Diagnosing CPU or GPU hardware faults

[Slavo]

Hi all,

My PC today decided to shut off mid-game. It just turned off like that, and cannot start again.

I am trying to diagnose what the problem might be. I can't even get it to post, so I assume it's some hardware fault. What I want to ask is - what can I do to narrow down to the GPU or CPU?

My system is:

Mobo: MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
GPU: MSI RTX 2070 Ventus
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LTX 3600Mhz

What I have ruled out:
- PSU - it tests successfully by itself using a jumper tester
- PSU cables - I have tried different ones (provided with the original PSU and have used the correct ones)

Things I've tried:
- Starting with just Mobo, RAM and CPU. Result: No signs of life (the mobo LEDs don't even light up)
- Starting with just Mobo (CPU disconnected). Result: Posts and fails CPU check so CPU LED is red
- Adding more components (GPU). Results: no signs of life

I'm not sure what troubleshooting procedure to use. I hear Ryzen don't have onboard graphics and might not POST without a GPU installed so I'm not sure how to test the CPU and GPU in isolation.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Tetras]

It's not very common for a CPU to spontaneously die, but the trouble shooting so far does sound CPU-ish.

 

[ED209]

Have you tried removing the battery on the mobo and clearing the CMOS?

Have you checked the CPU\Socket for any bent pins or damage?

The 3600 does not have an onboard gpu to use as a test.

 

[Danny75]

To me it sounds like GPU. Mid-game shutdowns and no sign of life after that with GPU inserted is typical of GPU failure. Since Ryzen 3600 has no onboard graphics it might not light up at all due to that (not sure, never tried)?

Can you inspect the GPU below the backplate for any tell-tale burn marks, blown caps etc?

 

[HangTime]

Stick an old GPU in if you have one, or borrow one if you know any PC gamers as most will have old cards lying around following upgrades.

As mentioned I would try removing the CMOS battery

 

[Grim5]

Any thunder storms around at the time of death?

 

[Cyber-Mav]

sure its not the psu? i wouldnt rule it out just because psu spins its own fan