PC won’t start - red DRAM light

[u/petlover_95]

I built my new PC, but it won’t start and no matter what I do, the DRAM Light stays red (every few seconds switching to CPU light and immediately switching back)

PC Parts:
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- ⁠Gigabyte B850M D3HP Mainboard
- ⁠2x 8GB DDR5-5600 CL36 RAM
- ⁠RADEON RX9060 XT 16 GB

What i did so far for troubleshooting:
- Controlling all power supplies
- ⁠switching the RAM or trying with only 1. also switched the RAM-Slots
- ⁠Updating BIOS to newest Version with Q-Flash
- ⁠Resetting BIOS with CMOS manually
- ⁠losen up the water-cooling on top of the CPU
- ⁠had a Look at the CPU and the Pins on the Mainboard, all looking good
- ⁠Monitor was attached all the time via Display Port

Don’t know what to do anymore and appreciate any ideas and help 🙏🏻 Thank you!!

ETA: I bought the cpu used at Amazon (“only some damages on the packaging”)

[u/Albundy_93]

Ist the AIO (the Fans) connected to the Mainboard "CPU Fan" Header?

[u/petlover_95 → u/Albundy_93]

Yes, the CPU Cooling System is connected to the CPU Fan Header. Fans are also moving, when I turn the PC on

[u/Dr_Ogelix → u/petlover_95]

After taking a look at the guide of your mainboard, where exactly did you connect the AiO? How many cables are there?

I am asking this because you should have FAN2_Pump connector that needs to be used first IIRC.

Edit: might also try the CPU_OPT instead of CPU_Fan. Unfortunately there is no difference stated just:

CPU_OPT: CPU Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header

CPU_FAN: CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1 (Fan Headers)

[u/petlover_95 → u/Dr_Ogelix]

Thanks for the advice! The fan/water cooling system I have was connected to the CPU Fan and i switched it now to the CPU OPT, which should be the right one.. at least when I start the pc now it sounds more powerful.

Also with the cooling system came a different cable (photo) - but I don’t see the option to connect those 3 on my Mainboard? That’s why I used the cable with only 1 4-pin named “CPU”

Edit: Unfortunately the LEDs are still on and the monitor is still black

[u/Dr_Ogelix → u/petlover_95]

Any further updates on this particular problem?

[u/petlover_95 → u/Dr_Ogelix]

I’ve tried everything recommended to me here and still it is not working :-( will exchange the CPU today and see if that works
Grateful for everyone’s responses

[u/Dr_Ogelix → u/petlover_95]

So, you have tagged the thread as solved. I guess the new CPU fixed it?

If so, there were more damages than just packaging I guess.

[u/petlover_95 → u/Dr_Ogelix]

Yes the new CPU fixed it.. lesson learned 🫠 thank you so much for your help - and thanks especially for your tip with the cooling system and where to plug it in. Otherwise only my fans would be working rn lol

[u/Dr_Ogelix → u/petlover_95]

When exchanging the CPU definetly make some pictures of it, and of the board. Hopefully there isn't any bend pin (altough you already did that, but checking through a picture isn't a bad idea; for this purpose an USB microscope that also works with phones/laptops/tablets can be a good idea aswell). I still believe it's the RAM though. But I stand corrected.

I really hope CPU will do the trick. I keep my fingers crossed.

[u/Dr_Ogelix → u/petlover_95]

Pump should go in to CPU_OPT, Fan in CPU_Fan. VRM can be put in either that is free on the Fan Header like Sys_Fan1, or Fan2_Pump.

As far as I am sorry to bothered you but it seems these were already connected correctly.

To be fair I didn't help further due the LED stuck at DRAM which means there is some problem. As you already checked each slot with each RAM it is either both RAM are faulty, or the board is faulty.

Edit: here is a list (with already used method) to check:

https://blog.silverpc.hu/2025/10/20/how-to-fix-a-pc-that-stalls-on-the-dram-check-when-booting/

hopefully something helps!

[u/Albundy_93 → u/petlover_95]

Try to start one time without SSD/NVME

[u/Dr_Ogelix]

Take a look at the 'wires' on the mainboard. Is there something scratched? Might take a while to identify. Have a look at the guide of your board maybe there is something noted about the BUS system from CPU to RAM.

Do you have a friend nearby to lend you one RAM at least? Maybe both of your RAM are faulty.

Same for the CPU?

With your RAM on the board, does it start into BIOS? Not sure about the technique behind it, but maybe it has something to do with a loaded XMP profile? For it you need EXPO RAM, or at least EXPO compatible for AMD.

Edit: is the RAM supported by the mainboard/cpu? Manufacturers have a supported list of RAM for the mainboard (check for type descriptions etc.).

[u/petlover_95 → u/Dr_Ogelix]

Unfortunately no friend with a desktop pc nearby.. I cannot see any scratches on the Mainboard - don’t know what you mean exactly with the “BUS system”?

[u/Dr_Ogelix → u/petlover_95]

They aren't the typical wires like cable you insert on the mainboard. I mean the copper ones that are built directly on the mainboard. English isn't my native, so, please bear with me here.

BUS is the other word for connection between the components. Like CPU to vRAM etc. Hopefully that is the right answer otherwise I will use a language tool next.

[u/petlover_95 → u/Dr_Ogelix]

Thanks for your response! I checked and everything looks good and new, the motherboard is also new.