · Feb 4, 2017

Hi, You're welcome.
Hard to say. I'd firstly check the socket to make sure that there are no bent pins.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

When I remove the CPU to check, is it best practice to clean off the thermal paste as well using isopropyl alcohol? I've never had to remove a CPU before so this bit is new to me.

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

Yes, That would be the best. Otherwise, when reinstalling the CPU cooler, the thermal paste might not create an uniform surface between CPU and heatsink.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

Hi,

I've just opened up the PC and CPU socket, this is what it looks like: http://imgur.com/a/KYrDX

I personally can't see any bent pins (thank God), maybe the CPU wire isn't completely in? Would that cause this to happen?

Thanks, Callum.

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

Pins look ok, indeed. Now, try taking the board outside the case, installing the CPU, CPU cooler and single RAM module, connecting the monitor to the motherboard and starting the board. See if still same issue.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

Is it right to have a 8 pin connector that looks like this going into the 8 pin socket that looks like this? http://imgur.com/a/3HiZr and if so, which way around do they go? One has the 2 square and 2 arch shape and the other has 4 arch shape whereas the socket has 2 square 2 arch on both.

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

Yes, it's ok, even if the shape of board's header does not match the cable's one.
You'd connect it so that the cable's clip is on same side as the header's one.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

Ok, so I've just put the CPU back in and the cables are plugged in for it http://imgur.com/a/UrQQj . Going to see if it works now, is putting the heatsink back on necessary if I just want to see if it posts?

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

If board still in the case, I suggest taking it outside for testing.
Yes, install the CPU cooler before starting the board.

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

Also, make sure that the 8 pin power cable is CPU, and not PCIe.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

Ok so I've got it all outside of the case now, one thing that I've just noticed is when the computer turns on, the GPU fans both spin however after like 1s one of the stops. Still getting the same lights on the mobo.

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

Try removing the graphics card and posting a picture of the board.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

Still the same thing, http://imgur.com/XegU1Tq

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

I'd RMA both CPU and board then.

CallumMcG · Feb 5, 2017

Yup my brother just came over and said the same thing. Seen threads of others having the same issue. Looks like I won't be getting an Asus mobo again anytime soon although I might get another CPU installer tool.

Oh well, thanks for all of your help!

alexoiu · Feb 5, 2017

You're welcome.

PongoMe · Feb 27, 2017

Hi there,

Did RMAing your board and ram finally solved the issue? Because I am experiencing similar problems.

My build
Gigabyte z270 HD3P
Same ram (corsair vengeance lpx 16gb 3000mhz)
I5 7600K

Greetings
Chris

Frosty3 · Jun 28, 2017

I feel like I am having same issue with my asus motherboard did it work?

PongoMe · Jun 29, 2017

Frosty3 :

Hi,

My problem has been with the bios version (some vcore issues and auto reset to old, not compatible bios version). RMAing the board solved the thing. Everything works fine now..

New PC not booting up - DRAM led amber and CPU led brief flash

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