Need some advice.

StriderX

StriderX

StriderX

Caporegime
Joined
18 Mar 2008
Posts
32,838
So simplest way to describe my issue is that the computer restarts fine, but once i turn it off, it finds that it rather difficult to power the motherboard (thus everything).

Memory checks out OK, dunno about the CPU, started after a long play session of a rather intensive game, so maybe some GPU issue? (PSU is more than capable for what it has to power, though still)

I dunno, regardless, it requires me resetting the bios/some trickery with discharging the MOBO or perhaps just time?

I've reseated all the power cables, though maybe i should try that again? (proverbial pain it is not) :(
 
Ok

Have you tried a BIOS update?

Also, try taking the power cable out from the motherboard header and shorting the two pins with a screwdriver
 
I mean the power switch from your case that goes into the motherboard. The cable from the power button to the motherboard will have two holes, and those holes will go into two pins on the motherboard. Take the cable out with the two holes, and the two pins on the motherboard )where that cable was) is where you can try and touch them with a screwdriver

Rules out a faulty power switch :)
 
I see, unfortunately behind quite a lot of other stuff, it would mean removing the GPU and a radiator(at least)...though maybe on need to remove one.

What should i be seeing if i short it?
 
It basically replaces the power switch, so if the power button on the case is faulty then it'll turn on with no problems
 
If shorting the power pins doesn't reveal anything try running a skeleton setup.

Basically, remove the gfx card and use the on board capability (if your mobo allows it), 1 stick of memory (experiment with different slots) and see if it powers up without any issues.

If it does then start adding components until it buckles - could possibly then be either the last added component, or its cable (faulty SATA cables can cause this type of problem) or the PSU...
 
You could also test your PSU using the paperclip test method and a multimeter.

I can search out some links if you need them - but a quick google will find you a few youtube clips and should help you to, potentially, rule the PSU out.
 
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GPU out, tried all Memory configs with one stick, HDD and SSD both disconnected, nothing.

When it does load, it loads up until the backup bios is loaded and i assume the MB shorts somehow.

I waited 10 mins and its fine regardless.

I assume there's a charge problem here... So that kinda just leaves the PSU and MB being awkward, one of them isnt being nice. :(
Also note that my monitor acts like it has a signal without the power being there, not sure if this is normal for HDMI cables connecting via DVI...but i doubt it.
 
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Have you tried 'risking' flashing to the latest BIOS - or even a re-flash?

A bit risky given your power problem but if things seem stable once you're in the BIOS in may be worth a 'roll of the dice'...
 
Sigh, nope BIOS update did nothing, still ~10 min wait to turn on :|

Edit: 8 min seems to work just aswell atleast...

Gonna go buy a multimeter when a store is open, does maplin stock good enough ones?
 
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Welp, BIOS values and Multimeter values are more or less the same and within tolerance...

Somehow i no longer "have" the issue, im sure it'll creep up again...i hate computers sometimes :mad:
 
StriderX said:
i hate computers sometimes :mad:
Click to expand...

I hear you, buddy - I've snapped motherboards in half in the past (just the once and with suitable provocation) - cpu and gfx card still attached.

I had a build once that I stripped and rebuilt about 5 times - sat on cardboard for days, swapped out components, stress tested until it became sterile and each time it was put back in the case it would eventually randomly BSOD.

By pure fluke I had to take the side off to check that a cable wasn't getting intimate with a fan and I noticed a SATA cable moved slightly, on the sides removal, then BSOD.

Changed the cable and it worked flawlessly from then on. The B&*tard being that I had exchanged 'said cable' out of another functioning machine when swapping out components.

To this day i'm still noy entirely sure when & how the problem started to get resolved as I had the problem before I exchanged the cable...

Point being - we all hate the computers at some time - memory being my most hated component - never trust the stuff until it's served it's time...
 
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