Question Weird PC that can't boot beyond BIOS
Question Weird PC that can't boot beyond BIOS
I purchased a computer along with two GPUs from the Facebook marketplace. I’m trying to confirm this wasn’t a scam. Here’s what I have so far:
Processor: I already forgot it was a Pentium Gold, probably G4600 (the one I remember when I opened it).
Memory: Gskill 8GB DDR4 RAM (one black PCB without heatsink).
Power Supply: It seems to be a Fractal Design Essential 500W unit. I couldn’t locate it online, but I’ll include a picture of what it should look like. It also has ketchup and mustard cables instead of the usual black ones. At the time of testing, I used an old one (unverified) that came with a used case. That was a Cougar St(x?) 500W PSU with ketchup and mustard cables. It was likely around 10 years old when I was researching three months ago.
Motherboard: A Fractal Design case that came with the PC. It’s a poor-quality case, and the standoffs are quite loose—I’m hoping it didn’t damage my motherboard. I’ll update this post tomorrow if I find out.
Cooler: Stock cooler
Storage: I have a Samsung SATA SSD connected to Windows 10, plus another HDD.
GPU: I’m using a Quadro K600, which I know works for testing.
The main issue is the PC itself. I tried booting it with the original PSU and it didn’t work. I also tried switching it to another (the Cougar one that was said to be functional) to test, and it did work. I managed to enter BIOS and also loaded into Windows. However, I haven’t performed any stress tests yet, as I didn’t have thermal paste applied properly at the time (the paste stuck on the cooler when I removed it). I also tested another board—the Prime B250M-K with an i5 7500—using the same RAM. It passed BIOS testing and worked fine.
I rearranged several components. Now my memory is unreliable, so I can’t recall exactly what the CPU was. All I remember is it was a Pentium Gold and fit in the LGA 1151 v1 socket. I know the CPU ended up with a 600 series chip and a thermal paste was removed to check the model. Intel’s website said it was for LGA 1151, but now I think it might have been in the wrong socket or something. I have a V1 motherboard, and if I was careless, it could have been the G4600.
Copilot mentioned that CPUs can fit into the socket but not function properly. It worked perfectly when I first installed it.
Now, once everything is connected and powered on, it barely appears in the motherboard manufacturer screen before shutting off completely—sometimes restarting. Why?
I’m certain I applied thermal paste, and the GPU worked before. Why does it now work? I’ll test with an i5 and another motherboard tomorrow. I’ll update then.
In the meantime, I’ve done the following:
- Reset BIOS multiple times
- Turned on without connecting the SATA drives
- Restarted and powered on the system
- Tested both PSUs
- Swapped the motherboards to different cases
- Inserted RAM into two different slots
- Removed the CMOS battery and reinserted it
- Tried entering BIOS by typing “del” when the logo appears.
Please help!
Update: I’ve got new RAM that I can test today.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Mobo: I’m not sure about the BIOS, but I tried resetting the reset pins a few times.
Based on the link provided, you’ll need at least version F20 to run that processor in the socket.
Psu: (My main concern) The Fractal design essential 500W model. I couldn’t find it online. I’ll share a picture of what it should look like. It also includes ketchup and mustard cables, not the standard black ones. At the time of testing, I used an old PSU (untested) that came with a used case—probably around 10 years old when I was researching three months ago.
You should upload your images to platforms like Imgur or similar, then send us the link for review. Keep in mind, ketchup and mustard cables don’t always indicate quality. Please also take photos of the Fractal case you’re referring to. I don’t remember any Fractal case having built-in standoffs unless it was mounted flush with the motherboard tray, which might explain the short power cable and system failure.
Your thread seems mixed up. In short, start over. Breadboard the board, clean the thermal paste off the CPU with isopropyl alcohol, record the make and model, then check for bent or broken pins. Also inspect the RAM stick and its slot.
Ram: Gskill 8GB DDR4 RAM (1 stick, black PCB, no heatsink)
This provides minimal useful details beyond the brand; take a picture of the labeled side of the RAM stick.
I purchased a PC and two GPUs from the Facebook Marketplace. Did you test the system before making your purchase, or was this site unfamiliar to you?
Moved the thread from the Components section to the Systems section.
How do I verify? The case has the standoffs similar to small traffic cones. I tried another motherboard and CPU inside the case and it functioned properly, along with the fractal PSU. It might have been related to a BIOS problem, but how can I confirm the version if I can't even boot past the logo?
I'm not sure if I was fully caught off guard, but the device appears to be having issues too—when inserted into the functional test setup, it doesn't start up properly. I tried placing both slots and attempted...