How to Fix ‘POST’ DRAM Light on Any Motherboard

A problem with your RAM is indicated when the DRAM light (Q-LED) on your motherboard stays lit or flashes. This error can occur for a variety of reasons, including RAM that isn't properly installed, memory modules that aren't suitable, or even hardware failure. We can review these examples sequentially:

1. Reconfigure Your Memory

In case you have just assembled your computer, your RAM might not be in good contact with the motherboard. Try removing and re-inserting the RAM sticks—a simple way to fix the RAM—to see if it helps.

Take your computer off the electrical outlet and switch it off.

In the opened-up case of your computer, locate the RAM modules at the top of the motherboard, normally beside the CPU cooler. Picture Source: G.Skill

To disable the memory retention mechanism, generally positioned near the RAM modules, and represented by small clips, proceed as described below.

To take full advantage of your memory modules, extract them and insert them into slots A2 and B2. Before inserting, make sure you hear a click.

2. Disable XMP

Similar to overclocking, XMP allows memory to run at a higher frequency than JEDEC specs permit. If you happen to be having any memory issues, disabling XMP resolves them, and there you have it for the unstability. This option is accessible within a few clicks:.

Check your motherboard manufacturer's Qualified Vendor List (QVL) to see if the memory kit you are using is on the list. It's not that important for configurations of DDR4 but it's known to cause problems with DDR5, especially at faster speeds.

Press the "Delete," "F1," "F2," "F5", or "F10" keys to enter the BIOS after powering down your computer. To find out more, look at the handbook that came with your product.

Find the "XMP Settings"—in our instance, it was under the "Advanced" tab—by researching your particular motherboard model; since the BIOS/UEFI is distinct for every vendor, this may take some time.

Choose "Disable" from the "Memory profile" menu.

You may also want to perform a BIOS reset to default settings, but that will erase all of your settings and preferences.

3."Memory Training" POST Error in AM5-Specific

If you're having the same RAM issue with a freshly built AM5, that may simply be because your memory is still in its "memory training" process. To ensure reliable operation, your system's memory controller needs to learn the various parameters of the DDR5 kit-which may sound stupid.

Ensure that the CPU is in direct contact with the cooler. Too much or too little pressure can cause the processor to be damaged, memory connectivity to be interrupted .

Insert just one DIMM into slots 2 and 4 if there are a number of DIMMs being used; reseat them according to our first method. (Image Source: Crucial)

Keep turning on your computer normally and allow it to complete the training or learning of the memory in 5 to 10 minutes. The light in DRAM will go off.

Your second DIMM should follow this pattern.

Your computer looks like it should start normally at this stage.

4. reset the BIOS or remove the CMOS battery.

To resolve the issues with DRAM, one should remove the CMOS battery and reset BIOS. If you want to clear your BIOS, here is how you would do it:

ESD precaution: Remove your computer from the wall outlet and power it off.

Look for the CMOS battery underneath the GPU on the motherboard once you open the casing of your computer. Refer to the handbook that came with your board, in that case.

Carefully remove the CMOS battery using your fingertips. You may have to pull up a clip mechanism on some motherboards in order to remove the battery.

Now, replace the CMOS battery after 10-15 minutes. Your BIOS should be automatically reset. Check to see if the error has remained.

5. Update Your BIOS

One of the more involved stages is updating your BIOS, which we will get to in a little. Newer BIOS upgrades released by board makers do enhance the memory compatibility and stability. Depending on the age of your motherboard, updating the BIOS could be either a very simple or complex process.

Updating the BIOS | MSI

The BIOS flashback option available on modern motherboards allows you to update your BIOS without even logging into the system. You can use a working computer and download the correct BIOS version and then rename it correctly and store it on a USB flash drive where you can enter the BIOS and update. It's pretty straightforward.

6. RAM Issues

Here we are in the land of unknowns, where hardware failure is a real possibility, if none of the foregoing remedies have been of any help. Resilient as it is, memory will eventually fail just like any other electronic device. If you suspect that your memory is faulty, borrowing a known working memory kit from a friend or acquaintance is an easy way to determine.

As noted in the above reseating method, you can also isolate the problem by trying individual DIMMs. If only one DIMM works, then you have a bad memory kit. If neither works, try finding a known good kit.

After that, the working memory modules should be tested in the computer to see if the problem is resolved. If the problem remains unresolved even with a known good kit, there can be one of three causes.

7.CPU, PSU, or Motherboard Fault

If the problem persists after you've tested a functional memory kit with your computer, it could be due to issues with other parts of your setup. Let's begin by replacing your power supply unit (PSU), which is the most straightforward component.

Unit for Supplying Power

In case your PSU does not support the power required by memory, that may be due to an overvoltage or overcurrent that damaged the memory. Try using a different power supply, or if possible try placing it on another PC.

processing unit

We would be moving to the central processing unit now. Make sure the system boots up with a processor that supports your motherboard and socket. The CPU has memory controllers to interface with the RAM. Sometimes, this section of your CPU may become faulty and malfunction.

Circuit board

Changing out your motherboard and all of your components is the last thing you want to do. If your computer boots up normally, you need to replace the motherboard. The motherboard is as susceptible to ESD and other forms of unpredictable voltage and current spikes as the power supply unit.

These potential causes, when systematically dealt with, thus serve as effective troubleshooting for the problem at hand: the POST DRAM light on the motherboard.