Startup spark detected!
Startup spark detected!
I built this system over a year and it's generally stable except for some BIOS issues. It has an X3900 processor, Asus Hero VIII graphics card, 64 GB RAM, and a 1080 Ti display. After a weekend trip, when I returned, the PC didn't respond at all—only memory lights stayed on, no fans or other signals. I tried switching off/on the power supply, opened the case, turned off the PSU, waited a few seconds, then pressed the startup button on the motherboard; again, only the memory LEDs lit up. This happened twice, and this time there were sparks near the memory slots, but it still booted and seems fine. The hard drive shows no burned marks. What could be causing this problem? What checks or tests should I perform? Is the memory failing?
This likely wasn't intentional. Several factors could be responsible: misaligned memory modules leading to a short circuit, or problems with the motherboard. You mentioned the memory LEDs were activated—this might point to faulty RAM sticks or improper installation. Try removing them, cleaning them with compressed air, and reinserting. If sparks occur again, the issue is probably the motherboard.
Sparks might indicate improper connection or seating, requiring the electricity to span an extremely narrow space. Alternatively, a tiny dust particle could have entered a connector, obstructing current flow or causing a short circuit—though dust itself is generally non-conductive, though a conductive material might be present in a wrong place.
This seems to point more toward a PSU problem, especially since it involves several voltage regulators.
Updated after one week: all methods tested successfully. Performance remained consistent under normal conditions, no issues during idle or under heavy load.