What's the most bizarre computer technology problem I've encountered in years?
What's the most bizarre computer technology problem I've encountered in years?
I am currently developing a setup for a friend using an Asrock Taichi Z370 motherboard paired with an Intel I7-8700k processor. The board fails to boot. During testing, the system briefly freezes on code 4c before restarting, ending in 00 and then restarting again, with a brief pause on 4c. This issue is occurring in a controlled lab environment, so there are no short circuits or external interference. The fans operate normally, and the processor receives sufficient cooling thanks to a Noctura NH-D15 setup.
What we have attempted:
1. Replaced the motherboard with an RMA unit – still encountered the same issue.
2. Swapped the processor with an RMA unit – same problem persisted.
3. Used a different power supply unit.
4. Installed four separate single-chip DDR4 RAM modules, all compatible with the Asrock board.
Thus, I now have two Asrock boards, two processors, and four RAM sticks across several PSUs. The recurring error remains consistent across every combination. I haven’t encountered anything comparable before. We’re at a crossroads; we have no clear solution other than abandoning the project entirely and considering a ready-made alternative.
To address this, following Lut’s recommendation:
We’ll build a breadboard configuration, connecting only the CPU, RAM, and PSU. No additional components such as SSDs, HDDs, GPUs, chassis, or operating system will be connected. This means no storage devices, graphics cards, or case hardware.
Details:
- CPU: Intel I7-8700k
- Motherboard: Asrock Taichi Z370
- BIOS: Unknown (new unit, possibly different version)
- RAM: G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200 F4-3200C16D-16GTZ; also tested with 32GB (2x16) DDR 3600 F4-3600C18D-32GTZ
- PSU: Tested Thermaltake Smart M 750W and MSI A1000GL 1000W. The first PSU is nearly five years old; the MSI unit is brand new. Voltage measurement confirmed correct readings on both rails.
Update: After much consideration, we may have very poor luck. We ended up purchasing additional memory, specifically Corsair Vengeance DDR 3200, which resolved the boot issue.
In short, we experienced four faulty G.Skill Dimms—two brand new ones. The odds are against us. Appreciate the guidance and support from everyone.
I am working on assembling a system for a friend with an Asrock Taichi Z370 motherboard and an Intel I7-8700k processor. When sharing a troubleshooting thread, it's important to provide complete system details. Please list the specifications as follows:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
PSU age included, along with its make and model.
BIOS version for your motherboard at this time.
Tried a different PSU.
Currently I have two Asrock boards, two processors, and four RAM sticks using several PSUs.
Include all components used during troubleshooting.
Processor cooling is sufficient with a Noctura NH-D15 setup.
Try placing the cooler on top of the IHS instead of mounting it down. While the motherboard is breadboarded, the cooler’s weight will keep it stable (as long as there’s no slope on the top).
Moved the thread from the Motherboards section to the Systems section.
Manual says Doctor Debug:
'00 Please verify if the CPU is installed properly before proceeding and then reset the CMOS'.
4c -
'01 - 54
(except 0d),
5A- 60
Issue connected to memory. It's recommended to reinstall the CPU and memory, after which reset the CMOS. If the issue persists, consider using only one memory module or switching to alternative modules.'
You tried them individually in slot a2? This doesn't completely eliminate the chance that all four dimms might be problematic. Inspect the CPU socket(s) for bent pins; if both boards stop responding to the same error, it likely points to a memory issue. Be cautious about touching a radiator before handling the dimms—ESD can cause serious damage.
If relocating the dimms doesn't resolve the problem, try completely different ones that you're confident are compatible with the ASRock support documentation. Assuming the boards were securely packed during shipping and didn't move inside the box, another possible factor could be a universal design issue. Centrifugal forces follow physical laws, but it's unclear how much force is needed to damage a CPU socket. Also, make sure each dimm is correctly seated in slot a2.
CMOS battery was replaced and inspected. Both the second motherboard and second processor were bought on Amazon in their original packaging. The first motherboard and processor were from a friend I'm building it for; she got them from Newegg a few years ago. The original processor and motherboard weren't RMA'd—they were just the new ones, which didn't work either.
The first board has bent pins, so I told my friend we should get a new one. She wanted the same board because she likes it. The second (new) board came in its original box and I checked the pins with a high-level zoom on my phone—everything looked perfect.
I tested each Dimm one by one at A2 level and thought it might be a memory issue. That’s why I bought the G.skill Trident Z 3600, but the result was the same. I double and triple checked the seating each time.
I always use a grounding setup while working. I have an anti-static wrist band with a grounding strap that I wear when touching the board.
I’m still considering the second motherboard might be faulty. Still, it’s a really unfortunate situation.
We realized we might have really bad luck and ended up purchasing more memory. The Corsair Vengeance DDR 3200 helped the system load properly. In short, we had four poor G.Skill Dimms—two of them brand new. Appreciate the tips and support from everyone.