F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop PC operates without issues and the PSU is functioning properly.

PC operates without issues and the PSU is functioning properly.

PC operates without issues and the PSU is functioning properly.

S
stockchief7
Member
172
03-10-2024, 02:36 AM
#1
Hey everyone, I’m facing a tricky issue with my 4-year-old build. It mostly shows no activity except for what looks like a pulsing signal on the front panel USB—usually it stays steady. I’ve tried several troubleshooting steps but don’t have much clarity on what’s going wrong. Here’s what I know so far:

- PSU: Still functional, power tested with a multimeter; no explosion.
- PSU cables: All plugged in correctly, power delivered.
- Fans: Spin when using the paperclip method on the PSU, suggesting the MOBO is still getting power.
- CMOS battery: Provides power.
- What’s not working: MOBO (power button header is dead and shorting it doesn’t help), CPU (EZ-Debug says failure), RAM (needs reseating), GPU (can’t test yet).
- Other unknowns: RAM to be replaced, a disc unrelated to the issue, and the system had a freeze before that needed a power-off.

Additional notes:
- The PC had a problem where it wouldn’t power on until it rested after being off.
- CPU was overclocked with MSI’s smart-OC; GPU was overclocked with Afterburner.
- Power supply wasn’t a Newegg model, but it works fine.
- My home is safe—no signs of fire.
- Ez-Debug shows no lights beyond the CPU failure warning.
- I’ve tried reseating RAM, power cables, and even manually feeding power through the motherboard with a paperclip.

My main question: Is the MOBO dead or just the CPU? Also, how do I proceed since getting a Z390 in late 2023 feels risky and costly? I found a 170 CAD board on Taobao that might work if it’s compatible.
S
stockchief7
03-10-2024, 02:36 AM #1

Hey everyone, I’m facing a tricky issue with my 4-year-old build. It mostly shows no activity except for what looks like a pulsing signal on the front panel USB—usually it stays steady. I’ve tried several troubleshooting steps but don’t have much clarity on what’s going wrong. Here’s what I know so far:

- PSU: Still functional, power tested with a multimeter; no explosion.
- PSU cables: All plugged in correctly, power delivered.
- Fans: Spin when using the paperclip method on the PSU, suggesting the MOBO is still getting power.
- CMOS battery: Provides power.
- What’s not working: MOBO (power button header is dead and shorting it doesn’t help), CPU (EZ-Debug says failure), RAM (needs reseating), GPU (can’t test yet).
- Other unknowns: RAM to be replaced, a disc unrelated to the issue, and the system had a freeze before that needed a power-off.

Additional notes:
- The PC had a problem where it wouldn’t power on until it rested after being off.
- CPU was overclocked with MSI’s smart-OC; GPU was overclocked with Afterburner.
- Power supply wasn’t a Newegg model, but it works fine.
- My home is safe—no signs of fire.
- Ez-Debug shows no lights beyond the CPU failure warning.
- I’ve tried reseating RAM, power cables, and even manually feeding power through the motherboard with a paperclip.

My main question: Is the MOBO dead or just the CPU? Also, how do I proceed since getting a Z390 in late 2023 feels risky and costly? I found a 170 CAD board on Taobao that might work if it’s compatible.