The custom build faces unusual problems following a power outage.
The custom build faces unusual problems following a power outage.
Updated - full information is available in the post (10/28/24). The CMOS battery was replaced for 30 seconds, and all external USB cables were unplugged. The system restarted and booted from the power button. It can be shut down and powered off cold. Last night it stopped working after an overnight period, and now it cannot be powered on.
"Main story"
There was a power outage on Thursday last week. When power returned, my PC started and after five minutes I encountered the BSOD “Drive power state failure.” I performed various checks—from verifying the disk to unplugging RAM and MB connectors—and reformatted Windows. The error disappeared. After running it with a single stick of RAM, I spent five hours resetting everything. I shut it down for the evening, and eight hours later it wouldn’t start. I purchased a new power supply and RAM. I installed a new Corsair 1200W and replaced the existing RAM. The computer booted up, but after shutting down, it would launch Windows and display the same BSOD and error. Then I upgraded to a new MB X670E Arous Pro X with fresh RAM and power supply. It booted immediately, and I updated all drivers. I played Star Citizen for about six hours before going to bed. Today I woke up and the system wouldn’t turn on. My LianLi Evo case has power buttons that look fine.
"Update today 10/23/24
I came home this evening and my PC wouldn’t start again. I unplugged the MB cable and tested it with a power supply tester; once I connected the tester to the cable on the power supply, everything lit up. After disconnecting the tester and reinserting the cable into the MB, nothing happened when I pressed the power button. I repeated this several times and, to my surprise, it booted without touching the case’s power button. [language redacted]. I’m not sure what I missed. I also tried using a screwdriver to power on the system, but that never worked either."
So far: New MB, New RAM, New PSU, fresh cables. The CPU and GPU are running perfectly under stress without any issues. I ran CPU-Z under heavy load and found no problems. I also installed a new battery in the MB. I’ve tested three different power outlets in my room, all of which are functioning correctly.
Current Specs:
AMD 7950X3d
Gigabyte 4090
2x32 64GB Gskill 6000 (a2 & b2) – new
Tuf Gaming X67OE Plus – WIFI – new
LIAN LI Galahad II LCD SL-INF 360 White
1200w Corsair Shift Series – new
I’m still struggling. This has been going on for nearly a week. The system was only three and a half months old when this occurred, and it was connected to an APC battery backup. At the time of the outage, it was plugged into a surge protector, not directly into the battery + surge.
I’ve double-checked all connections several times and verified they’re secure.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! You may be experiencing a grounding problem. Each time you interact with the system, it seems to discharge static charge, isn't it? Maybe consult a licensed electrician to inspect your main wiring...?
Tuf Gaming X67OE Plus-WIFI
What BIOS version is installed on your motherboard?
You have almost completely eliminated the most common causes I would associate with such a scenario. The replacement of the motherboard seems to point away from hardware faults. It’s possible the issue lies elsewhere, such as an outlet or grounding problem. I wouldn’t limit myself to testing multiple outlets in your room if the main circuit is already problematic.
Another consideration would be verifying that all required standoffs are present for the motherboard. Alternatively, you might want to explore swapping out the motherboard or CPU to see if the problem persists.
I recall encountering similar issues where a system with the same chipset as a cheap combo from Reddit Hardwareswap would help isolate the fault. In my experience, a faulty CPU could damage multiple motherboards due to excessive power demand. If the CPU failed during a power outage, it’s conceivable that it might affect other boards.
In your situation, the motherboard appears capable of supporting the CPU, but if the CPU malfunctioned during an outage, it could potentially harm any connected motherboards. Therefore, testing with a compatible replacement would be the most reliable approach.
Great! Those odd power fluctuations can be quite challenging to fix. In my first attempt, the system wouldn't turn on with the button active after losing power—unless I kept the front button pressed while toggling the PSU switch a few times. Even now, I still don’t understand why it happened and just managed to work around it until I removed the cause.
So after a day of everything functioning properly, I’m back to the same problem. Powered off... pressed power and nothing happened. I removed my AIO and 79503dx, cleaned the thermal paste, re-applied and reinstalled, and the system started correctly. Ran it all day without any issues. I ran a cinie bench and some games without any crashes. I shut it down for the night and restarted it this morning, but nothing happened. I removed a RAM stick and installed just 1x 32GB of gskill on A2, and the system booted immediately. The RAM is brand new. I’m really stuck and considering switching to an Intel build.
Everything else in the system, except the processor and 4090, is brand new, including all the cables. Expo is enabled in the BIOS. I replaced the CMOS battery, flashed the BIOS, but the issue persists.
I would really appreciate any assistance.
A few weeks ago I experienced a power surge. My 4-month-old custom PC was connected to a new APC backup. After the outage, the system failed to power on properly. Over the past two weeks I have taken the following steps:
Updated components:
- New 1200W Corsair shift
- New MB Asus Tuf Gaming XX670e WiFi plus
- New DDR5 6000 2x 32gb Gskill Ram (64 total) with expo 1 enabled
- AMD 79503Dx
- Gigabyte 4090
- Lianli Gallahad 2 AIO
- Lianli Case fans
- New cables from power supply to MB and components
- New CMOS battery
I also replaced the power button and tried various fixes. The situation has been very frustrating. When I press the power button nothing happens. A PSU tester lights up, but turning off the PSU and reinserting the motherboard doesn’t help. Using the PSU tester while keeping it on still allows the system to start. After installing a new 7900X, the power button remained unresponsive. I removed the CMOS battery, left it out for five minutes, and held the case power button for thirty seconds. Once I reinserted the CMOS battery, connected the PSU, and powered on, I was able to run Cinebench and play games without issues. Restarting in Windows worked fine. However, when I powered down the PC, it wouldn’t reboot via the power button.
I unplugged all USB cables, removed the CMOS battery again, and the PC started immediately. After disconnecting all USB devices and shutting it down for five minutes, it booted using the PC case button. I repeated this process several times, ensuring all USB cables were safely disconnected except for the mouse dongle and keyboard. When I shut it down overnight, I would plug in the USB devices once I reached the Windows login screen, then unplug them before shutting it down. This time it worked.
I have now replaced the CMOS battery and verified all cables. Last night I plugged in the USB devices after logging into Windows, but when I shut it down, I still had to connect the USBs manually. This is extremely frustrating because the system is only four months old.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Inspect the USB ports located on the back of the motherboard and on the front of the case. Use a flashlight to examine them for any signs of damage or blockages. Within the case, look at the ends of the cables from the front that connect to the USB headers on the motherboard. Ensure the male and female connectors are intact and free from obstructions. If all external USB ports and peripherals, along with internal I/O cables from the case and the motherboard headers, appear undamaged, it’s likely a USB device is interfering or causing a short. Eliminate possibilities by testing each USB device individually. Additionally, try powering on the PC by either touching the power pins or using a power button connected to the front I/O connector to check if the case’s power button is the issue. Good luck!
Thanks, I'll examine the exterior ports and cables once more. I bought a third-party power button but haven't used it yet. I also have a PSU tester from Amazon. I've tried shorting the pins without success. I'll run tests and report back on the port issues. When the PC starts, only the mouse and keyboard are connected. After seeing the login screen, I connect the powered USB hub and everything functions properly. Before turning it off, I disconnect the hub and shut down the PC. I found another board (ROG STRIX X870-F-Gaming-Wifi) if the original one is faulty. Also, if it stays on for more than an hour, it won't boot and I'll need to perform the CMOS battery check again. My original board is still in RMA.
Have you experimented without using the UPS? And what about another circuit in your house?