F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Complex issues affecting several systems simultaneously.

Complex issues affecting several systems simultaneously.

Complex issues affecting several systems simultaneously.

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EnderAlexander
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12-29-2016, 10:13 AM
#1
I've been working on figuring out a problem with my PC over the past two weeks. It's built from second-hand components, and every time I try to install an operating system, there are errors that prevent it. If I put in a functional drive with OS already installed, the machine crashes or displays blue screens. This issue affects both Windows and Ubuntu. Below are my troubleshooting steps to assist you. I suspect it might be related to the motherboard or power supply unit.

PC Specifications: i5 8th Gen CPU, MSI B360m PRO-VDH Motherboard, 8GB DDR4 RAM (exact model uncertain), Created Ubuntu media, but installation froze or took over 12 hours. I stopped the process. I also used a different USB stick and changed the drive, but the problems persisted.

During installation, I tried Windows 10, which also froze and crashed. When installing Debian, the desktop environment would crash, Firefox wouldn't launch, and terminal operations failed. Eventually, it would enter emergency mode.

I replaced the RAM with a working one, but nothing changed. I reset the motherboard BIOS to three different versions, which only worsened the situation—some slots didn’t recognize RAM. I returned the CPU and swapped it for an i7, which stopped the recognition issue but still caused emergency mode.

After wiping the drive and resetting the BIOS, I installed Ubuntu on a blank drive, but the same crashes occurred. This led me to believe the problem lies with the motherboard.

I removed the motherboard and installed another older CPU and RAM. It also had issues—crashing during boot or installation. Eventually, I suspected the power supply unit was the culprit, as both boards and components shared similar symptoms when connected to the same PSU.

I replaced the PSU with a new one and tested it. The machine started working perfectly afterward. After three to four hours of setup, the problems reappeared. Since the new PSU also failed after replacement, I’m convinced the original board is faulty.

I emptied the case, reinstalled the i7, 8GB RAM, and the MSI B360m motherboard, but used a different power supply. Everything functioned smoothly afterward.

Ubuntu installed in about five minutes, allowing me to begin setup and software installation. (Feeling much better now!)

After three to four hours of getting the system up, the issues returned. Even though I replaced the PSU, it still caused performance and reliability problems. I’ve tested the new PSU, but the 12V pins on the 24-pin connector read 11.4V with my multimeter.

My main theory is that the motherboard has a fault that disrupts power delivery. This problem has been frustrating for two weeks. I’d really appreciate any advice or opinions to help resolve this.
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EnderAlexander
12-29-2016, 10:13 AM #1

I've been working on figuring out a problem with my PC over the past two weeks. It's built from second-hand components, and every time I try to install an operating system, there are errors that prevent it. If I put in a functional drive with OS already installed, the machine crashes or displays blue screens. This issue affects both Windows and Ubuntu. Below are my troubleshooting steps to assist you. I suspect it might be related to the motherboard or power supply unit.

PC Specifications: i5 8th Gen CPU, MSI B360m PRO-VDH Motherboard, 8GB DDR4 RAM (exact model uncertain), Created Ubuntu media, but installation froze or took over 12 hours. I stopped the process. I also used a different USB stick and changed the drive, but the problems persisted.

During installation, I tried Windows 10, which also froze and crashed. When installing Debian, the desktop environment would crash, Firefox wouldn't launch, and terminal operations failed. Eventually, it would enter emergency mode.

I replaced the RAM with a working one, but nothing changed. I reset the motherboard BIOS to three different versions, which only worsened the situation—some slots didn’t recognize RAM. I returned the CPU and swapped it for an i7, which stopped the recognition issue but still caused emergency mode.

After wiping the drive and resetting the BIOS, I installed Ubuntu on a blank drive, but the same crashes occurred. This led me to believe the problem lies with the motherboard.

I removed the motherboard and installed another older CPU and RAM. It also had issues—crashing during boot or installation. Eventually, I suspected the power supply unit was the culprit, as both boards and components shared similar symptoms when connected to the same PSU.

I replaced the PSU with a new one and tested it. The machine started working perfectly afterward. After three to four hours of setup, the problems reappeared. Since the new PSU also failed after replacement, I’m convinced the original board is faulty.

I emptied the case, reinstalled the i7, 8GB RAM, and the MSI B360m motherboard, but used a different power supply. Everything functioned smoothly afterward.

Ubuntu installed in about five minutes, allowing me to begin setup and software installation. (Feeling much better now!)

After three to four hours of getting the system up, the issues returned. Even though I replaced the PSU, it still caused performance and reliability problems. I’ve tested the new PSU, but the 12V pins on the 24-pin connector read 11.4V with my multimeter.

My main theory is that the motherboard has a fault that disrupts power delivery. This problem has been frustrating for two weeks. I’d really appreciate any advice or opinions to help resolve this.

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