Diagnose and verify computer components
Diagnose and verify computer components
My issue began with persistent background noise on the audio jack of my Windows PC. I attempted to resolve it by updating the audio drivers, but the problem persisted. Next, I tried adjusting the UEFI settings on the motherboard, which also failed and led me to revert those changes. Eventually, I was unable to boot the system, even though the LED lights remained on the motherboard. I decided to restart the PC and then tested each component individually to identify any faulty parts.
During this process, I discovered that I had previously removed the battery from the motherboard, which affected power stability. I also found that turning off the HD Audio settings on the motherboard resolved the issue temporarily. After rebooting into Windows, I still experienced no sound output.
I performed several checks: I replaced the battery, removed certain components (Boot-SSD worked, GPU failed), and attempted to validate my GPU and CPU. However, I couldn’t power the GPU due to incompatible cables and was unable to test the CPU because of missing video output on the server. I also suspect the motherboard or power supply unit might be the root cause.
My current components include:
- PC: AMD Ryzen 5 3800X, MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 3600, Patriot Viper 2X16GB DDR4 3600MHz
- Motherboard: B550 Tomahawk Aorus AP850GM
- Server: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, MSI B550, A-Pro G.Skill Aegis 2x8GB DDR4 3200MHz, Seasonic Focus ~500W, semi-passive cooling
I’m reaching out to friends, university contacts, and possibly others for help. I hope someone can assist me in identifying the problem or guiding a repair path. Thank you for your support!
It seems you might need more solid grounding. Make sure the PC case is correctly connected to a grounded power cord. Before proceeding, use a tester to confirm the outlet is properly grounded. Some older buildings or homes may have grounded outlets, but they often don’t provide real benefit since the outlet isn’t actually grounded. In Spain I saw that many outlets weren’t properly grounded, so I had to run a wire from the PC case to the radiator pipes to ensure proper contact. Stay safe and good luck!
Unfortunately I don’t have a tester available, but the cables seem to be connected correctly. They should work with a standard EU plug in a student dorm. At least that’s what I hope... but it might be worth checking if someone can lend one.