AMD overclocking not functioning, MOBO fails to power up.
AMD overclocking not functioning, MOBO fails to power up.
I recently began experimenting with CPU overclocking and adjusted my settings today beyond my usual range (4.2GHz) to reach 4.4GHz.
System details:
AMD FX-8350
Kraken X61
2x Corsair 8GB
MSI 990FXA Gaming
EVGA G2 Supernova 750W Gold
MSI R9 390 8GB
OC configuration:
■Ratio tested between 21-22.5 (used 22)
■Frequency fixed at 200
■All other ratios remained unchanged while increasing the main CPU ratio
■Voltage set around 1.45~1.5 (possibly a key factor)
During the Prime95 benchmark, temperatures rose significantly, likely fluctuating between 59-60°C. I suspect overheating caused the system to shut down to protect itself.
Currently, my MOBO fails to power on. I’ve isolated the setup to only the PSU and MOBO to confirm the issue lies with either component.
Power supply is active, but the MOBO briefly powers up before cutting off completely. No POST appears despite checking the checklist thoroughly.
Previous troubleshooting steps:
■Disconnected MOBO and PSU
■Restarted CMOS by removing battery and shorting the power switch with a screwdriver
■Switched or removed RAM modules
Any suggestions on resolving this, or is the MOBO non-functional?
My concern is that with voltage reaching thermal limits and based on reviews of the MSI 990FXA-Gaming, the MOBO’s capacitors may have been damaged by heat/load. It appears the device is more sensitive than I realized before I began pushing my CPU to higher speeds.
Asador:
Themastererr :
It seems the VRM is acting up. Get your face as close to the VRM as you can, especially on the west and north sides of the CPU, and take a big whiff. Seriously, check your motherboard thoroughly. Any signs of electrical burning? That could mean a blown MOSFET, which ASUS is often associated with.
When you were pushing overclock limits, did you adjust the Voltage rail % settings and disable the Over voltage protection? Be honest.
I didn’t modify the voltage rail %. Only the CPU’s voltage was changed. I saw on some forums that my CPU’s limit was around 1.51, so I set mine to about 1.45–1.5.
Smelling it? Not really. I guess I can detect the thermal paste, but I’m not sure if it’s the same as the smell of burnt components. It definitely smells bad.
I also noticed a leak...
It seems like you're describing a situation where VRM performance is an issue. You're asking for a close-up view of the VRM's (located on the west and north of the CPU) and want to take a strong sniff. There might be a blown MOSFET, which ASUS is often associated with. You're also curious if you detected any signs of electrical burning during overclocking, possibly related to voltage rail adjustments and disabling overvoltage protection.
I would remove the CMOS battery, disconnect the PSU and let it rest overnight. In the morning, press the power button several times before connecting it again to ensure your capacitors are completely discharged. If it doesn’t function, it’s probably time to look for a new motherboard.
It seems like the VRM is having issues. Position your face as near as possible to the VRM (on the west and north side of the CPU) and take a big whiff. Seriously, check your motherboard thoroughly. Any signs of electrical burning? This could point to a blown MOSFET, which ASUS is often associated with.
When you were overclocking, did you adjust the Voltage rail % settings and disable the Over voltage protection? Be honest about it.
I didn't modify the voltage rail %. Only the CPU's voltage was changed. I saw on some forums that my CPU's limit was around 1.51, so I set mine to about 1.45-1.5.
Are you really smelling electrical issues? Well, I guess I can detect the thermal paste smell. It’s hard to tell which is worse—my thermal paste or the heat sink. Either way, it smells bad.
I also noticed a possible leak on the native heat sink (maybe the capacitors failed).
Themastererr :
The asador says it sounds like VRM trouble. Get your face as near to the VRM as you can—especially on the west and north side of the CPU—and take a big breath. Seriously, just smell the motherboard as much as you can. Any burning smell means a blown MOSFET, which is something ASUS is known for.
When you were pushing overclocks, did you adjust the Voltage rail % settings and disable the Over voltage protection? Be honest.
I didn’t change the voltage % settings; I only adjusted the CPU voltage. From various forums I read that my CPU’s limit was around 1.51, so I set mine to about 1.45–1.5.
Smelling electricity? Not really. I guess I can detect the thermal paste, but it smells bad.
I also noticed a leak somewhere on the native heatsink—maybe that’s the main issue.
The 1.55v is AMD’s safe limit.
If there’s no electrical smell, it’s unlikely you damaged anything. Still, you’ve tried almost everything. A new motherboard might be needed. Sorry.
I also observed a leak from the native heatsink. (Maybe the main cause)
Do you know what it is? Unless you apply an aftermarket conductive paste, it's unlikely a manufacturer would use one by default.
Themastererr :
asador :
Themastererr :
It seems like the VRM is acting up. Get your face as near to the VRM as you can—especially on the west and north sides of the CPU—and give it a solid hit. Seriously, try to smell the motherboard as much as you can. Any electrical burning smell would point to a blown MOSFET, which ASUS is often associated with.
When you were pushing overclocks, did you adjust the Voltage rail % settings and disable the Over voltage protection? Be honest.
I didn’t change the voltage percentage for the VRM; I only adjusted the CPU’s voltage. From various forums, I learned my CPU’s limit was around 1.51, so I set it to about 1.45–1.5.
Smelling electricity? Not really. I guess I can detect the thermal paste, but it smells bad.
I also noticed a leak somewhere on the native heatsink (possibly the main issue).
The 1.55V is AMD’s safe limit.
If there’s no smell, it’s unlikely you damaged anything. Still, you’ve tried nearly everything. A new motherboard might be the best option. Sorry.
Thanks for your feedback—I thought I’d consider an RMA since the board is only 10 months old.
I also observed a leak on the native heatsink. (Maybe the main cause) Do you know what it is? Unless you apply an aftermarket paste that's conductive, which is uncommon, it's unlikely a manufacturer would use such a substance by default. It seems to be this one: https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=262675.0, except I saw it while it was still wet and no residue had developed yet.