Attempted to increase RAM speed but system fails to start.
Attempted to increase RAM speed but system fails to start.
I adjusted the RAM speed to match the manufacturer's claim, but found it only running at around 533mhz. After booting up, Task Manager showed 8GB of RAM at 800mhz, which didn’t match the expected 16GB. While shutting down, I noticed one RAM stick wasn’t fully seated, causing the system to display only 8GB instead of the full capacity. As it was closing, I forced the missing stick in. At that moment, a burning smell appeared, so I let the PC rest before trying to restart again. This led me to realize the system wouldn’t boot at all. I’ve searched extensively, reset the CMOS with a jumper, removed the battery casing briefly, and changed RAM sticks in various configurations. Even after disconnecting the power cable during these attempts, there was still no success—only spinning fans. Now I’m trying to identify exactly which component is faulty. This situation is frustrating, especially since this is my first PC and it failed within a month. It was purchased used on eBay for a low price. I’m new to gaming PCs, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Did you wait until it fully stopped before doing that? And did you unplug the power before inserting the stick?
basically just trying to identify the faulty component. I’m guessing since the fans are running and connected to the motherboard, the board itself is functioning? I also tested another RAM that wasn’t connected during overclocking but still didn’t work. Is my CPU damaged? I’m not sure how to determine which part is broken.
Avoid contacting those areas in that manner while it operates. Fans or similar items are not allowed. However, running and boards are acceptable.
It doesn't sound good... A burning smell is always the worst indication. The CPU IMC, RAM, and motherboard are likely affected. As rgd1101 mentioned, once the system fails, it's very difficult to perform a proper analysis if you're not well-versed in electronics. Swapping components is simply much simpler.
I would strongly suspect that the CPU is dead or at least its IMC is non-functional. The motherboard only offers connections for the CPU, which includes the memory controller. If the RAM that didn't smoke is fine and the system doesn't boot when the RAM stick is removed, then I'd try another CPU and see if the RAM socket on the motherboard remains intact.
The burning odor appears to originate from the PSU. It seems like a short in the motherboard caused a fault in the PSU, resulting in this smell. You can check your PSU directly to see if the issue is there. Burning electronics often have a strong scent, similar to ozone, and it may linger afterward.