Question:

I’ve recently assembled a PC with the following components: a Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, ASUS Rog Strix Gaming WiFi II motherboard, Nvidia RTX 3060 12GB GPU, Sharkoon SHP 80+ Bronze 600W PSU, and Kingston 32GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM. However, I’m encountering a critical issue. Upon installing the GPU and connecting the PCIe cables, there’s a noticeable slowdown in the CPU and CPU fan, accompanied by a complete lack of display or booting. Additionally, the absence of debug lights has led me to question the motherboard’s functionality. It’s worth noting that the motherboard was purchased new from Amazon, arrived sealed, and shows no signs of bent pins. The RGB lighting is operational, and the CPU is recognized, as indicated by the heat generated without the fan and heatsink attached. Despite my efforts, which included reseating all components, attempting a BIOS update via Flashback, booting with a single RAM stick, and testing with an alternative GPU (notably, my brother’s GTX 1650 Super also caused a shutdown upon installation), the problem persists.

Could you provide guidance on resolving this boot failure?”

Answer:

Building a new PC can be an exciting venture, but it can quickly turn into a troubleshooting challenge when things don’t go as planned. In your case, the symptoms you’re experiencing suggest a few potential issues that could be preventing your PC from booting properly. Let’s walk through a systematic approach to isolate and resolve the problem.

The Sharkoon SHP 80+ Bronze 600W PSU should be sufficient for your build, but it’s crucial to ensure it’s functioning correctly. A PSU tester or a multimeter can verify the output voltages. If these tools are not available, try a different known-good PSU.

Step 2: Inspect Motherboard and CPU Compatibility

While the ASUS Rog Strix Gaming WiFi II is a robust motherboard, compatibility with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU is essential. Verify that the motherboard’s BIOS version supports this CPU model. If uncertain, consult the motherboard’s CPU support list on the manufacturer’s website.

Step 3: GPU and PCIe Slot Check

Given that both GPUs (RTX 3060 and GTX 1650 Super) cause the system to shut down, it’s possible there’s an issue with the PCIe slot or the motherboard itself. Try the GPUs in a different PCIe slot if available. If the problem persists, the motherboard may need to be examined by a professional or replaced.

Step 4: RAM Diagnostics

Faulty RAM can cause boot issues. Test each Kingston 32GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM stick individually in different slots to rule out a defective stick or slot.

Step 5: Clear CMOS

Clearing the CMOS can reset the BIOS settings to default, which may resolve any configuration issues. Refer to the motherboard’s manual for instructions on how to clear the CMOS.

Step 6: Breadboarding

If the above steps don’t yield results, breadboarding—building the PC outside of the case on a non-conductive surface—can help identify any potential shorts caused by the case.

Step 7: Seek Professional Help

If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and the issue remains unresolved, it may be time to seek help from a professional technician. They can provide a more in-depth analysis and potentially identify issues that are not apparent to the average builder.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting PC issues. Methodically working through each component and possibility will often lead you to the root of the problem. Good luck!