System unexpectedly stopped on the computer.
System unexpectedly stopped on the computer.
I was just playing ARK Survival Evolved. The PC was functioning normally until it suddenly shut down, leaving only the RAM lights on briefly before powering off. After turning it off, unplugging the PSU, the RAM illumination persisted for a short time before shutting down again. I allowed it to cool and then reinserted the PSU cables. When I attempted to restart, the game scenario displayed on screen appeared. I proceeded with the PSU Paper Clip test (five trials), removing all other components except the PSU and motherboard, which worked. Adding the GPU, CPU, storage drives, and external cables also succeeded. However, when I tried to turn it back on after shutting it down, it wouldn’t power up at all—pressing the power button yielded nothing, even though the video showed it working. Removing everything still didn’t restore functionality. If I wait a few minutes, it works again (with all external connections unplugged). PS: I observed that turning off the PC via the power button for five seconds restarted it, but shutting it down through Windows caused the issue. Honestly, I’m confused about what’s causing this problem. It seems to happen unexpectedly, even though my PC has been stable for four years (CPU and GPU were upgraded in December). Specs: CPU – Ryzen 7 5800X3D, GPU – RTX 3070, Mobo – B450 Gaming Pro Carbon, PSU – Cooler Master MWE 750W 80+ Gold, RAM – 16GB DDR4 3000MHz.
Individually checked, referenced in my earlier post. PSU paper clip works fine, MB+PSU combination is acceptable. All other parts functioned properly. The problem arose when I connected external cables (DP for monitor, USB for keyboard, mouse, wireless headset, 3.5mm for speakers). When the device failed to power on, I tried testing with only a DP plugged in – it worked. Even without a keyboard connected, it reached the Windows lock screen. Tested DP with 3.5mm – OK. Tested DP + mouse USB at front panel – OK. Tested DP + mouse + 3.5mm – not turning on.
Definitely a weird issue, I'd look into updating the UEFI firmware and testing between different USB ports. Something is screwy on the USB bus, whether its a power problem or an issue with POSTing, potentially the chipset since I imagine it might be one of the few things operating through the chipset. If you can narrow it down to any particular USB port(s) then that can aid in troubleshooting, if its more than one causing the issue.
UEFI and BIOS are often used interchangeably but have distinct differences. Your BIOS update seems to be working, yet the PC fails to power on completely. The issue might lie elsewhere, such as a faulty USB port or another hardware component. If turning it on without peripherals works, adding them back could resolve the problem.
Technically no, they're both the motherboard's firmware but UEFI was a new concept around 2014. It's essentially BIOS 2.0 with many more native features. I often refer to UEFI/BIOS and/or firmware since, in practice, it's the UEFI, even though people still think of it as BIOS. Motherboards are intricate, which is one reason I personally avoid buying them used or skimping on quality. There are countless potential problems that I'm not confident anyone can fully verify. It might just be a driver issue with the chipset, but that would be the simpler explanation. Fixing such issues usually requires addressing multiple components, unless it's a straightforward hardware problem with the USB ports.