Identify issues by analyzing symptoms, checking data logs, and testing components systematically.
Identify issues by analyzing symptoms, checking data logs, and testing components systematically.
Hi, for background info I purchased my PC about a year ago from this site: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/rgYDGL. After roughly six months it began shutting down unexpectedly, without any link to heavy usage. Sometimes it powers off right after turning on before any apps launch, other times while browsing, during intense gaming sessions, or even in sleep mode. It can remain off for weeks, then switch back on intermittently. When it does shut down, simply pressing the power button doesn’t restore it—you need to use the rear power switch for about fifteen seconds before it works again. I’ve updated drivers and reinstalled the BIOS multiple times, yet nothing changes, leading me to suspect a hardware problem rather than software. Another concern: under certain heavy loads, a loud buzzing sound comes from the audio output (speakers and headset). This makes games like Starfield, Cities Skylines 2 extremely difficult to play, while less demanding titles barely notice it. What do you think about these problems? Are they connected or separate issues? If they’re hardware faults, is there a way to check the health of components to identify the faulty one? Thanks!
It seems a strong electrical protection has activated. Possible reasons include overheating (check HWInfo64), power supply failure followed by shutdown, or a short circuit on the board (such as contact between components and metal casing). Removing the board from its case and testing it can reveal unusual "buzzing" sounds—definitely not typical behavior.
review how you handled the system after six months. Were any upgrades made and did they affect performance? A humming sound from your headset or speaker connected via 3.5mm jacks often indicates a grounding issue—possibly from changes in your setup or a new device on the same circuit. I’ve experienced humming before with a faulty water boiler, but now I’m using wireless headsets or fiber ports.
Interesting - I've monitored temperatures during cinebench runs, and they stay comfortably within safe limits. Still, I didn't realize it would matter much. What I overlooked is that occasionally, when the system powers down just after the screen fades but the power button stays on, it increases the fans to full speed before I turn it off. I'm uncertain whether this indicates the PC perceives high heat (since it's close to my feet under the desk and I can feel it running hot during load) or if a circuit malfunction is occurring. Usually, shutdowns happen abruptly with the power button flashing off, not gradually ramping up fans. A few months ago, when the PC shut down frequently, I tried troubleshooting and discovered that adjusting the rear panel to sit flush might trigger it. At that time, I had some plastic cable ties around the back of the case—common for HDMI cables—and wondered if their thinness could cause a short by conducting electricity from the back panel to the motherboard. Putting the case back on seemed to stop the shutdown instantly. However, the random shutdowns continue. None of these ties remain in the system. All parts have stayed consistent since I assembled the PC. The only new development is that I began using a 3.5mm audio jack from a monitor into the motherboard's mic input. This allows PS5 audio to play alongside PC audio via 3.5mm connections. The audio has a faint buzzing, which isn't obvious above normal levels and can be silenced by muting the mic in settings. The buzzing I'm having trouble with still appears even after unplugging the jack. It's only been a short time since this started, so I can't pinpoint any other recent changes.
It looks like you're confirming the setup of the rig. Make sure it functions properly before proceeding. If issues arise, consider reinstalling with proper insulation and checking for any conductive materials. Double-check that no liquid metal or conductive Kryosheet paste is involved.
So I checked the power connections again for the graphics card and motherboard. When I reattached the back panel, it caused another short circuit right away. After some testing, I found the issue on the 24-pin motherboard cable. It’s pressing against a spot between the power supply area and the main panel of the case. The part near the top where the cable goes to the board is fine. By leaving that panel off and positioning the case so the cable isn’t pushing into the middle panel, I’ve stopped the shorts since Monday and the buzzing has gone away. Is fixing it with a new cable the only fix, or does this point to another problem?
sounds like something is stripped inside.. is that a fractal design PSU?.. well you should be able to get a new 24pin cable if you contact them. i would take off the braiding in that area and inspect it ..