The motherboard lights are functioning, yet the computer is not starting.
The motherboard lights are functioning, yet the computer is not starting.
I've been using my PC for years and this is the first time I encountered this problem. It was functioning properly until yesterday. Now, when I power it on, the motherboard lights activate, and pressing the power button in the case causes the fans and fan lights to turn on almost instantly before shutting off immediately afterward. Another observation is that when the PC turns off, the PSU emits a distinct "click" sound.
I've attempted all possible troubleshooting steps—checking CMOS, replacing the CMOS, swapping RAM, testing different slots and single-channel configurations, disconnecting external devices, and even using a screwdriver to short the PW button pins on the motherboard. I'm certain it's not my PSU since it's new and only been used for about a year.
PC specifications:
AMD Ryzen 3100 CPU
AMD RX570 8GB OC GPU
ASUS EX-A320M MOBO
2x8GB DDR4 3200MHZ RAM
WD BLUE 1TB NVME SSD
WD BLUE 500GB SATA SSD
COOLER MASTER MWE BRONZE 650W PSU
😆 Not every PSU is the same.
Take for instance two options:
pcpp:
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compar...6h,cN26Mp/
Why does Apevia Galaxy cost three times less than Seasonic Focus? Both have 650W, 80+ Gold, and semi-modular designs; yet the price gap is significant. There must be a clear explanation, don’t you think?
Also, which PSU would you choose?
🤔
To be honest, your CM MWE Bronze, if it’s V2, is likely a low-quality unit. But if it’s V1, then it’s still not great. Which one is it really?
But it doesn’t matter much unless you want to eliminate PSU problems—testing with a reliable, known-working PSU is essential.
Good choices to consider are: Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
Of course I understand that not all power supplies are the same, even if they share the same wattage and rating. My previous PSU was from an unknown brand, but it had a 5-year warranty. Recently, I tested the same model on my friend's PC a few months ago, and it performed well.
I realize I could have chosen a better one, but I'm currently limited by budget constraints as a student. So yes, I don't have much to rely on.
Just because PSU functioned a few months ago doesn't guarantee it will work again. Daily hardware failures are common, yet superior build quality and higher costs generally extend a PSU's lifespan.
For instance, my main system uses a Skylake build, powered by a Seasonic PRIME 650 80+ Titanium PSU (part number SSR-650TD). I purchased this unit in 2016, brand new, and it was considered one of the top 650W options available at the time. Over the past eight years, with about 16 hours of daily use, the PSU has remained reliable. I invested €206.80, but given its excellent reputation and positive reviews from trusted sources, I feel confident my PC is running on a high-quality unit.
Looking at the cost per year, dividing the €206.80 price by 8 years gives approximately €25.85 annually. With a warranty of 12 years (the longest available), I’m optimistic it will still function well for another four years, possibly longer, considering Seasonic’s track record.
Regarding alternatives, the CM MWE V2 Bronze typically costs around $50, but you only get one year of use. Investing in a higher-end model like the Seasonic Focus GX-750 ATX 3.0—priced at about $90—offers better build quality and reliability (10-year warranty), making it a more economical long-term choice.
pcpp:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2g...ly...cus-gx-750
Currently, purchasing a PSU with a 5-year warranty isn’t recommended. Even if you return the faulty unit, replacements usually come in the same model, which might only last another year or so. It’s wiser to opt for a quality product upfront.
PSU reliability often reflects the length of its warranty.
I don't understand your focus on the PSU, but a technician examined my PC. My GPU failed recently. Whenever I try to power it on, it causes a shorting issue that forces the PSU to shut down for safety. Without the GPU, it works normally. It's been nearly seven years since I got this GPU—pretty good time, I think. Time to replace it.
When the computer fails to power on, diagnostics are conducted on individual parts to identify the faulty one. Among all components, the PSU appears to be of lower quality, making it the most probable cause. A GPU short circuit is uncommon, occurring in about 1 in 100 cases, whereas a failing PSU, particularly a lower-grade model, is more frequent—around 8 out of 10 times. This explains why the PSU is initially suspected. Without a dedicated GPU, the CPU lacks an integrated graphics solution, so the system remains operational.
I thought my PC would turn on when the technician installed his GPU, but it didn't. That makes it obvious my GPU is no longer functional. I'm planning to install the RX6600. It might slow down my CPU a bit, but I'll upgrade it later. What are your opinions on the RX6600? You think it offers good value for money?
RX6600 offers solid performance at 1080p, but its strengths diminish for higher resolutions. Its price-performance balance varies depending on the purchase price. Prices for this GPU sit between $190 and $280. Comparable options include the Intel Arc A580 ($160–$165), RTX 3060 8GB ($260–$335), RTX 3060 12GB ($285–$700), and RTX 4060 ($290–$650). The A580 provides better value due to its lower cost without sacrificing performance. For a full ranking of modern GPUs, see the article:
I was reviewing the benchmark comparisons between the Arc A580 and the RX6600. The RX6600 consistently outperforms in most games. Additionally, what stood out as quite worrying is that the A580 consumes nearly 100W more under load compared to the RX6600 while delivering inferior results. The community also tends to dislike the A580 due to its drivers and optimization, and it costs about $70 more than the RX6600. Its price aligns more closely with the RTX 3060 8GB model. In my view, the RX6600 offers great value for money.
Yes, it varies by your area's pricing.
I looked at my local store and found A580 priced around €200, while the RX6600 starts from €222.
Intel GPUs had driver problems when they first came out, but now those issues are fixed and most GPUs function properly.
Personally, I favor Nvidia because of better drivers and optimization compared to AMD.