The CPU and DRAM red LEDs were resolved initially, but the issue reappeared the following morning.
The CPU and DRAM red LEDs were resolved initially, but the issue reappeared the following morning.
I updated my system recently and wanted to refresh the setup. I applied a generous amount of thermal paste on the CPU, which I had used previously. After shutting down the power supply unit, removing the power connector and all cables, I accessed the GPU to create more room. Then I removed the CPU cooler (Scythe Fuma 2) and cleaned both the CPU and cooler surfaces with isopropyl and cotton pads, similar to my last attempt.
Once reassembled, when I powered it back on, the red light appeared. I assumed this was normal since sometimes a cold boot triggers memory training during startup. The CPU and DRAM lights activated immediately, remained steady without flickering or turning off.
I tried various fixes: clearing CMOS, checking RAM in every slot, adjusting the cooler, re-plugging all cables, updating BIOS, shorting CMOS pins, and testing power connections. I even breadboarded the motherboard to ensure everything was secure.
After thorough cleaning and reapplying thermal paste with minimal amount, I connected only the CPU and cooler, placed RAM in the farthest slot, left drives out, and used just the 8-pin CPU and 24-pin M.2 cables from the PSU. After about ten seconds of static lights, everything started functioning properly.
I tested it during a game session, monitoring temperatures and usage via CPU-Z and Radeon software—everything was within normal ranges. When I powered off the PC, I turned off the power supply unit as usual.
The next morning, I restarted the system (cold boot, not directly on PSU) and encountered the same red light issue. I repeated all previous steps, checked everything, unplugged, re-brooded, and cleared CMOS, but nothing resolved the problem.
I’m uncertain which component is faulty—PSU, motherboard, CPU, or RAM. My guess is it’s either the power supply unit or the motherboard. Since the CPU worked perfectly last night, I’m still unsure.
When you repeated the paste operation on the CPU, did you remove it from the socket?
It seems there might be a bent pin problem inside the socket.
During breadboarding, MoBo lies flat on the surface, with gravity pushing the CPU and cooler downward. However, when placed inside the PC case, it stands upright, pulling the cooler downwards and the CPU sideways in the socket.
Take everything apart, remove the CPU from the socket, and inspect the pins closely using a magnifying glass or phone camera zoom.
I should have noted this but I went over the mobo pins multiple times and removed the CPU several times to clean it thoroughly. There were no bent or missing parts, though there was a small shiny piece in the bottom right of the pins, located on the plastic I pulled out using a thin needle. Images of above
The tiny reflective part definitely resembles a damaged CPU socket pin.
🤔
If either the CPU or MoBo fails, try testing it with another compatible unit that works. Check if the system boots. If not, MoBo is likely defective.
It's possible you accidentally damaged MoBo during initial installation due to an ESD event.
Hardware dies frequently without clear causes. In reality, something must have failed; otherwise, the build would start and boot into the OS. Likely suspects include the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and power supply unit. The safest option is to take the PC to a repair shop for diagnostics and potential replacement. Otherwise, you risk swapping a component that functions properly.
I've decided to purchase a replacement mobile (same model, expected tomorrow) because I believe it might have been affected by cooler pressure, as you mentioned. I also shared this on other forums where similar concerns were raised. If the new one doesn't work, I can return it and proceed with the next component, or if the old one is defective, I can request a refund via RMA. I'll let you know once I've tested the new one, thanks for your assistance.
I just put in the new motherboard and the PC is working again. It looks like the advice about the motherboard pins was right, thank you so much for your help! I plan to return the old one and try to get a refund.