Help! What does this mean and how can I fix it?

[theassman]

I'm test booting my system right now, but I when I turn it on, my debug led gives a bunch random numbers and turns off. I have a feeling that it could be my CPU tempeture. Perhaps I didn't apply the thermal grease right (although I spent alot of time applying it carefully.)

Mobo is: asrock extreme 3 gen3.

CPU: 2500k

GFX: 560 gtx

Memory: sector five 8gig 1333

Power supply: PC power and cooling silencer mk II 750w

Cooler: corsair A70

 

[slcmike]

I always say...if you arent sure check it. I find that most folks who say they spent lots of time fussing with the HSF and paste have a tendency to put too little on because of smoothing and leveling. A pea sized amount of paste in the middle of the cpu will do fine.

Dont assume you did something wrong...do the research. If you think its heat start there. Remove the HSF, clean the cpu with a paper coffee filter and reapply paste.

Some tools to run:

CPUID: (cpu/hw monitoring tool)
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Memtest: (RAM test/monitoring tool)
http://www.memtest.org/

Prime95: (stability test, for oc)
http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/

 

[theassman]

Let me ask you. Should I spread it? (thermal paste) or should I let the HS squash it down? Because I already applied it and reapplied it a few times, and I think that I'm running out of thermal. So I if that is the problem, then I want to make sure that this time it's right. also, I can't run those program because I'm doing a test boot. So it's only to test it and see if anything is wrong with the core components. I'm a first time builder so I'm getting used to this. I found the hardest part so far to be the application of thermal paste

 

[deathengine]

If its booting and turning off, make sure the cpu is seated properly. And are you sure the power supply is good? What if you boot it without the pcie cables attached to the video card, does it power up and stay on?

 

[slcmike]

Let me ask you. Should I spread it? (thermal paste) or should I let the HS squash it down? Because I already applied it and reapplied it a few times, and I think that I'm running out of thermal. So I if that is the problem, then I want to make sure that this time it's right. also, I can't run those program because I'm doing a test boot. So it's only to test it and see if anything is wrong with the core components. I'm a first time builder so I'm getting used to this. I found the hardest part so far to be the application of thermal paste

No, dont spread it, let it spread itself out. When pressure and heat are applied it will completely smooth itself out. If you try to spread it and end up creating a pocket or air gap that will lead to degradation of the paste when it comes in contact with that air (dries the paste out). Just make sure w/e hsf you use that it is snug and has NO wiggle. This way when the paste gets warm and "seats" itself the hsf will not wobble. Im not talking machine tighten here with an impact wrench. Never over tighten!!!

You are not alone...and as most new builders eventually find, applying paste is not as difficult as they initially made it out to be. Now that you have done it though you know what to expect next time. It really isnt rocket science and once you have done it several times this will become the easiest part.

Use w/e tools you are comfortable relying on. The reason we all use the same tools here is because we know they have been tested and proven by our peers. Other then that use what works...free is always good too

 

[theassman]

Best answer selected by theassman.

 

[theassman]

Ok I'll keep that in mind. Turns out that it was the memory, one of the modules is bad. I also went to reapply the thermal and, alas a small amount came out definitley not enough to properly cool. So now I have to use the stock heatshink.