Solved PC stopped working

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simontalek

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Mar 11, 2023
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This morning I turned on my PC as usual but after 2 seconds it shutdown and turned on again. Looking at the motherboard, DRAM and CPU red lights were on. So I cleaned everything, including graphics cad. Now it goes as it is shown on the video linked. First red CPU light, then DRAM red light and finally VGA red light.

What should I do and whats wrong with it?
 
Sorry but you have post on a tech forum asking for help but have provided zero information about your computer or it`s hardware, this makes it impossible for anyone to even hazard a guess as to what is going on.

Is it a custom build or brand name such as Dell or HP, if a brand name, provide the model name or series number (not serial) if a custom build post the brand and model name or number for the CPU, MB, the RAM (including the amount) add on video card if one is used and the PSU (power supply unit) providing these details will enable folk to better help you.
 
Custom build

CPU: Intel core i3-8100

MB: MSI Z370M

RAM: 2x HyperX FURY 8GB

Graphics: MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI Gaming X
 
Missing from the parts list are the most important components details. we need the model name or number for the PSU.

How long ago was the build done and have you upgraded anything recently, reason I ask is because there is a compatibility issue.
 
Zalman ZM600-GSII - 600W, I have not made any upgrades recently. Everything was working until today.

Most parts are 6 years old
 
Last edited by a moderator:
simontalek said:
Most parts are 6 years old
Click to expand...

The Zalman PSU dates from around 2005/06 and wasn`t of good quality then, no efficiency rating and no warranty period stated, a ticking bomb waiting to go off, that if it hasn`t already.

Best thing you can do is see if you are able to borrow a known good 500W Bronze efficiency rated PSU to swap in for testing purposes, anything from EVGA or Seasonic would be ideal.

The following checks require the computer case to be opened so take the following safety precautions 1st, disconnect the power cord from the wall socket, press the case power button for twenty seconds or so to get rid of any residual charge in the system, take anti static precautions before touching anything inside, you can do this by touching a bare metal part of the case or PSU or if a notebook by touching a household radiator

For now I would remove the add on GPU from the MB altogether, remove the RAM, place just the one stick of RAM in slot A2 ( second one from the CPU ) connect the screen to the appropriate video port on the MB, connect your keyboard and the power cord, power up and see how things go.
 
With 1x RAM and no graphics card it works, but it says "CPU or Memory changed before booting". Even with both RAMS it works, but only in certain position, when I switch them, it doesnt boot and red lights on CPU and DRAM go off.
 
simontalek said:
Even with both RAMS it works, but only in certain position, when I switch them, it doesnt boot and red lights on CPU and DRAM go off.
Click to expand...

Let us know if you want to do your own thing and we will let you get on with it, if you still want our help it will still be available but only as long as you do what is advised and nothing else, that way we can`t get any blame if you do something not suggested and end up hosing the whole computer.
 
I would still like you to help, I will not blame you or anyone if something fails. If any of the next steps will feel too dangerous, I will say so.
 
Fair enough but nothing dangerous would ever be suggested here.

Leave the RAM in slots A2 and B2, the second and fourth away from the CPU.

Keep the GPU out and continue to use the onboard video.

Gaming will not be brilliant but there is less chance of the present PSU going bang and taking the rest of the hardware with it.

Consider the progress made as a let off because the PC now running means one of the following, the old and weak PSU cannot support the PC when the add on GPU is present or worse case scenario the PSU has damaged the GPU by not being able to provide the required clean and stable power, the PSU could have already done serious damage had it popped on you, swapping in a known good and adequate spec PSU as was suggested is the only way that you can test your GPU, the alternative being that you get someone else with the required kit to test the card for you.
 
Rated as Tier C • Low-end here

If out of the box new it would be ok for the present, used/out of warranty wouldn't touch it.
 
Which wattage and is it new.

Borrowing a suitable PSU or having the GPU tested must be done before you purchase anything, if the GPU has been damaged it will need to be replaced so no point in purchasing a PSU until you know for sure what GPU will be being used.

You also need to be using the PC without the present GPU to see if the computer runs stable.
 
New 600/700W

Of course, but after all I will need a new PSU. If I know, what GPU would I buy if it really is damaged and count with it, it shouldnt matter.

Also I dont know if I can borrow from someone, so that would solve it.
 
700W is not enough for many of the latest GPUs so if you can`t borrow a PSU pay a local tech to test the card for you.

Golden rule, you never choose the PSU before all other components are known, it is the only way that you know that you have adequate power.

Going offline now but will check back tomorrow sometime.
 
Ok, I will take it to technician first thing monday. Can you leave this post open for further discussion?
 
It is important that you use the computer as much as you can while there is no GPU in it, if the tech gives your GPU a clean bill of health you know with 100% certainty what spec of PSU you will need.

Just to confirm, it is only the GPU that needs to be taken to a tech for testing, not the whole computer.

Thread marked as pending.
 
Hello simontalek,

Did you have any problems when using the PC without the add on card.
 
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