Question Dead Computer after Overclock (beginner)
Question Dead Computer after Overclock (beginner)
Hello everyone.
Here’s what I’ve been experiencing:
I’m using a Core i5 7600K, an MSI Z270 SLI PLUS, an EVGA GQ 750 Watts, and an Asus Strix 2080 TI.
For months, I’ve been running a stable overclock up to 4.9 GHz, with the core voltage around 1.200 volts—something unusual since many guides suggested 1.350 volts for that speed. Everything worked smoothly until recently. I tried pushing it further to reach 5.0 GHz, but after several attempts, my system became unstable and temperatures climbed to 88–96°C. During this time, I encountered multiple Blue Screen of Death errors, though I initially thought they weren’t severe enough to stop me.
Even though the BIOS didn’t load, the motherboard LEDs and CPU fan started up. After a few restarts with no display, I realized I needed to remove the GPU to access the motherboard battery and CMOS pins.
At that stage, I could enter the BIOS every time I reset the CMOS, but each restart would erase the access.
Eventually, I managed to boot into the BIOS consistently whenever I reset the CMOS. However, losing access after each reboot became a recurring issue.
If I wanted to reach the BIOS, I had to clean the CMOS every time.
Later, I reinstalled the BIOS via USB, and sometimes I could access it by resetting the PC—meaning turning on the PSU and jumping the pins to start the system.
Now, after all these attempts, I’ve managed to enter the BIOS more often, and I can see my CPU and RAM in the BIOS. I thought it was time to reinstall Windows, but when I prepared the USB and booted it, I encountered a MACHINE_CHECK EXEMPTION error and a Blue Screen of Death again.
Even without the USB or hard drive, the screen still appears sometimes.
That’s essentially my situation now.
I’m okay with the hardware being in poor condition, but I’m curious—does this mean the system is truly dead, or is there still a chance to recover?
I believe your board is still operational. Clearing CMOS leads to accessing the BIOS, which is encouraging. Consider resetting to the default settings or testing optimal configurations in the BIOS to prevent the system from becoming unresponsive. Did you specify whether you have a RAM module connected?
Yes, I have 8GB of RAM installed. The RAM reports 3200 MHz with the XMP profile enabled, but when it's off, it runs at 2133 or 2666 MHz (I think). What are your suggestions? Also, should I try using different RAM modules?
this should cover the current needs, can I start booting from BIOS using only the RAM, CPU, and built-in graphics? after that, just choose reset to factory settings and check if it boots properly.
I performed that action yesterday and when it attempts to start, it freezes and displays the blue screen with the text MACHINE_CHECK EXEMPTION