Z370-E no post (yellow LED DRAM)

[JonOikawa]

CPU: i7-8700k
Cooler: Kraken x62
MOBO: ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 2x16 GB 3200 MHz RGB
PSU: EVGA 750W

No post, yellow LED on for DRAM. Tried everything pretty much. Put 1 stick in each slot, 1 stick in A2 + 1 in B2. Disassembled everything, running now on my desk top with only MOBO and CPU power connected, 1 stick in A2 and still yellow LED for DRAM. Any ideas or is my MOBO dead or something?

EDIT: Since the CPU light turns red and goes off (seemingly passing some test), does that mean that the CPU is for sure fine? All of this rig is brand new.

 

[MeanMachine41]

The yellow LED usually indicates a DIMM mismatch.
First test your DIMMs in another system or run Memtest86.
Update your Bios to latest version (if not already done so).
Make sure your RAM is listed on the MB QVL.
If not sure then list the exact P/N of the Corsair kit your using.

3200MHz RAM is OC RAM and may require Bios Tweaks to Primary Timings and voltage in Bios.

Here is the QVL for your MB: https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/ROG-STRIX-Z370-E-GAMING/HelpDesk_QVL/

 

[JonOikawa]

The RAM I have (CMR32GX4M2C3200C16W, 16-18-18-36, 1.35V) is listed on there and. All I have right now is the motherboard on the desk with no coolers or fans or anything, 1 stick in A2, power to MOBO and CPU. Is there anything else I can try to see if I'm messing up?

 

[MeanMachine41]

OK they are listed so may require some Bios tweaking in DRAM timing control or voltage.
Check your SPD info in the Tools section of Bios and set your DRAM timing to match as XMP profile may not work. As I said your RAM is OC and not the JDEC standard. Your i7-8700k officially supports DDR4-2666MHz so it comes down to the strength of the IMC (Integrated Memory Controller).

If no luck with DRAMM timing or voltage with existing kit then try a kit at 2666MHz. If still no luck then you may have dead RAM slots.

Also you should benchtest with cooling to the CPU. (important)

 

[JonOikawa]

OK they are listed so may require some Bios tweaking in DRAM timing control or voltage.
Check your SPD info in the Tools section of Bios and set your DRAM timing to match as XMP profile may not work. As I said your RAM is OC and not the JDEC standard. Your i7-8700k officially supports DDR4-2666MHz so it comes down to the strength of the IMC (Integrated Memory Controller).

If no luck with DRAMM timing or voltage with existing kit then try a kit at 2666MHz. If still no luck then you may have dead RAM slots.

Also thank you very much for helping!

Also you should benchtest with cooling to the CPU. (important)

I'm not able to get any output to my display yet. I'm assuming that I won't be able to change those settings without that?

Should I be able to get some display?

 

[smorizio]

look at the bios rev sticker on the mb or the last 4 number of the mb serial number see if the bios rev is somewhat new. if it an old mb it may not have the right cpu/ram code to post.

 

[MeanMachine41]

POST (Power-On Self-Test) will interrogate your hardware and if there is a problem with anything, it will not boot nor advance and you would not be able to access Bios. Determine that your monitor is functional and all cables are properly connected. Are you using a dedicated GPU and have you tested your iGPU.?

 

[JonOikawa]

POST (Power-On Self-Test) will interrogate your hardware and if there is a problem with anything, it will not boot nor advance and you would not be able to access Bios. Determine that your monitor is functional and all cables are properly connected. Are you using a dedicated GPU and have you tested your iGPU.?

Yeah that's what I figured. I'm not using my dedicated GPU yet, and I have tested my iGPU, no luck. I figured once the DRAM light issue was solved then I would get some output. Is it likely though that that DRAM light is not necessarily indicative of just RAM issues?

 

[JonOikawa]

MERGED QUESTION
Question from JonOikawa : "Z370-E no display (yellow DRAM light)"

CPU: i7-8700k
Cooler: Kraken x62
MOBO: ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 2x16 GB 3200 MHz RGB (CMR32GX4M2C3200C16W, 16-18-18-36, 1.35V)
PSU: EVGA 750W

Here's what happens:
1) I press power
2) All fans start spinning, Kraken mirror lights up
3) PWR_LED on the MOBO is red, CPU LED lights up and then turns off, DRAM LED stays on.

I've tried running this outside of the case, placed RAM in every slot combination, double checked all connections. Any ideas?

 

[bignastyid]

Please keep it to 1 thread.

 

[MeanMachine41]

To recap;
Are you able to determine your Bios version.?
Tested your modules in another system.?
Tried a lower frequency DIMM kit at 2666MHz.?
Is the monitor and cabling correct and functional.?
How is the monitor connected.? (Via HDMI, Display port or VGA)
What GPU are you using.?
What changes have you tried in DRAM timing and voltage.?
Do you now have a cooler attached to your CPU.? (cooler attached to CPU_FAN header)

Can't really comment until the above are known.

Without a Qcode LED you have to rely on your onboard LEDs and if DRAM_LED is lit yellow, then problem is with RAM.
Also ensure DRAM modules are well seated. (especially pushed down well on the offside to the clip)