New Build Troubleshooting - Red PSU Light & Yellow RAM Light - Help!

Clone_Jesus

Clone_Jesus

Clone_Jesus

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10 Sep 2023
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Scotland
Morning all,

So my first attempt at a new build went as smoothly as I thought it would. Unfortunately the motherboard is showing the Red CPU light and Yellow DRAM light at all times and is not posting.

When i first booted the PC there was no lights - however there was no signal going to the monitor (i have tried 3 different monitors and 3 different HDMI cables). I also connected the HDMI cable via both the GPU and the motherboard. I then removed the GPU so i had better access to check the connections and to test from the motherboard HDMI slot as the GPU has built in graphics. I let it rest - tried again, with no success. The Red and Yellow lights then appeared. (i think they appeared at this point - could have been earlier, prior to GPU removal).

Naively, i then realised I didn't have the 4-pin CPU power lead plugged in- only the 8-pin. (I'm using an MSI PSU so I had to split the 8 pin to power the 2nd 4 Pin PSU slot?) - I had also missed a screw from the motherboard - which I have now replaced.

This made no difference when booting the PC however - the lights continue, and it now doesn't switch off using the case power button (it does however let me turn it on).

I have attached some pictures in case there is something glaringly obvious that I am missing with my connections.

I've been reading up on some fixes this morning - such as "resetting the CPU" - ensuring it is correctly in place. The Wraith cooler is firmly in place. However would i need to reapply thermal paste if i checked the CPU? The Ryzen 7 7700 came with this pre-applied and i have none to hand). I have tried powering it up with both, and each individual stick of RAM (however would that potentially also be a cause for the Red CPU light?). I can confirm my RAM is currently in slots 2/4 as per the motherboard instructions. The RAM is 6000Mhz which is technically over the stock limit but is compatible via overclocking - however this shouldn't be an issue on first build as it will just run at stock?

There is also some chat about updating the BIOS OR clearing the CMOS etc. I have cleared the CMOS by "shorting" and also taken the motherboard battery in and out to reset. Compatibility websites showed no issue with a bios update prior to purchase (when i looked at different builds originally they would come up with notes around needing to update the BIOS - but not with my final build). I'm also a bit worried about voiding the MB warranty if I try any of this, in case it's a motherboard issue and needs to be returned?

My build is below. If anyone has any suggestions or can help in any way it would be much appreciated :)

Thanks in advance.


AMD Ryzen 7 7700

Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000

Crucial P3 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME

Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME

Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 6750 XT 12 GB Video Card

MSI MPG A750GF WHITE 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard


MB1
MB2
MB3
 
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Take the CPU out and check the motherboard socket for bent pins.

I just checked the 7700 is supported from first bios release so should work without needing dding to update.
 
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mickyflinn said:
Take the CPU out and check the motherboard socket for bent pins.

I just checked the 7700 is supported from first bios release so should work without needing dding to update.
Click to expand...
Hey again,

Just checked and they look ok to me? Pictures below. Have put all back in, hoped maybe repositioning it would help but still the same issue.

CPU 1

CPU 2
 
Clone_Jesus said:
1
2
3
4

Hi,

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but I don’t think I can remove the top cover to get a full picture from the top down.

Thanks
Click to expand...
No it's not

In your pic cpu 2 below you can see the motherboard socket pins but you can only clearly see half of them . Take a pic directly above if you can to get a bird's eye view of all the pins.
Clone_Jesus said:
CPU 2
Click to expand...
 
mickyflinn said:
No it's not

In your pic cpu 2 below you can see the motherboard socket pins but you can only clearly see half of them . Take a pic directly above if you can to get a bird's eye view of all the pins.
Click to expand...
Apologies, my photography skills have never been up to par haha.

Does this show what you need to see?

MB

Thank you
 
Clone_Jesus said:
Apologies, misread it.

CPU socket

Tried to get it from the top down as best possible
Click to expand...
Nearly.

It's not an overhead picture looking straight down to check the pins , if your sure none are not mis allighned then I would pull the motherboard out and build the pc with basic components.

Put the motherboard on the motherboard box , install CPU, one stick of memory and PSU then Try to boot but give it 5 mins as the motherboard trains the memory. You will need to jump the power on button on the motherboard with a screwdriver .make sure you Connect your monitor to the motherboard before booting.


If this doesn't work then flashing the bios would be my next option before sending parts back .


if you can get a overhead picture of the CPU socket and post it I can check the pins also
 
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mickyflinn said:
Nearly.

It's not an overhead picture looking straight down to check the pins , if your sure none are not mis allighned then I would pull the motherboard out and build the pc with basic components.

Put the motherboard on the motherboard box , install CPU, one stick of memory and PSU then Try to boot but give it 5 mins as the motherboard trains the memory. You will need to jump the power on button on the motherboard with a screwdriver .make sure you Connect your monitor to the motherboard before booting.


If this doesn't work then flashing the bios would be my next option before sending parts back .


if you can get a overhead picture of the CPU socket and post it I can check the pins also
Click to expand...
MB

Thanks. Picture above. Is flashing the bios involve a usb? I think I read about that earlier. Will any issues with that potentially void any return/warranty do you think?
 
You appear to be using custom cable extensions. Try removing them. Also check that all the PSU cables are firmly plugged in at both ends.
 
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Quartz said:
You appear to be using custom cable extensions. Try removing them. Also check that all the PSU cables are firmly plugged in at both ends.
Click to expand...
Hi Quartz,

The cables are all directly from the PSU/supplied components. I am however using a fan splitter as I didn’t have enough placements on the motherboard. I ensured the amps here check out. Should I try boot without the splitter(s)?
 
Clone_Jesus said:
So my first attempt at a new build went as smoothly as I thought it would. Unfortunately the motherboard is showing the Red CPU light and Yellow DRAM light at all times and is not posting.
Click to expand...

How long were you waiting for the system to boot? DDR5 systems can take a very long time on first boot, though I can't comment on the lights specifically.

Clone_Jesus said:
However would i need to reapply thermal paste if i checked the CPU? The Ryzen 7 7700 came with this pre-applied and i have none to hand). I have tried powering it up with both, and each individual stick of RAM (however would that potentially also be a cause for the Red CPU light?). I can confirm my RAM is currently in slots 2/4 as per the motherboard instructions. The RAM is 6000Mhz which is technically over the stock limit but is compatible via overclocking - however this shouldn't be an issue on first build as it will just run at stock?
Click to expand...

Strictly speaking, yes, you should reapply the paste, but for the time being, don't worry about it.

Putting the 1 stick of RAM in the wrong slot could cause it not to boot.

The RAM being 6000 doesn't matter, since it will usually boot at 4800 or 5200 (depends on what Corsair programmed into the stick). I assume you purchased EXPO rather than XMP? Though, it shouldn't matter right now.

Clone_Jesus said:
There is also some chat about updating the BIOS OR clearing the CMOS etc. I have cleared the CMOS by "shorting" and also taken the motherboard battery in and out to reset. Compatibility websites showed no issue with a bios update prior to purchase (when i looked at different builds originally they would come up with notes around needing to update the BIOS - but not with my final build). I'm also a bit worried about voiding the MB warranty if I try any of this, in case it's a motherboard issue and needs to be returned?
Click to expand...

A bios update should not be necessary, but, some posters here have had success from updating the stock BIOS. It is more understandable when AM5 was new, as compatibility issues were more likely, but I'd expect most boards to have a reasonable BIOS by now.

From looking at your pictures, I have a concern from a troubleshooting POV, though let's call it minor, which is that you have connected A LOT of stuff to your motherboard for a first ever boot of the PC.

I am very bad at looking at pictures, but:
- There's a USB (3.0) header, which is blue and it looks a tiny bit wonky.
- Next to the SATA ports, there's a header which looks like it might be overhanging and some of the pins aren't making contact?
- Second in from the bottom right, there's a USB header and it might just be the camera angle, but it looks misaligned.

Personally, I'd be inclined to pull most of these from the board, but I can understand if it is a faff and you're reluctant.

You mentioned HDMI, but have you tried DP?
 
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Tetras said:
How long were you waiting for the system to boot? DDR5 systems can take a very long time on first boot, though I can't comment on the lights specifically.



Strictly speaking, yes, you should reapply the paste, but for the time being, don't worry about it.

Putting the 1 stick of RAM in the wrong slot could cause it not to boot.

The RAM being 6000 doesn't matter, since it will usually boot at 4800 or 5200 (depends on what Corsair programmed into the stick). I assume you purchased EXPO rather than XMP? Though, it shouldn't matter right now.



A bios update should not be necessary, but, some posters here have had success from updating the stock BIOS. It is more understandable when AM5 was new, as compatibility issues were more likely, but I'd expect most boards to have a reasonable BIOS by now.

From looking at your pictures, I have a concern from a troubleshooting POV, though let's call it minor, which is that you have connected A LOT of stuff to your motherboard for a first ever boot of the PC.

I am very bad at looking at pictures, but:
- There's a USB (3.0) header, which is blue and it looks a tiny bit wonky.
- Next to the SATA ports, there's a header which looks like it might be overhanging and some of the pins aren't making contact?
- Second in from the bottom right, there's a USB header and it might just be the camera angle, but it looks misaligned.

Personally, I'd be inclined to pull most of these from the board, but I can understand if it is a faff and you're reluctant.

You mentioned HDMI, but have you tried DP?
Click to expand...
Hi Tetras,

Hope you are well :)

Probably around 10 mins first of all. I wasn't getting a display on my monitor so i changed the monitors, HDMI cable etc. I then noticed the lights on the motherboard. I'm not 100% whether they were on at the start though - i would like to think i would have noticed them if so.

The 2 sticks of RAM were installed in the correct ports upon first boot - so I'm ruling out a ram issue (unless they are faulty?) I checked the RAM compatibility on the MSI website earlier and all good.

I'm currently in the process of updating the bios but the flashing LED has been going for about 30 mins now. So I'm taking that as it has failed. I will try it again and see if i have any better luck.

Since those pictures I have taken all the wires out and back in again. I've double checked everything is aligned and making contact. However the 24 Pin motherboard cable is completely stuck - which sums up how things are going so far. Not sure whether this could cause any sort of issue? Should I could attempt a boot with only the motherboard and GPU power cables attached?

Not tried DP no - however i removed the graphics card in order to force the use of the integrated graphics and used the HDMI slot from the motherboard. Still getting the same errors.
 
Clone_Jesus said:
Hope you are well :)
Click to expand...

Thanks :)

Clone_Jesus said:
Probably around 10 mins first of all. I wasn't getting a display on my monitor so i changed the monitors, HDMI cable etc. I then noticed the lights on the motherboard. I'm not 100% whether they were on at the start though - i would like to think i would have noticed them if so.
Click to expand...

Ah, a good amount of time, then, but believe it or not, it has taken much longer than that :o

Clone_Jesus said:
The 2 sticks of RAM were installed in the correct ports upon first boot - so I'm ruling out a ram issue (unless they are faulty?)
Click to expand...

Unlikely, but it does happen. Make sure they're fully seated though, RAM can be tricky like that.

Clone_Jesus said:
However the 24 Pin motherboard cable is completely stuck - which sums up how things are going so far.
Click to expand...

Normal, they got stuck all the time (at least they do for me, I hate this one more than any other). I'd try pulling it from the bit just before where the 20/24 pins split, while pressing on the top lever/clip thing. When the cable is seated, I usually run a finger nail around the edges to make sure there's no gap.

Clone_Jesus said:
Should I could attempt a boot with only the motherboard and GPU power cables attached?
Click to expand...

My first impression was "WOAH WAY TOO MANY PLUGS!!Eleven!11". There's a good chance none of them are the problem here, but it's your call...

Clone_Jesus said:
Not tried DP no - however i removed the graphics card in order to force the use of the integrated graphics and used the HDMI slot from the motherboard. Still getting the same errors.
Click to expand...

With these new display standards they can be very fussy about cables and I've seen boards/cards out of the factory that can't boot from half their display outputs without a firmware update, but as with the plugs, your call (for me, I evaluate everything on the faff-meter :p).
 
Tetras said:
Thanks :)



Ah, a good amount of time, then, but believe it or not, it has taken much longer than that :o



Unlikely, but it does happen. Make sure they're fully seated though, RAM can be tricky like that.



Normal, they got stuck all the time (at least they do for me, I hate this one more than any other). I'd try pulling it from the bit just before where the 20/24 pins split, while pressing on the top lever/clip thing. When the cable is seated, I usually run a finger nail around the edges to make sure there's no gap.



My first impression was "WOAH WAY TOO MANY PLUGS!!Eleven!11". There's a good chance none of them are the problem here, but it's your call...



With these new display standards they can be very fussy about cables and I've seen boards/cards out of the factory that can't boot from half their display outputs without a firmware update, but as with the plugs, your call (for me, I evaluate everything on the faff-meter :p).
Click to expand...
Thanks Tetras

So could the red/yellow lights come on for a while and then a successful boot? I was concerned if i left them on for long there could be some sort of permanent damage?

Yeah the Rams are ok - checked they were seated too and got a couple of lovely sounding clicks to confirm they were in place.

The way it is going i think I'll need to try replacing the motherboard so I'll need to get the cable out one way or another! I will give that a go, thanks.

Going forward i will boot first with the basics? and then add the fans, audio etc. Tried it there with the basics and no luck. Now trying to update the bios using a different USB to see if i have any luck.

I think my next step is possibly to return the motherboard? Not sure where else i can go from here if the bios update fails again :(
 
Clone_Jesus said:
Yeah - it's named correctly. The USB's i have are over 16/32GB though so i had to format in NTFS, however it stated in the manual this would be fine...?
Click to expand...
Could try fat32 but as I mentioned before pull the motherboard out and try it on the box , you going to have to take it out anyway if you return it.

Keep us informed.

Good luck.
 
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