There seems to be an issue with the build, it crashes after a short time.
There seems to be an issue with the build, it crashes after a short time.
Hello, I've just completed assembling a new PC. What I mean by newish is that the case, SSD, and PSU were from my last build, but upgrading the GPU and CPU prompted me to purchase a new motherboard and RAM as well. Once everything was installed and I connected it to download drivers, the system began crashing right away. It started within a few seconds to a minute after startup, lasting roughly a minute or so before it shut down completely. It didn't end with a blue screen; instead, it simply powered off. After rebooting, I noticed the GPU lights would flash red once before shutting down. This behavior seemed normal or an error signal, but I'm not certain. Even if I managed to enter the BIOS, the system would still power down. I've tried reseating the GPU multiple times and used different PSU cables, but nothing resolved the issue. The components I used are: ASROCK A520M-HDV, AMD Ryzen 5 3600, Radeon RX 6700 XT, DDR4 3200 8GB (16GB total), EV3A 700 BR, and a 4TB Sandisk SSD (exact model not remembered). The upgraded parts included ASROCK 970M Pro3 to ASROCK A520M-HDV, AMD Ryzen FX 6120 to AMD Ryzen 5 3600, Radeon R9 280X to Radeon RX 6700 XT, and four DDR3 1600 8GB modules swapped with two DDR4 3200 8GB modules.
If you haven’t performed a fresh installation of Windows following this significant system upgrade, it’s highly likely the issue lies with that or related to it, especially since it’s causing crashes even when operating in the BIOS. You also seem to have a relatively low-quality power supply, which may be aging and contributing to the problem.
What exact memory kit model are you using with this setup? Ryzen systems can be quite sensitive to memory compatibility, and knowing the BIOS version of your motherboard will help.
Did you purchase the CPU and motherboard new, or did you acquire them used, and where exactly?
It could be beneficial to remove the CPU and verify that all pins are correctly aligned during installation. However, I recommend postponing this step until we confirm whether the memory kit is even recognized as compatible.
The memory I used includes:
Silicon Power Value Gaming DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) at 3200MHz PC4 25600
The graphics card is a XFX Speedster SWFT 309 Radeon RX 6700 XT with a 12 GB video card
All the upgraded components were purchased new from Amazon.
PCPartPicker suggested they should all fit and function, though I know it can be uncertain
Well, PCPP only verifies compatibility with specifications, such as DDR4 memory fitting a motherboard that requires it. It doesn’t confirm that particular memory kits have been approved by either the manufacturer or the motherboard maker. For this, you usually need to consult the motherboard’s qualified vendor list or the memory manufacturer’s compatibility chart. The issue here is that only certain brands like G.Skill, Corsair and Crucial offer this verification. The rest generally don’t.
Try removing one RAM stick, leaving another in the A1 slot. If that doesn’t cause any changes, swap it with the other stick and see if it works. If not, test each stick separately in the other slot.
Also, consider temporarily taking out the SSD to check for any drive-related problems. Our goal is to ensure stability enough to enter the BIOS and verify the version—potentially updating it if needed. This is important because an outdated BIOS might need updating, especially for memory compatibility on Ryzen platforms. While not as critical as memory issues, it’s still a concern.
Not to mention, the power supply seems questionable. It’s a fairly unreliable model. How long have you been using that PSU?
I tested each DIMM in both ports, but the problem persisted.
Changing the SSD and restarting into BIOS didn't fix it.
The power supply is outdated, I've used it for about 3 to 4 years, maybe more. This machine is actually my fiancé's and when we assembled it, I obtained it from an upgrade I performed. It seems to be the fourth batch of new components they've installed.
I attempted the Corsair RM850 from a different build, but it didn't resolve the problem.
Certainly, as long as the power supply is functioning properly, we can eliminate that possibility.
Are there other DDR4 memory options you'd like to consider?
Make sure to inspect the CPU for any bent pins, as even a minor bend can lead to various issues.