System fails to start, processor identification missing.
System fails to start, processor identification missing.
Assembling a custom PC with a mix of old and new components is challenging. When the system powers on, the CPU debug LED activates, but no OS appears despite all fans spinning and the GPU lighting up. Only the CPU indicator stays on. No booting or system lights show up. The BIOS version isn’t clear, but the setup seems correct. I haven’t changed CMOS yet. My troubleshooting so far includes reviewing the manual, verifying CPU and GPU connectors, confirming RAM installation, and ensuring no pins are loose. I waited about 30 seconds for POST and the CPU light stayed on continuously. It’s unusual, but I’m not expecting a defect to happen twice in a row—especially after getting a dead GPU recently.
Found this article, probably I'll replace the CMOS battery and test with a different RAM stick (?).
Wow, that actually helped?! 😅 I'm trying it again now with both memory sticks in place.
I identified the problem. One of the RAM modules is severely damaged. Uncertain if it was affected by shipping or not, but it's hot and has a strong odor. Now I need to determine whether the motherboard or the RAM stick caused the issue—time to replace another set (or risk further damage).