DRAM light up on the MOBO and black screen on random reboot.

[marm]

Hi
I just got my new built from PcSpecialist with folloowing specs.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER

I have following issue:
Every once in a while when I restart the system it gets stuck before POST. It does not always happen - maybe 1 in 4/5 reboots. It does not make difference how the reboot was triggered. Whether nicely restarted from windows, after entering bios, using case button or during windows install - it just sometimes gets stuck.
CPU fans and all the fancy lights are on. On motherboard the orange DRAM LED is up. No output to the screen.
It takes one or more resets to bring the rig up. Once its up it runs fine - I can use OS no problem and I have done some gaming but no testing or anything.

Another thing is that even if the system boots up it is still stuck on DRAM light for about 5-6 seconds - that happens every time - before it quickly goes though other LEDs and goes to POST. It is not a major issue but it just does not feel right. In my experience with previous PCs the POST would happen almost instantly with some output to the screen.

When the system runs i can see the memory is detected properly both in Windows and BIOS (32G at 3200).
I also checked memory access times in BIOS and they are in line with ASUS specs for MOBO, Ryzen 2 and memory type - Corsair 2x16G 3200 (16-18-18-36). One thing I noticed is that the long part no string is slightly different between my modules and the one specified by ASUS.

I looked at the power connections to the CPU, MOBO and GPU all seem to be set nice and tightly. I have checked if memory modules are sat properly in their slots (B2 A2) as well.

Any advice as what could be causing the issue?
I did look online and answers varied (faulty or incompatible MOBO, RAM even CPU).
I will be speaking with pcspecialist. Their customer service is pretty good but I do need the rig for school so sending it back for a recheck is going to be a major pain.
I appreciate any advice.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Hi
I just got my new built from PcSpecialist with folloowing specs.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER

I have following issue:
Every once in a while when I restart the system it gets stuck before POST. It does not always happen - maybe 1 in 4/5 reboots. It does not make difference how the reboot was triggered. Whether nicely restarted from windows, after entering bios, using case button or during windows install - it just sometimes gets stuck.
CPU fans and all the fancy lights are on. On motherboard the orange DRAM LED is up. No output to the screen.
It takes one or more resets to bring the rig up. Once its up it runs fine - I can use OS no problem and I have done some gaming but no testing or anything.

Another thing is that even if the system boots up it is still stuck on DRAM light for about 5-6 seconds - that happens every time - before it quickly goes though other LEDs and goes to POST. It is not a major issue but it just does not feel right. In my experience with previous PCs the POST would happen almost instantly with some output to the screen.

When the system runs i can see the memory is detected properly both in Windows and BIOS (32G at 3200).
I also checked memory access times in BIOS and they are in line with ASUS specs for MOBO, Ryzen 2 and memory type - Corsair 2x16G 3200 (16-18-18-36). One thing I noticed is that the long part no string is slightly different between my modules and the one specified by ASUS.

I looked at the power connections to the CPU, MOBO and GPU all seem to be set nice and tightly. I have checked if memory modules are sat properly in their slots (B2 A2) as well.

Any advice as what could be causing the issue?
I did look online and answers varied (faulty or incompatible MOBO, RAM even CPU).
I will be speaking with pcspecialist. Their customer service is pretty good but I do need the rig for school so sending it back for a recheck is going to be a major pain.
I appreciate any advice.

Can you post the FULL specs from the order page?

 

[marm]

Hi Spydertracks
Sure.
That's spec from order below. I made amendment to the order so where applies the current spec is marked with "Change to". (apart from PSU, as the system arrived with Corsair VS-450 - shouldn't make make much difference but just in case..)

Case	COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX MB600L CASE Change to: FRACTAL FOCUS G BLACK GAMING CASE (Window)
Processor (CPU)	AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Eight Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.4GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard	ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)	32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card	6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 Ti - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready! Change to: 6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive	NOT REQUIRED
2nd Storage Drive	240GB ADATA SU630 2.5" SSD, SATA 6 Gb (520MB/R, 450MB/W) Change to: NONE
1st M.2 SSD Drive	128GB ADATA SX6000 LITE M.2 2280 (1800 MB/R, 1200 MB/W) Change to: 512GB ADATA SX6000 Pro PCIe M.2 2280 (2100 MB/R, 1500 MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive	NOT REQUIRED
Memory Card Reader	NONE Change to: USB 3.0 EXTERNAL SD/MICRO SD CARD READER
Power Supply	CORSAIR 450W VS SERIES™ VS-450 POWER SUPPLY Change to: CORSAIR 550W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable	1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling	CoolerMaster MasterLiquid Lite 120 High Performance Liquid Cooler Change to: CoolerMaster MasterLiquid Lite 240 High Performance Liquid Cooler
Thermal Paste	STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card	ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking	WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2,400Mbps/5GHz, 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options	MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System	NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language	United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media	NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software	FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365 (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus	NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser	Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
Warranty	3 Year Gold Warranty (2 Year Collect & Return, 2 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery	STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time	FAST TRACK 5 WORKING DAY DISPATCH
Promotional Item	Get 3 Months of XBOX Game Pass for PC w/ select AMD Ryzen CPUs
Promotional Item	The Outer Worlds -OR- Borderlands 3 w/ select AMD Ryzen CPUs
Welcome Book	PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland

 

[SpyderTracks]

I was checking to see that B2 and A2 are the correct DIMMS for a single pair, which they are.

I would do as @Nursemorph suggests and run a Memtest86 test on the RAM

 

[marm]

Thanks @Nursemorph @SpyderTracks I'll do that.

 

[Oussebon]

Quick edit to remove codes

 

[marm]

So as suggested I ran memtest86 overnight. 4 passes and no errors detected. I took some snapshots I can post later If needed.
I also run Windows built in memory check tool - same result - no errors.
It seems that MOBO/CPU struggles to detect/agree with the RAM at startup but once it does everything runs smoothly.
Perhaps slight compatibility issues?

 

[SpyderTracks]

So as suggested I ran memtest86 overnight. 4 passes and no errors detected. I took some snapshots I can post later If needed.
I also run Windows built in memory check tool - same result - no errors.
It seems that MOBO/CPU struggles to detect/agree with the RAM at startup but once it does everything runs smoothly.
Perhaps slight compatibility issues?

It’s possible the mobo needs a bios update, but you need to do that with PCS advising you as part of the warranty stipulations.

 

[ubuysa]

It’s possible the mobo needs a bios update, but you need to do that with PCS advising you as part of the warranty stipulations.

Ask PCS, they can probably tell you whether there is a BIOS update that addresses POST timing/issues.

Do consider that it might not be RAM. I know all the indications are that it is, but the POST process might not be that rigid and it could potentially be something else that's the problem and POST just gets stuck on RAM. Stranger things have happened and ubuysa's rule #4 applies too - if the problem isn't where you're looking then it must be somewhere else.

 

[Scott]

Take one of the RAM DIMMs out and see how it operates after a few reboots etc. If the issue persists, swap them over.... if the issue persists I would consider the CPU seating.

 

[marm]

Ok, so I did take out one of the RAM DIMMs. I ran couple of test resets - in 10 only one failed. Progress I thought. I reinserted 2nd module and ran around 20 reboots of various kind - no fails! I thought that maybe RAM got slightly dislodged in transport and reinserting fixed it? Or maybe removing one module changed some settings in BIOS and fixed the issue? Anyways I used the machine for a bit then did another reset and guess what - the problem was back. PC got stuck on POST DRAM check twice in the row. So obviously removing RAM did something but it was only temporary.

I sent an email to PCspecialist and I am waiting for their answer. I asked to have the rig retested.

I also checked my memory modules product codes and it looks like they are not on the QVL for the motherboard and gen 3 Ryzen (neither for gen 2 Ryzen). There are other Corsair modules listed in QVL with the same spec [2x16GB RAM 3200MHz] but product code is different.

QVA RAM of same spec: CMW32GX4M2Z3200C16
RAM in my rig: CM4X16GC3200C

If anyone tries to google both codes they will find quite different results. Makes me lean towards incompatible memory option.

 

[Scott]

When you took one out for testing and found it failed, you should have swapped them over..... rather than putting the second one back in. Its possible you left the faulty DIMM in.

It could also be temperature related.... hence the progression of the fault.

The RAM in your rig can't be CM4X16GC3200C, that's a 2x8GB kit?

 

[marm]

Thanks @The_Scotster. I did as you advised now. I tested both modules separately again (in A2 slot as per instructions included with MOBO for single module). Sadly both failed roughly 3 out of 10 tries.

It could be temperature related. But then I did experience failed POST on cold start (machine not used for a few hours) on 3 or so occasions.

When it comes to the RAM product number I am confused now. Is there a different number/code for a single module and a kit of 2 perhaps?

CM4X16GC3200C - is code displayed in memtest86 when I ran it yesterday
CM4X16GC3200C16K4 - is a code printed on the sticker on the side of the module
Please find photos attached.

I looked up the second code online and it does look like set of 2x8 Gb. Now I am proper puzzled.

Also something I only just noticed. Please check photo from BIOS output. What is the meaning of the lower frequency under DRAM Status (2133MHz)? Does it mean that my RAM does not actually run at 3200MHz?

 

[marm]

Looks like this kind of issue is nothing new when it comes to Ryzen + 570 MOBO combo:

Not sure if its Asus DOCP or my ram with reboot halting.

I asked this over at OCN but thought I would ask it here for help too. There seems to be about a 30% chance of my kit, Gskill F4-3600C16D-32GTZNC (on Asus and Gskill QVL for the X570 Tuf which I'm using), to halt at reboot. My Tuf has its DRAM LED light on and it just halts there until I hold...

www.overclockers.com

 

[marm]

@Nursemorph . Thanks for answering so early in the morning
Not that much info on RAM with this particular product code to be honest. Some benchmark sites and then some more sites in Chinese. Seems like very niche product.

I am not sure what is standard for product coding when it comes to Corsair memory. When I looked through Corsair RAM in QVA list for my MOBO the first number in product code string would correspond to the total amount of RAM in the bundle. It is not the case with the product code of my RAM.

i.e.
from QVA list:
CORSAIR CMD16GX4M2B3866C18(Ver4.31 ） 2*8GB
CORSAIR CMK32GX4M2K3600C16 ver4.31 32GB(16GB*2)
CORSAIR CMK16GX4M2Z3600C18 ver3.31 16GB(8GB*2 )

while mine is:
CM4X16GC3200C16K4 being 2x16GB

May not mean anything but that would explain @The_Scotster 's surprised reaction to the product code.

Anyways - my RAM is not in the QVA list for the TUF X570-PLUS with 3rd gen Ryzen. I would expect PCSPECIALIST to provide QVListed memory for best compatibility.

I am now running the rig at 2333MHz just for testing. (Found some info online suggesting that x570 + Ryzen is fussy ablut high speed RAM) Tried like 10 restarts and no fails so far. Still it stays on the orange DRAM light for a bit (2 to 6sec). Any advice what is the normal time for a MOBO to cycle through the LEDs at the post? Should that be much faster? Or is 5-8s considered normal as long as it POSTs successfully?

I am considering now :
- purchasing QVListed memory and testing myself - then if successful returning old ram (but that is a bit risky)
- asking for RAM replacement for QVListed modules
- asking for replacing RAM with a lower clock rate modules and refund of price difference
- asking PCSPECIALIST to pick up the rig and sorting thing out
I am waiting for PCSPECIALIST's answer to my email but may chase up with call.

By the way thanks everyone for committing their time and answering my questions.

 

[Scott]

CM4X16GC3200C16K4 is the correct module code (notice the difference between this code and your initial code quote). The matched pair will be a different code again, made up of 2 of those modules. If you have the packaging for the RAM in the motherboard box this should tell you the actual paired code. My guess is that this code will be on the QVL. I think the configuration is a red herring to be honest.

It's incredibly unlikely that the RAM is at fault. Given that your RAM is running at 2133Mhz would suggest that it hasn't been configured properly in the BIOS, either that or the settings have been lost at some point.

Can you check in Windows to see what the frequency and timings of the RAM are showing in CPUz? The initial screen dump above states 2133 for each DIMM but then states 3200Mhz everywhere else. The Profile 1 setting of 3200Mhz appears spot on.

With all that in mind, I think the issue is pointing more towards the motherboard than the RAM.

 

[Oussebon]

Looks like this kind of issue is nothing new when it comes to Ryzen + 570 MOBO combo:

Not sure if its Asus DOCP or my ram with reboot halting.

I asked this over at OCN but thought I would ask it here for help too. There seems to be about a 30% chance of my kit, Gskill F4-3600C16D-32GTZNC (on Asus and Gskill QVL for the X570 Tuf which I'm using), to halt at reboot. My Tuf has its DRAM LED light on and it just halts there until I hold...

www.overclockers.com

This is a red herring as people are talking about all kind of different issues that just look superficially a little similar to what you're having.

Moreover, if you ever have a PC problem and google it you are near-guaranteed to find at least a few people with exactly the same issue. It doesn't mean it's a well-known fault or compatibility problem. And you'll find many more people with something that sounds similar but is not actually the same.

I am considering now :
- purchasing QVListed memory and testing myself - then if successful returning old ram (but that is a bit risky)
- asking for RAM replacement for QVListed modules
- asking for replacing RAM with a lower clock rate modules and refund of price difference
- asking PCSPECIALIST to pick up the rig and sorting thing out
I am waiting for PCSPECIALIST's answer to my email but may chase up with call.

The one I bolded is the only one that makes sense.

Option 1 might seem attractive due to trying to progress things as fast as possible but is more hassle and expense than it's worth. PCS have sold you a system, it's on them to make sure it works
QVL is also overrated. Not every last kit of RAM will be tested. RAM not on QVL will generally work fine - we are a far cry from the early days of Ryzen where compatibility was an issue with a brand new architecture for the first few months.
And you don't want to nerf your system with slower RAM.

You paid PCS for this system, and for a warranty - let them make it right.

Do call them, they may be able to talk you through a few things and speed up finding a resolution.

 

[marm]

So I've sent the rig back to be sorted out. I was investigating myself only as the issue didn't seem very serious and I did need the PC for school. Most of the time system would boot up and then always remained stable. Windows and CPU-z showed memory at 3200Mhz as supposed to and PC passed memtes86 flying.
So the POST fail would happen quite rarely and would always be sorted with one or two resets. But its a brand new rig and its super annoying when that does happen and i.e. PC wont wake up from sleep. Plus I was worried that the problem may escalate.

So far experience with customer support was really good - they sent the courier and I got notified that they received the parcel already. I hope they will be able to diagnose the fault and fix the issue.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll post an update once I get the PC back.

 

[GuiBar]

So I've sent the rig back to be sorted out. I was investigating myself only as the issue didn't seem very serious and I did need the PC for school. Most of the time system would boot up and then always remained stable. Windows and CPU-z showed memory at 3200Mhz as supposed to and PC passed memtes86 flying.
So the POST fail would happen quite rarely and would always be sorted with one or two resets. But its a brand new rig and its super annoying when that does happen and i.e. PC wont wake up from sleep. Plus I was worried that the problem may escalate.

So far experience with customer support was really good - they sent the courier and I got notified that they received the parcel already. I hope they will be able to diagnose the fault and fix the issue.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll post an update once I get the PC back.

Have you been lucky with your PC?. Mine have the same issue and I’ll sent it back to PCS.

 

[marm]

Hi @GuiBar

Yes it went well after all. I sent the rig back to the PC Specialist and they sorted it out within a week or so. I was told that there was an issue with the CPU and they either replaced it or repasted can't remember now. Anyways everything works fine now. Still seems like the PC POSTs slightly longer than I would anticipate but launches every time and there are no error lights on so I decided not to pursue it any more. Don't hesitate to get in touch with them and sent the rig back. In my experience they have a great after sales support and I am sure they will sort you out.
Good luck and enjoy your new rig once it is ready.