How to Fix ‘POST’ DRAM Light on Any Motherboard [2024]

When you boot your PC, it undergoes a series of verification steps to ensure the computer starts up normally. This procedure is called Power On Self Test, or POST for short. Modern motherboards feature POST LEDs, which can help us identify which component is halting the boot process.

What are POST Codes?

We have a detailed guide regarding the actual process of POST, where we mention how to diagnose various beep codes. However, it is important to know that modern-day computers feature Q-LEDs or POST-LEDs. You may find LEDs that display numeric, alphanumeric codes or simply blink/remain static as an indicator.

When a PC undergoes POST, it is made to pass through a series of checks so that everything works as expected when the PC boots up. You wouldn’t want faulty RAM randomly disconnecting during an intense 1v5 in Siege, wouldn’t you? POST performs a series of checks on various hardware components including, but not limited to:

• CPU
• Memory/RAM
• Storage
• Basic Components like the DMA, timer, interrupt controller
• Keyboard
• Pointing Devices
• ROM BIOS

In case your PC fails to boot due to some problem, say at the Memory/RAM level, a DRAM LED on your motherboard lets you know there is some issue with your main memory. Sadly, there is no exact “standard” for these indications and different OEMs use different beep codes and POST codes.

Luckily for us, Q-LEDs are simpler to read since they only feature 4 possible culprits; CPU, DRAM, VGA or your boot drive. Now that we have understood the purpose of the DRAM light on your motherboard, let’s try to diagnose this issue.

READ MORE: What is Power-On Self-Test in Computers? POST Explained ➜

How to Fix DRAM Light on Motherboard?

If the DRAM light (Q-LED) on your motherboard remains lit or flashes, this indicates an issue with your RAM. There can be numerous causes for this error, such as poorly seated memory, incompatible memory modules, or even faulty RAM. Let’s go over these case by case:

1) Reseat Your Memory

If you’ve just built your PC, it can be possible that your RAM isn’t in proper contact with the motherboard. To fix this issue, we can attempt to reseat the RAM sticks, which simply means to insert and reinsert the memory properly.

1. Shut Down your PC and disconnect it from the wall.
2. Open your PC’s case and atop the motherboard, you should find your RAM modules, typically beside the CPU cooler. (Image Credit: G.Skill)
   
   
   
3. Disengage the memory retaining mechanism, generally in the form of small clips next to the RAM modules as shown.
   
   
   
4. Take the memory modules out and place them in the A2 and B2 slots for optimal results. Make sure you hear an audible click when you reinsert them.

2) Disable XMP

XMP enables memory to run at higher than JEDEC specifications, which is essentially a form of overclocking. This can introduce instability and disabling XMP can fix whatever memory issues you’re facing. The option is literally a few buttons away from you.

1. Shut Down your PC and open the BIOS by pressing the “Delete“, “F1“, “F2“, “F5” or “F10” keys. Consult your manufacturer’s guide for more details.
2. Since the BIOS/UEFI is different for every vendor, do a bit of research regarding your specific motherboard model and locate the “XMP Settings” which in our case was under the “Advanced” tab.
3. Set the “Memory profile” to “Disable“.
   
   
   
4. Another method is to reset your BIOS to factory settings but you may lose other preferences as well.

READ MORE: How to Resolve XMP Not Working Issue? ➜

3) AM5 Specific “Memory Training” POST Error

If you have a new AM5 build and you’re facing the same RAM issue, it may be that your memory is still in its “memory training” phase. As silly as it may sound, your system’s memory controller needs to learn the various parameters of the DDR5 kit used to ensure stable operation.

1. If you have multiple DIMMs, follow the steps in our reseating guide (Method 1) and place only 1 DIMM in either slot 2 or slot 4. (Image Credit: Crucial)
   
   
   
2. Boot your PC as you normally would and sit tight for 5-10 minutes while memory learning/training takes place. Afterward, the DRAM light should go out.
3. Repeat the same process with your second DIMM.
4. Your PC should boot normally.

4) Remove the CMOS Battery / Reset BIOS

Resetting the BIOS by taking out the CMOS battery can resolve DRAM issues. In order to reset your BIOS, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PC, disconnect it from the wall, and take necessary ESD measures.
2. Open your PC’s case and locate the motherboard, on which you should find a CMOS battery beneath the GPU. If not there, then refer to your board manufacturer’s guide.
   
3. Using your fingers, gently pull the CMOS battery out. In some motherboards, you may find a clip mechanism that you have to pull up to remove the battery.
4. After 10-15 minutes, reinsert the CMOS battery and your BIOS should have been reset. Check to see if the error is still present.

READ MORE: What is a CMOS Battery? How It Works & How to Replace One ➜

5) Update Your BIOS

We’re gradually approaching the harder steps and one of them is to update your BIOS. Board manufactures often release newer BIOS revisions that improve RAM compatibility and stability. Updating your BIOS can be both easy and difficult, depending on how recent your motherboard is.

Modern motherboards have the option for BIOS flashback, which allows you to update your BIOS without entering the system. Get a working PC and download the required BIOS revision. After renaming the BIOS properly, store it inside a USB Flash Drive and enter the BIOS to, well, update your BIOS.

6) Faulty Memory

If none of the steps worked for you thus far, we’re entering into the realm of uncertainty — and possible hardware failure. Memory is quite resilient, however, being electronic, it too shall fail someday. A very easy way to verify if your memory is faulty or not is just to borrow a working memory kit from a friend or fellow.

You may also try individual DIMMs as explained in the reseating method above. If 1 DIMM works and the other doesn’t, you have a faulty memory kit. If both don’t work, the next step is to get access to a working kit.

Now try the working memory modules and check to see if the error persists. If for some reason, you still get the same issue, even with a working kit, there are 3 possible culprits then.

7) Dead CPU, PSU, or Motherboard

Assuming you’ve tried out a working memory kit with your PC and you still have to see that annoying DRAM light, then the issue might be with your other components. Let’s start with the easiest to replace, your PSU.

↪ Power Supply Unit

It is very much possible that your PSU got damaged due to excessive voltage/current and is unable to supply ample power to the memory. Try another Power Supply or use your current supply in another PC.

↪ CPU

Next up is the CPU. If you have any sort of avail to a processor supported by your motherboard/socket, check to see if the system boots with that CPU. The CPU features memory controllers which are responsible for communicating with the RAM. In rare cases, this section of your CPU could be damaged, rendering it useless.

↪ Motherboard

The last resort is to swap all your components to a different motherboard. If your PC boots normally, you require a motherboard replacement. Again, as is the case with the PSU, random voltage/current spikes or even ESD can severely damage the motherboard.

READ MORE: How to Find Out How Old Is Your Computer – Windows & Mac ➜

A Word of Advice

POST errors relating to memory can be caused by a large number of components. As discussed above, you could be facing DRAM-issues with a bricked CPU. In less severe cases, maybe your memory is unstable after applying XMP.

It is important to verify each component individually and try to pinpoint the problem to the specific component causing the issue. You could go and purchase a brand new DDR5 kit, only to find that your Power Supply was damaged, not the memory.

READ MORE: How to Find Out What Motherboard You Have in 5 Steps ➜

Conclusion

The best way to resolve a static or blinking DRAM LED on your motherboard is by checking the functionality of each component. Try tinkering with settings at the software level, then move down to the physical components.

Modern-day Ryzen 7000 AM5 builds tend to face such issues. We’ve seen plenty cases of CPUs being bent and burnt, memory kits failing, motherboards dying, and whatnot. Resolving such issues can be frustrating, but consider reaching out to the vendor from whom you purchased your PC, for assistance.

More often than not, they have extra CPUs, memory modules, and other spare parts. Besides, if the after-sales service is good, you might get your PC diagnosed free of cost. Moreover, you also have the option of claiming the warranty on any broken/damaged component.