MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Suddenly Won't POST

Zoom7000 · 22 Feb 2021 at 02:07

So I just built a new system earlier today.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Motherboard: MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2 x 16GB)
HDD: 1TB NVMe
Cooler: Corsair iCue H150i Elite Capellix
PSU: Corsair RM750
Case: Lian Li O11-Dynamic
GPU: Reused GTX 970

I put it altogether, POST was fine, installed Windows 10, installed updates, updated BIOS, used the PC for several hours, productivity, video calls, no problem. About 6 hours later, just whilst sat watching YouTube, Windows shut down but the PC was still powered and fans were running. I powered down the system and turned it on again and now the machine refuses to POST at all.

I reseated the RAM, GPU, checked all the cables, but no luck at all. I don't have any warning beeps or any warning lights on the onboard EZ Debug LED. So, any idea what could be causing this?

The PC was totally working fine and then after several hours, it just shut down and stopped. I was checking my temps and the CPU was stable at around 29 to 32 degrees.

Any ideas?

mickyflinn · 22 Feb 2021 at 10:44

Ang sign of power, fans leds, etc ?

Try shorting the power on pins on the motherboard in case the front switch is faulty.

Woodsta888 · 22 Feb 2021 at 11:09

reset cmos first JBAT1 page 40 in manual

Zoom7000 · 22 Feb 2021 at 11:51

mickyflinn said:
Ang sign of power, fans leds, etc ?

Try shorting the power on pins on the motherboard in case the front switch is faulty.

Yes, there is power. All the fans and RGB come on. There are no fault LEDs on the board.

Woodsta888 said:
reset cmos first JBAT1 page 40 in manual

I removed the battery, but I'm guessing that wasn't it and I need to short the CMOS pins.

mickyflinn · 22 Feb 2021 at 12:05

Zoom7000 said:
Yes, there is power. All the fans and RGB come on. There are no fault LEDs on the board.

I removed the battery, but I'm guessing that wasn't it and I need to short the CMOS pins.

Yes remove battery and power cable from the wall , set cmos pins and leave for 10 minutes.

Danny75 · 22 Feb 2021 at 16:56

Try loosening the cooler as well.

Zoom7000 · 22 Feb 2021 at 21:25

So, I tested the following:

Tried another power cable (kettle lead)
Reset CMOS (both shorting and battery reseat, holding down the power for 20 seconds before powering back on)
Tried another working GPU (GTX 720)
Tried 2 working PSUs
Tried both sticks of RAM individually
Tried booting without the m.2 NVMe
Reseated the CPU
Flash BIOS via USB (latest version - v15)
Flash BIOS via USB (previous version - v14)

Still no luck. I'm totally stumped. I'm gonna try to get my hands on another CPU. Failing that, it could only be the motherboard, right?

mickyflinn · 22 Feb 2021 at 21:30

Zoom7000 said:
So, I tested the following:

Tried another power cable (kettle lead)
Reset CMOS (both shorting and battery reseat, holding down the power for 20 seconds before powering back on)
Tried another working GPU (GTX 720)
Tried 2 working PSUs
Tried both sticks of RAM individually
Tried booting without the m.2 NVMe
Reseated the CPU
Flash BIOS via USB (latest version - v15)
Flash BIOS via USB (previous version - v14)

Still no luck. I'm totally stumped. I'm gonna try to get my hands on another CPU. Failing that, it could only be the motherboard, right?

Did you get the motherboard and Cpu from the same place could send them both back together.

Zoom7000 · 22 Feb 2021 at 21:39

mickyflinn said:
Did you get the motherboard and Cpu from the same place could send them both back together.

Nope, separate. I'll have to test another CPU tomorrow and then I'll hopefully know more...

JollyJamma · 22 Feb 2021 at 21:58

Sounds dead man. RMA it.

Zoom7000 · 22 Feb 2021 at 22:06

JollyJamma said:
Sounds dead man. RMA it.

I would, but which bit?! lol!

JollyJamma · 23 Feb 2021 at 08:51

Zoom7000 said:
I would, but which bit?! lol!

Motherboard.

disconnect everything and look for a post LED. If no LED shows, it’s a fried motherboard.

Zoom7000 · 24 Feb 2021 at 12:27

I got my hands on another CPU (Ryzen 3 2200g) and as soon as I put it in, the board complained about the CPU straight away. I'm guessing with 2 CPUs not working, it has to be the board that's faulty.

pc-guy · 25 Feb 2021 at 23:30

I am not sure the 2200G is supported CPU. It is a zen based CPU not a zen+
Have you reset & install the cooler?

JollyJamma · 26 Feb 2021 at 14:07

pc-guy said:
I am not sure the 2200G is supported CPU. It is a zen based CPU not a zen+
Have you reset & install the cooler?

Have you looked at the supported CPU list or are you just guessing?

pc-guy · 26 Feb 2021 at 15:49

JollyJamma said:
Have you looked at the supported CPU list or are you just guessing?

I said I wasn’t sure. Anyway just thought it might be worth a check dude!

Zoom7000 · 8 Mar 2021 at 00:30

Never really worked out whether it was the CPU or Motherboard that was faulty. The retailer told me that they tested the board and it POSTed fine, even though I tested with 2 different CPUs and couldn't get it to. But, they agreed to refund me anyway... And I got a refund for the open box 5800X CPU.

I'm guessing the CPU was probably the obvious issue, but who knows. Either way, I bought another 5800X and also went for a slightly better board, the MSI Meg X570 Unify, and now have a decent working system!

Alex h · 8 Mar 2021 at 09:48

Zoom7000 said:
Never really worked out whether it was the CPU or Motherboard that was faulty. The retailer told me that they tested the board and it POSTed fine, even though I tested with 2 different CPUs and couldn't get it to. But, they agreed to refund me anyway... And I got a refund for the open box 5800X CPU.

I'm guessing the CPU was probably the obvious issue, but who knows. Either way, I bought another 5800X and also went for a slightly better board, the MSI Meg X570 Unify, and now have a decent working system!

Glad you got it sorted mate what do you think of the unify mate im waiting for mine to come

danq · 8 Mar 2021 at 14:30

Strange that because the CPU is definitely compatible with that board. The Unify is a solid replacement though!

Zoom7000 · 10 Mar 2021 at 20:02

alex h said:
Glad you got it sorted mate what do you think of the unify mate im waiting for mine to come

It's definitely a good board. Looks the part and I like that there are 3 x NVMe ports as opposed to the Tomahawk's two. Also, the LED code display is very handy indeed.

Definitely make sure you update you board to the latest BIOS. XMP was causing huge stability issues out of the box until I updated to the latest BIOS.

danq said:
Strange that because the CPU is definitely compatible with that board. The Unify is a solid replacement though!

No idea why the board didn't work with both CPUs. I thought it must be a dead board, but was surprised that the retailer said it POSTed. Both the 5800X and 2200G, like you say, are compatible with the Tomahawk. Either way, I'm happy with the replacement CPU and the Unify board!

EDIT: Signature updated!