Question RAM Got A Burning Smell, But Motherboard is fine??

[youknow_itdo]

I’m also new here, hello. I’m not sure if this was the right thread to post this issue to but here I am.
So here’s a quick backstory.
I have a Ryzen 5 2600 Oc’d @4.00ghz
With a GTX 1060 (upgrading to GTX 1070)
(Used to have) 16Gb ram
And a B350 gaming plus motherboard.
I had my ram overclocked, and I took it out the slots one day, same with my gpu, cpu, fans, etc. i was cleaning the dust out my pc and for some reason, When I put the ram back in I smelt a burning smell coming from the ram. When I looked inside the case, the ram was on fire.
So I quickly took it out and looked at rhe ram, it was fried.
I had to throw it away.

I was planning on getting these new ram sticks. (Patriot 16Gb Memory @3400mhz)
https://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Memo...hz&qid=1558747245&s=gateway&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

NOTES: The motherboard still powers everything fine, like the fans, gpu, and the cpu cooler itself is fine.
Nothing else broke, it was just the ram that got fried.

QUESTION(s): can I just pop in new ram and hope it works again?
Is my motherboard dying?
Did I mess up something on my cpu?

 

[MeanMachine41]

Hi youknow_itdo 🙁

Just what damage to the MB or CPU from a RAM kit catching fire is anyone's guess. (usually not good)
You can only test the MB RAM slots with a new kit and if nothing works as it is supposed to then your up for a new MB.
Choose a kit of RAM that are listed on the MB QVL and known to work.

Also bear in mind that memory compatibility depends on the CPUs IMC (Integrated memory controller) when the clock rate is over 3000 MHz. What that means is that OC RAM usually needs Bios intervention for Primary Timings and Voltage. You should also clear CMOS and ensure your Bios is up to date.

 

[youknow_itdo]

Hi youknow_itdo 🙁

Just what damage to the MB or CPU from a RAM kit catching fire is anyone's guess. (usually not good)
You can only test the MB RAM slots with a new kit and if nothing works as it is supposed to then your up for a new MB.
Choose a kit of RAM that are listed on the MB QVL and known to work.

Also bear in mind that memory compatibility depends on the CPUs IMC (Integrated memory controller) when the clock rate is over 3000 MHz. What that means is that OC RAM usually needs Bios intervention for Primary Timings and Voltage. You should also clear CMOS and ensure your Bios is up to date.

This is helpful. Thanks for the response. But I do wonder, how do I clear my CMOS if I can’t do anything on the computer itself? Since ram is necessary to show anything on the screen.

 

[iMatty]

Remove the battery for a few minutes and put it back in, or remove the jumper.
And before doing anything make sure that your motherboard is not begin grounded by anything i have seen a lot of issues of people stuff getting caught on fire because grounding issues.

 

[MeanMachine41]

Well you have to get a new kit of RAM anyhow, so choose wisely.
Depending on your MB, you should have the ability to Clear CMOS from your rear IO panel or a jumper on the MB.
To clear CMOS, refer to page 36 in your MB manual.

 

[youknow_itdo]

Remove the battery for a few minutes and put it back in, or remove the jumper.
And before doing anything make sure that your motherboard is not begin grounded by anything i have seen a lot of issues of people stuff getting caught on fire because grounding issues.

Remove the battery for a few minutes and put it back in, or remove the jumper.
And before doing anything make sure that your motherboard is not begin grounded by anything i have seen a lot of issues of people stuff getting caught on fire because grounding issues.

Whats the jumper cable? I never heard of that before.

 

[youknow_itdo]

Hi youknow_itdo 🙁

Just what damage to the MB or CPU from a RAM kit catching fire is anyone's guess. (usually not good)
You can only test the MB RAM slots with a new kit and if nothing works as it is supposed to then your up for a new MB.
Choose a kit of RAM that are listed on the MB QVL and known to work.

Also bear in mind that memory compatibility depends on the CPUs IMC (Integrated memory controller) when the clock rate is over 3000 MHz. What that means is that OC RAM usually needs Bios intervention for Primary Timings and Voltage. You should also clear CMOS and ensure your Bios is up to date.

Wait. Now my Ezdebug led show that CPU isn’t blinking on and off. Its just staying on. The same with ram, but thats obvious. Is my CPU also screwed up as well??

 

[MeanMachine41]

If you have read your manual, the jumper that iMatty refers to is not a cable it's a bridging pin detailed on page 36 of your manual. You can also clear CMOS by removing the MB battery for 10-15Mins (to allow the capacitors to deplete) or by pressing the start button whilst the battery is removed.
The CPU_LED constantly lit indicates an error and could be because there is no RAM. You won't know till your new RAM is installed.
If the system refuses to boot with new RAM installed and the CPU_LED is on constantly then you will have to investigate your CPU for problems. At that stage I would recommend you breadboard to determine the culprit.

 

[youknow_itdo]

If you have read your manual, the jumper that iMatty refers to is not a cable it's a bridging pin detailed on page 36 of your manual. You can also clear CMOS by removing the MB battery for 10-15Mins (to allow the capacitors to deplete) or by pressing the start button whilst the battery is removed.
The CPU_LED constantly lit indicates an error and could be because there is no RAM. You won't know till your new RAM is installed.
If the system refuses to boot with new RAM installed and the CPU_LED is on constantly then you will have to investigate your CPU for problems. At that stage I would recommend you breadboard to determine the culprit.

I know this is a late reply, so my apologies. But I was wondering, is removing the CMOS battery safe and what should I expect when turning on the pc without the battery? And what will happen, also how would I remove the battery?

I’m terribly sorry for the splurge of questions, I’m just being safe.

 

[MeanMachine41]

I know this is a late reply, so my apologies. But I was wondering, is removing the CMOS battery safe and what should I expect when turning on the pc without the battery? And what will happen, also how would I remove the battery?

I’m terribly sorry for the splurge of questions, I’m just being safe.

Power down your system to remove the battery. It is safe and will bring your CMOS back to default. If you start the system without the CMOS battery it will discharge the MB capacitors saving time or allow 10mins for the caps to discharge slowly. A tooth pick can be used to lift out the Battery if your nails are not long enough.

 

[youknow_itdo]

Power down your system to remove the battery. It is safe and will bring your CMOS back to default. If you start the system without the CMOS battery it will discharge the MB capacitors saving time or allow 10mins for the caps to discharge slowly. A tooth pick can be used to lift out the Battery if your nails are not long enough.

Okay, thank you. I got the battery out, and turned on the system for about three seconds (with the GPU placed back in).
Then I turned it back off. Was that enough time or do I leave it on for longer? Do I take the GPU out while I do it or no?

 

[iMatty]

Well just take out the battery and dont have the PSU plugged in, keep holding the power button for like 10 secs so any charge inside will be left.
And it's fine if you keep your GPU in doesn't matter really

 

[youknow_itdo]

Well just take out the battery and dont have the PSU plugged in, keep holding the power button for like 10 secs so any charge inside will be left.
And it's fine if you keep your GPU in doesn't matter really

Okay here’s a rundown of what i did.
Got the battery out, waited for about 15-20 minutes, Put the gpu in, I turned on the computer for about 20 secs then held the power off, then I waited for a bit, took out the gpu, put the battery in, and the gpu in once again.
Good or bad?