A recent PC stopped functioning by shutting down on screen and failing to boot.
A recent PC stopped functioning by shutting down on screen and failing to boot.
I've faced a month-long struggle to get my new PC up and running. The initial specs were fine, but after installing the NVIDIA drivers, the screen would lose power. I had to update the BIOS for compatibility, but it still only worked about once every five attempts. Once reset, the issue returned. It performed adequately with an older GPU (both 1070 and 1080GTX), but the GPU worked on a legacy Windows 10 system. Running Windows in safe mode was stable. After several attempts, I tried reinstalling Windows 11, reinstalling Windows 10 via USB, using a different PSU from my old PC, reseating components, swapping the NVIDIA adapter for Corsair, and even using a single RAM stick. I also found an older BIOS version that reported many errors, which led me to return the device. Eventually, I received a new unit, which seemed more reliable. Now it boots normally but fails during the BIOS setup—power cuts happen right after the CPU loads. The MOBO LED indicates the CPU is loading, but it resets repeatedly, sometimes reaching the VRAM or VGA lights. After many tries, it finally reached BIOS and reported a new CPU, yet it still resets after entering settings. My main concern is a CPU issue; I’m puzzled by the sudden failure after driver updates. I might need to return it for repair, but I’m not confident it’s a hardware problem. Anyone have suggestions?
Have you considered removing the GPU and installing it in another PCI slot? With a modern motherboard and a high-end card, the chance of fitting 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes is already uncertain. It’s likely your board can handle it in a different slot, even if it doesn’t fully fix the issue. At this stage, giving it a try isn’t a waste of time.
That's disappointing. Since you bought online, I recommend visiting a nearby PC shop. Bring your CPU there and ask if they'd be willing to test it in a functional machine. Being polite can really help you get a better result. Even a small fee might be worth it to confirm your CPU is working properly. I'm also puzzled as to why everything failed and the Nvidea drivers didn't work?
If visiting a nearby shop isn't an option, you might try disassembling the PC carefully. Take out the CMOS battery and let the device sit undisturbed for a few hours, ideally overnight. After that, gradually reassemble it. Once the CMOS is back in place, install the CPU, RAM, and GPU, then enter BIOS and set default configurations. Make sure you choose the right PCI slot for graphics and attempt to boot into Windows. If this fails, it may indicate a hardware problem unrelated to the NVidia drivers. If your replacement GPU works but fails, it could mean an RMA is needed for the CPU. Reaching out to Intel might help since they can identify issues and replace the CPU if it's damaged. Using a small piece of foam—like the green side from a kitchen Scotch cleaner—can help protect the CPU. Cut it thin, fold it carefully over the CPU, and wrap it in bubble wrap. Place everything in a box and send it via mail, ensuring extra bubble wrap secures the CPU inside. Send it only after confirming with Intel that they won't refuse help without proper packaging.