Your computer isn’t starting properly.
Your computer isn’t starting properly.
Previously today my computer functioned perfectly, maintaining its usual performance over the past two years. But when attempting to turn it on, nothing occurred. Plugging it into a different power outlet caused it to start briefly and then shut off after a few seconds, all without pressing the power button. After this, trying to restart it with the power button didn’t work. Interestingly, turning the PCU off for a short time and then back on reproduces the same behavior. I’m running an i9-9900K with a 2080 graphics card and a 750-watt power supply; however, I suspect this isn’t the main issue since it’s operated smoothly for years. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Submit a return request for your PSU. These guarantees often come with lengthy terms, but many allow you to arrange an advanced replacement with a deposit so you can hold onto the new unit before returning the old one. Provide as detailed information as possible about the issue, and feel free to expand on any troubleshooting steps you've already taken.
I attempted a different power source and the issue persisted. There are no visible signs of swollen or damaged capacitors.
I did say there was a procedure for testing. Was this a known good PSU that was working prior to the swap or just one that was laying around? Also, there's a remote possibility the power switch is going bad. It's not common, but it does happen. Also possible the motherboard is going bad. If you don't have the ability or equipment to do proper testing, I would suggest seeking out a professional before firing the parts cannon. It gets expensive quick. Also, are you POSITIVE that it is powering down and refusing to restart as opposed to just giving a blank screen? I had random blank screens on boot for awhile that appear to have been RAM-related. When you say nothing happens, that suggests nothing powers up, fans, RGB, nothing. But with a POST failure with a blank screen like I had, the fans run, RGB lights up, you just can't see whether the machine booted or not (mine was failing POST on a RAM error). Edited August 18, 2022 by An0maly_76 Revised, more info
I removed the power supply from a functioning machine. I planned to try another motherboard, but I don’t have a backup 1511 board. I also attempted to replace the CPU, CMOS battery, and tested using just one RAM stick in each slot. I’m sure it’s completely shutting down. Once the lights switch on and off, nothing powers up anymore. I don’t spin fans, RGB isn’t working, and even the motherboard power indicators aren’t lighting up. https://youtu.be/xCPhq_kpnyA (sorry, the video was too short for YouTube mobile)
It seems the RAM RGB might be overloading the bus, suggesting a failing motherboard with possibly degraded capacitors or a bad resistor. Alternatively, it could point to RAM itself. To confirm, I’d try testing the RAM on another system if feasible.
I’m receiving another PC with an DDR4 compatible motherboard, so I’ll inspect the RAM. If it’s not there, I’ll consider purchasing a new motherboard. I’ll provide an update once I’ve checked. Thanks for your assistance until then—appreciate it a lot. It’s quite stressful fixing my main PC.
I understand the situation. Picture my 5900X experiencing random POST failures every 8-10 cold boots, with no debug indicators or video for twelve months. Each incident involved a partial disassembly, re-seating of RAM and GPU, but nothing resolved it. Eventually, the board showed a DRAM light, passed testing, yet I swapped DIMMs on a 1700 rig anyway—it didn’t help. The original DIMMs failed in a 3600X while the 5900X was being returned for RMA with "could not duplicate issue," though debug lights still act like a short-circuited signal. I discovered the RAM wasn’t listed in the QVL for my board or the other machine’s board. After replacing the RAM on the 3600X and rebuilding the 5900X with approved parts, the issue seems resolved—though we’ll find out for sure.