Question Swapped just the CPU but it won't start any longer.
Question Swapped just the CPU but it won't start any longer.
Hello,
I replaced my build's CPU and now the PC won't start properly.
Debug LEDs on the motherboard are showing red, orange, then staying orange for over 30 minutes.
At first I thought it was memory training, but that shouldn’t last that long.
My CPU is Intel, and this build worked fine before.
I didn’t touch anything else except swapping the CPU.
After clearing CMOS, the same issue occurs, but the PC shuts down after a few minutes.
I confirmed the CPU is compatible with the motherboard and updated the BIOS before making the change.
I’m confused about what to do next.
Specs:
Motherboard: MSI MAG Tomahawk Z790 WIFI
CPU: Intel i9-12900K (downgraded from 12th gen, previous was i9-13900K)
GPU: ZOTAC RTX 4070 Super Trinity Black
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 64Go (2x32Go)
PSU: Corsair HX1000i
I attempted to re-seat the memory and verified all connections were secure. Something unusual occurred.
I managed to post with only one RAM in the fourth slot (previously it worked with both slots on the second and fourth earlier today).
I tried swapping both RAMs, but they only worked when seated one at a time in the fourth slot.
If I place one in the second slot and one in the fourth, it doesn't post.
I’m confused about why it worked before today—did I damage the motherboard? Both sticks appear fine, yet they refuse to post when both are connected simultaneously.
Suggest taking out the CPU and checking the motherboard's CPU socket. There might be bent or broken pins.
It's quite simple to harm CPU socket pins. They are very small and delicate.
The pins seem straight to me, though I might be mistaken.
https://imgur.com/a/Fgy4abA
Check the link here: https://imgur.com/a/Fgy4abA
Please see the image for details.
I can't add images directly, but I can describe what the underside of a CPU typically looks like for your reference. You can use this description to find a suitable picture online.
After attempting to reinsert everything, I was able to have the PC run with the new CPU and both drives. I'm still unsure what might have triggered this issue—perhaps a faulty mount? Thanks for your assistance.
It could have been various things. Given that your pins aren't damaged, it's likely the CPU was securely fastened throughout. The most probable issue is a RAM stick not fully seated—this would be similar to a faulty module for the motherboard and wouldn't cause the system to fail. It's simpler to push the stick in slot 4 due to more available space there, whereas slot 2 is nearer the CPU cooler and more challenging to move. I've repeated this error a few times before, so now I always double-check that every stick is perfectly inserted before powering on the PC.