Error messages about CPU fan and overvoltage appear inconsistent on the monitor.
Error messages about CPU fan and overvoltage appear inconsistent on the monitor.
Hello everyone, I attempted to replace the thermal paste on my CPU today and accidentally spilled some onto the side of the golden pins at the back. I made sure to clean it up afterward. However, the problem persists: when I power on the PC, it displays CPU Fan Error and overvoltage warnings, and the BIOS screen shows unusual readings. I tried booting through the boot menu and opened HW Monitor, but the displayed values seem inconsistent. After switching to ignore voltage values in the motherboard settings, each boot now reports a new CPU detection. I’ve had to repeatedly go through the BIOS boot menu. I also tested using different CMOS batteries, checked the PSU voltage with a multimeter (12V, 5V, 3V all seem stable), and even updated the BIOS. Still, the issue remains. I suspect it might be related to a dead CMOS battery, but since changes are saved in BIOS, that doesn’t seem likely. The BIOS is reporting motherboard and CPU temperatures at -1°C, which is odd. It also fails to detect the CPU fan at all, and the voltages shown on HW Monitor don’t match. What’s going on? Is it safe to keep using the PC as it is? On HW Monitor, the maximum VDD reaches 1.469V, then drops back to 1.000V and cycles. This pattern seems unusual. Some online users mention a max of 1.35V only during overclocking. Can you clarify this? I’m really worried about this situation. Here are my specifications for reference:
- Asus TUF Gaming 750W power supply
- ASUS Prime B450 M-A II Ryzen 5 3600X
- Crucial 8GB DDR4 3200MHz memory
- Gigabyte GTX 970 4GB
- WindForce cooling solution
The exact type of thermal paste used isn't specified, but it's likely a high-performance silicone-based variant. As for its placement, I assumed it was applied to the CPU or GPU heat sinks in the computer.
The temperatures remain consistent. I accessed the BIOS each time it restarts, seeing the same message about a new CPU. It only allows entering Windows through the BIOS by pressing F8 and selecting my Windows SSD. Right now, after hours of use and some gaming, everything feels normal except for the BIOS behavior which seems erratic.
Reset the system by cutting power (disconnect or shut off the supply). Hold the power button until the CMOS battery drains completely, then remove it.