Motherboards usually have a red light on them that serves as warning indicators. Motherboards can have more than one light to warn about hardware failure. They come with light indicators for CPU, RAM, boot, and GPU.
These indicators help you to find out the most likely problems with these components. It helps you deal with the problems in the best way possible. So, we will be focusing our attention on the RAM light. We will be able to show you what this light indicates. We will also show you how best to go about solving the issue.
What is the RAM light on your motherboard all about?
If you have not dealt with motherboards before, this red light might be alien to you. The guide we will be offering will bring clarity to the confusion, however. The RAM light on the motherboard is a red light located close to the RAM. The light indicates that there is most likely a problem with your RAM.
Issues with your computer’s RAM will most likely come from a loss or corrupt RAM. The first thing to do will be to take out the RAM chip from the socket. Then, clean the RAM with a dry cloth and reinstall it. The dust disposition of the RAM might be one of the reasons why the red indication is on. This should possibly fix the issue.
Apart from the RAMs, some other components also have red lights on your motherboard. So, a continuous blink of red light might not always be faulty RAM. The issue can be with the CPU, GPU, or even the boot makeup of your computer.
Let’s try to point out how to get rid of the issues surrounding the red light. We will show you how to detect if the problem lies with the RAM. We will also show you how to detect the other components that could be responsible.
Tips on How You can get to fix the Red-light Issues on your Motherboard
Knowing about the issue is just not enough. It is dealing with the issue that gets the red light off. We will be providing some instructions and guidelines below that will help you sort this issue out. Some of the instructions are quite easy to work around. Others might need the replacement of parts.
So, let’s get right into it.
1. Reset BIOS
Sometimes, you can have a red light glowing on your motherboard and your monitor refuses to display. One thing you can try out is to reset the BIOS. All you need to do is remove the CMOS battery. You will have to remove the battery entirely from the motherboard.
Resetting the BIOS is a great place to start. The BIOS is an advanced program that machines need for smooth operations. A simple change or tweak here can stop the red light from blinking. So, just as we have said, take out your CMOS battery. Then, return it to place after five minutes.
You can also use the CMOS jumper to reset the BIOS. This should get the red-light problem all sorted out.
Related: What is RMA Motherboard?
2. Remove Hardware
The next thing to do will be to unplug all the devices connected to your motherboard. Unplug every component connected. Run checks on every connector and socket. Try cleaning the motherboard thoroughly. Dust particles could be responsible for the consistent blink of light.
Check every plug and socket. Try to see if there is any missing pin or even a bent one. You can use a screwdriver to correct the position of the pin. After checking all the connectors and making sure that everything is in place, connect everything back. Connect everything back and see if the issue has been sorted.
3. Replace CMOS
The consistent blinking of the red light could also be trying to point your attention to the CMOS battery. It most likely means that your computer is old. All you have to do is try to replace your battery with a new one.
4. RAM check
Corrupted hardware can also be one of the reasons why the red light is persistent. The hardware might be the GPU, storage devices, or even you’reRAM. So, you have to run checks on all the devices. A great place to start will be the RAM.
If you have more than one RAM, then, you can try working with the RAMs individually to figure out which is faulty. If the display does not come up with any of the RAMs, then something is possibly wrong with them. You can try borrowing RAM from a friend. If your computer comes on, then it means your RAM is faulty.
So, you have to start thinking about replacing them.
5. Disconnect all peripherals and external connectors
You can also try disconnecting all peripherals from your computer. This comprises the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and so on. Let your power cable remain connected to your computer. If your computer comes on upon putting it on, then something is wrong with one or all of those peripherals.
So, the best practice will be to start connecting each one after the other to trace where the issue is coming from exactly. Once you notice that your computer does not come on upon plugging a device, then, that is the faulty one.
This should stop the consistent blinking of the red lights.
Related: How to Troubleshoot MSI Debug LED
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is there a red light on the motherboard after RAM installation?
This light is trying to indicate that your RAM is most likely faulty. It could also be because the RAM is not properly seated. So, check the connections properly and ensure you worked with the right configurations. Check the compatibility of your RAM too.
Why is there a flashing red light on my motherboard?
This is most likely because of debris that has built up in your motherboard. It could also be a CPU recognition issue.
Conclusion
If you have not dealt with RAM light on your motherboard before, it can be quite strange. This is especially true if you have been using your computer for a while. However, we have shown you what the issue might be. We have also highlighted actions you can take.
So, follow through with our guides and get your RAM up and running.
