Alienware Aurora R10 can't restart

[Luis]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been using my R10 for 3-4 years, AMD Ryzen 7 and 3070, with no issues and very happy with it. Problem case a few months ago when I moved to a new apartment, when I was unplugging the Display Port cable, I didn’t realize there was a little switch, and pulled too hard. Ever since that day, the computer can’t restart normally, the screen just stays black after it’s turned off and doesn’t turn back on.

After trying different monitors and methods, the only way I can get the computer running is to turn it off, unplug the power cable, and drain the residual power by pressing the power button for 10 seconds, and then plug the power back on and press the power button.

Once the computer is up and running, it runs perfectly, so I’m not sure if it’s the hardware connection issue or something else. If the GPU is not connected well to the motherboard, how come it runs well under normal circumstances? Should I open the case and reseat everything, or the GPU at least? I’ve never done that so I’m kinda hesitant, any suggestion would be appreciated, thank you!

[Bruce]

Re-seating the GPU would definitely be worth a shot.
Take off the side cover, the GPU slot will have a locking clip you will need to push down, or push sideways to allow the card to be lifted out of its slot.
Use a soft bristled brush and wipe the mobo slot, the card contact points and the card’s circuit board.
Look into the Display Port plug and see if there are any bent pins, also do the same to the DP cable.

Have you tried a different cable?
If the GPU and screen allow it, change cables altogether and try the HDMI or DVI ports (or whatever alternative is available).

[Luis]

Thank you! It was the GPU reseating and finally it can restart smoothly..

Can I also take the chance to ask for one more favor, if I want to upgrade my current RAM from 16GB to 32GB, what RAM should I think about buying? Are the Vengenance 2933 MHz good and compatible with my current Kingston 2933 RAM Alienware came with? Or can I completly get rid of the current 2933 MHz RAMs and go for a 32GB 3600MHz RAM? Thank you again!

[Pyro]

Which Ryzen 7? This determines what RAM is worth putting in your PC.

Crucial marks your particular PC as good up to 128GB of RAM, but I must once again stress the importance of the proper speed.

[Luis]

Which Ryzen 7? This determines what RAM is worth putting in your PC.

Crucial marks your particular PC as good up to 128GB of RAM, but I must once again stress the importance of the proper speed.

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

Thank you for the info, I’ve checked on Crucial, all the RAM they suggest are 3200MHz, so I might just get the new 32GB RAM to replace the old 16GB 2933 RAM

Thank you all very much!!

[Pyro]

3200MHz is the correct speed for your CPU, Crucial should cross check with your MOBO but running a Speccy or sharing a part number would allow us to know for sure.

[phillpower2]

No follow up from the OP, thread marked and closed.