Is My Motherboard Dead?

[jordanblaze]

My PC was working fine for a good 5 months then one day i came home and it won't boot. When I pressed the power button the mobo leds would come and that's it, no fans, no noise, nothing. I figured it was the power supply so I bought one and tried it but the same thing still happens. I tried clearing the cmos it changed one thing: before I cleared it I had to press the pwr button for the motherboard leds to come on but now as soon as I turn on the power supply they turn on so it had to do something which makes me think that it's not the mobo that's dead. I also reseated the RAM unplugged everything one by one done to only the motherboard was plugged in,i took it out the case. So i'm completely stuck here what could be wrong?
Specs:
CPU: Ryzen 3 1200
RAM: some cheap crucial oem RAM ddr4 2400mhz
GPU: rx 560
Power supply: Evga 500w white

 

[panathas]

Try to remove/unplug everything from the motherboard (RAM, GPU, drives, fans, keyboard, mouse, USB devices etc) and then try to turn on the power. You are just testing the motherboard, you don't need those devices. Of course it's preferable to have the RAM installed, but a fried RAM stick could cause this issue. If nothing changes then the motherboard is probably dead. If you do notice a difference try to use only one RAM stick in all available RAM slots. If you have 2 RAM sticks try both of them but only one at a time in each motherboard RAM slot. Good luck.

 

[jordanblaze]

Try to remove/unplug everything from the motherboard (RAM, GPU, drives, fans, keyboard, mouse, USB devices etc) and then try to turn on the power. You are just testing the motherboard, you don't need those devices. Of course it's preferable to have the RAM installed, but a fried RAM stick could cause this issue. If nothing changes then the motherboard is probably dead. If you do notice a difference try to use only one RAM stick in all available RAM slots. If you have 2 RAM sticks try both of them but only one at a time in each motherboard RAM slot. Good luck.

Hi thanks for answering, but i'm sorry to say i've already strip down to the bare minimum, nothing but the cpu and RAM even tried it without the cpu and ram still nothing, no fans no heat, nothing but the Motherboard Leds.

 

[asoroka]

So what LEDS are on, check with your motherboard manual to see what they mean. It may give you a clue.

 

[jordanblaze]

So what LEDS are on, check with your motherboard manual to see what they mean. It may give you a clue.

Thanks for replying also, but I checked already apparently they are just for aesthetics.

 

[panathas]

Try to remove/unplug everything from the motherboard (RAM, GPU, drives, fans, keyboard, mouse, USB devices etc) and then try to turn on the power. You are just testing the motherboard, you don't need those devices. Of course it's preferable to have the RAM installed, but a fried RAM stick could cause this issue. If nothing changes then the motherboard is probably dead. If you do notice a difference try to use only one RAM stick in all available RAM slots. If you have 2 RAM sticks try both of them but only one at a time in each motherboard RAM slot. Good luck.

Hi thanks for answering, but i'm sorry to say i've already strip down to the bare minimum, nothing but the cpu and RAM even tried it without the cpu and ram still nothing, no fans no heat, nothing but the Motherboard Leds.

Maybe the BIOS got corrupted, but the only thing you can do is to clear the CMOS and since it didn't work, there is nothing else you can do. You have also completed every possible troubleshooting step. It seems that the motherboard is dead so you need to RMA it. Since it's relatively new and still under warranty they should give you a new one. Good luck.

 

[jordanblaze]

Try to remove/unplug everything from the motherboard (RAM, GPU, drives, fans, keyboard, mouse, USB devices etc) and then try to turn on the power. You are just testing the motherboard, you don't need those devices. Of course it's preferable to have the RAM installed, but a fried RAM stick could cause this issue. If nothing changes then the motherboard is probably dead. If you do notice a difference try to use only one RAM stick in all available RAM slots. If you have 2 RAM sticks try both of them but only one at a time in each motherboard RAM slot. Good luck.

Hi thanks for answering, but i'm sorry to say i've already strip down to the bare minimum, nothing but the cpu and RAM even tried it without the cpu and ram still nothing, no fans no heat, nothing but the Motherboard Leds.

Maybe the BIOS got corrupted, but the only thing you can do is to clear the CMOS and since it didn't work, there is nothing else you can do. You have also completed every possible troubleshooting step. It seems that the motherboard is dead so you need to RMA it. Since it's relatively new and still under warranty they should give you a new one. Good luck.

Sigh I figured it would come to this. Thanks for the help guys much appreciated.

 

[jordanblaze]

But just to confirm, if my bios is corrupted that means the fans and other components wouldn't come on?

 

[panathas]

Your issue could be hardware related (motherboard) or software related (BIOS). I didn't say that the BIOS definitely got corrupted. It was just a possible explanation based on the fact that your motherboard and its hardware components are relatively new and clearing the CMOS changed something in the motherboard's boot behaviour.

The BIOS controls the whole boot process. So a dead/corrupted BIOS won't allow the system to start. Whether the fans would come on or not depends on what part of the BIOS is damaged. In similar cases the fans can run but the opposite can still happen. It makes no difference. Having said that the motherboard could still have hardware damage somewhere regardless of how new it is.

What it really matters to you is that your motherboard is probably dead and you need to return it, not what kind of damage it has. You can't do anything to repair it. Good luck.

 

[jordanblaze]

Your issue could be hardware related (motherboard) or software related (BIOS). I didn't say that the BIOS definitely got corrupted. It was just a possible explanation based on the fact that your motherboard and its hardware components are relatively new and clearing the CMOS changed something in the motherboard's boot behaviour.

The BIOS controls the whole boot process. So a dead/corrupted BIOS won't allow the system to start. Whether the fans would come on or not depends on what part of the BIOS is damaged. In similar cases the fans can run but the opposite can still happen. It makes no difference. Having said that the motherboard could still have hardware damage somewhere regardless of how new it is.

What it really matters to you is that your motherboard is probably dead and you need to return it, not what kind of damage it has. You can't do anything to repair it. Good luck.

Well then i'll take your word and assume it is done for, I appreciate the help again, it will be more exspensive to return it than to buy a new one, so the hunt for a new one starts now.

 

[panathas]

Why won't you return it? It should still be under warranty. Why you aren't using that option? It should be free. I am telling you this because there is still a small chance (10%) that something else might be responsible, like the CPU. In cases like these, since you usually don't have a spare CPU available for testing purposes, the only way to find out who's really responsible, is to replace the motherboard and if the new one doesn't work then it's the CPU. Unfortunately this is the only way unless you take your system to a repair/service shop and have them check the motherboard and CPU. Buying a new motherboard and then finding out that it doesn't again work is even more painful. Keep that in mind. Good luck.

 

[Chicano]

Don't want to get your hopes high, but you don't seems to have tried repairing the BIOS and it is a possible cause. Stopped fans can usually mean the motherboard is dead but it's not always. On the other hand working LEDs can mean a good motherboard but not always. So, you still have to first "Reset" the BIOS and if necessary, later "Restore" it. Only after that fails restoring functionallity, you can be sure the motherboard is dead.

Blank display is caused by issues such as;
1. RAM issues,
2. weak or dead PSU,
3. BIOS corruption.
4. Dead motherboard

1. You have excluded RAM issues
2. You have excluded weak or dead PSU.
3. Reset the BIOS and if necessary follow with a BIOS Restore. Follow instructions below.
4. If everything has failed so far, the motherboard may be dead.

Option A) Bios reset:
1. Remove AC power or turn off the PSU
2. Remove the battery
3. Move the BIOS jumper to pins 2 & 3
4. Press and hold the power button for 60 seconds
5. Wait 10 minutes
6. Revert 1 through 3 and try the computer

Option B) Bios recovery: (There are several Recovery methods, the motherboard manufacturer recommended procedure should be used so try finding it in the motherboard user manual available for download at Motherboard model product page > Downloads > Manual… and if the manual doesn't include a BIOS restore procedure, this method should work.
1. Remove AC power or turn off the PSU
2. Remove the battery
3. Remove the BIOS jumper (only difference from a reset)
4. Press and hold the power button for 60 seconds
5. Wait 10 minutes
6. Revert 1 through 3 and try the computer

 

[jordanblaze]

Why won't you return it? It should still be under warranty. Why you aren't using that option? It should be free. I am telling you this because there is still a small chance (10%) that something else might be responsible, like the CPU. In cases like these, since you usually don't have a spare CPU available for testing purposes, the only way to find out who's really responsible, is to replace the motherboard and if the new one doesn't work then it's the CPU. Unfortunately this is the only way unless you take your system to a repair/service shop and have them check the motherboard and CPU. Buying a new motherboard and then finding out that it doesn't again work is even more painful. Keep that in mind. Good luck.

Well its because of where I live. To ship it for RMA would be too expensive or take months maybe both so the repair shop is my best bet then.

 

[jordanblaze]

Don't want to get your hopes high, but you don't seems to have tried repairing the BIOS and it is a possible cause. Stopped fans can usually mean the motherboard is dead but it's not always. On the other hand working LEDs can mean a good motherboard but not always. So, you still have to first "Reset" the BIOS and if necessary, later "Restore" it. Only after that fails restoring functionallity, you can be sure the motherboard is dead.

Blank display is caused by issues such as;
1. RAM issues,
2. weak or dead PSU,
3. BIOS corruption.
4. Dead motherboard

1. You have excluded RAM issues
2. You have excluded weak or dead PSU.
3. Reset the BIOS and if necessary follow with a BIOS Restore. Follow instructions below.
4. If everything has failed so far, the motherboard may be dead.

Option A) Bios reset:
1. Remove AC power or turn off the PSU
2. Remove the battery
3. Move the BIOS jumper to pins 2 & 3
4. Press and hold the power button for 60 seconds
5. Wait 10 minutes
6. Revert 1 through 3 and try the computer

Option B) Bios recovery: (There are several Recovery methods, the motherboard manufacturer recommended procedure should be used so try finding it in the motherboard user manual available for download at Motherboard model product page > Downloads > Manual… and if the manual doesn't include a BIOS restore procedure, this method should work.
1. Remove AC power or turn off the PSU
2. Remove the battery
3. Remove the BIOS jumper (only difference from a reset)
4. Press and hold the power button for 60 seconds
5. Wait 10 minutes
6. Revert 1 through 3 and try the computer

My Motherboard didn't come with a jumper. Is there a workaround? :/

 

[asoroka]

Read the manual, it will tell you what pins you need to bridge (with a metal object).

What is the make and model of your motherboard?

 

[jordanblaze]

Oh shot forgot to list it
Motherboard: asus B350M-E
The only thing is says about bios recovery is using a flash drive and dvd with the file on it but my pc won't even turn on so that's not going to work. There are pins next to the CMOS battery which aren't labeled could it be those?

 

[Chicano]

Oh shot forgot to list it
Motherboard: asus B350M-E
The only thing is says about bios recovery is using a flash drive and dvd with the file on it but my pc won't even turn on so that's not going to work. There are pins next to the CMOS battery which aren't labeled could it be those?

It is the three pins next to the CMOS battery, if they have a jumper bridging pins 1 and 2... To clear (reset) the BIOS, move the jumper to pins 2 and 3.. and to Recover the BIOS remove the jumper. Some motherboards have he pins numbered either next to the pins or stamped somewhere on the mobo.

See example image here. It even includes the instructions to remove the jumper for "Recovery" and that is not meant to do a flash/update, but a recovery from corruption.
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000235.htm

 

[jordanblaze]

The set of pins are in 2 rows of 4
One row has one missing so i'm not too sure if these are the pins and the manual has no information about them like there not even there plus the clr cmos pins aren't anywhere near these pins

 

[asoroka]

You are looking for something labeled CLRTC SW.

https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/PRIME-B350M-E/HelpDesk_Manual/

See the User manual and the PIN definition guide.

It is down by the usb3 pin header block

Can you post a photo of your motherboard.

The ASUS manual is woeful for this board.

 

[jordanblaze]

Right those are the pins to clear the CMOS, Which i did already.

 

[Chicano]

Asus downloads
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/PRIME-B350M-E/HelpDesk_Manual/

See the uswer manual on page 1-1 See the motherboard drawing.. the two pins numbered with 11 at the bottom of the motherboard are the BIOS reset pins... And below on page 1-5 read the instructions on how to clear/reset the BIOS (To Erase the RTC RAM). There is no way to do a BIOS recovery on that motherboard following the instructions I posted... so the only option is to follow the given instructions with a BIOS file on USB/CD/DVD.

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM4/PRIME_B350M-E/E12652_PRIME_B350M-E_UM_web_only_20170712.pdf


You could try this method of BIOS Recovery for a gigabyte motherboard... the difference is Gigabyte copies the BIOS software from the second CMOS chip and on Asus you'll have to provide the file on USB/CD. For Gigabyte the computer is off when the Recovery is started so the computer doesn't have to be turned on to start the Recovery and that method may work on your ASUS motherboard.. if your computer starts and has display, follow the instructions on Recovering the BIOS (lower link)... only difference is when pressing the power button, hold it for 10 seconds. If it doesn't start or have display there's nothing else to do but declare the motherboard dead.

[GUIDE] Forcing backup BIOS on Gigabyte motherboards.
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php/697533-GUIDE-Forcing-backup-BIOS-on-Gigabyte-motherboards

Recovering the BIOS
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1151/B250M-BASALT/E13571_BIOS_Update_EM_V4_WEB.pdf

 

[jordanblaze]

Asus downloads
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/PRIME-B350M-E/HelpDesk_Manual/

See the uswer manual on page 1-1 See the motherboard drawing.. the two pins numbered with 11 at the bottom of the motherboard are the BIOS reset pins... And below on page 1-5 read the instructions on how to clear/reset the BIOS (To Erase the RTC RAM). There is no way to do a BIOS recovery on that motherboard following the instructions I posted... so the only option is to follow the given instructions with a BIOS file on USB/CD/DVD.

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM4/PRIME_B350M-E/E12652_PRIME_B350M-E_UM_web_only_20170712.pdf


You could try this method of BIOS Recovery for a gigabyte motherboard... the difference is Gigabyte copies the BIOS software from the second CMOS chip and on Asus you'll have to provide the file on USB/CD. For Gigabyte the computer is off when the Recovery is started so the computer doesn't have to be turned on to start the Recovery and that method may work on your ASUS motherboard.. if your computer starts and has display, follow the instructions on Recovering the BIOS (lower link)... only difference is when pressing the power button, hold it for 10 seconds. If it doesn't start or have display there's nothing else to do but declare the motherboard dead.

[GUIDE] Forcing backup BIOS on Gigabyte motherboards.
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php/697533-GUIDE-Forcing-backup-BIOS-on-Gigabyte-motherboards

Recovering the BIOS
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1151/B250M-BASALT/E13571_BIOS_Update_EM_V4_WEB.pdf

I've tried the methods but the same result so i'm guessing that my pc needs to at least be able to turn on for it to work.

 

[Chicano]

I've tried the methods but the same result so i'm guessing that my pc needs to at least be able to turn on for it to work.

No necessarily... the BIOS recovery can be started from a turned off computer and pressing the power button for 10 is supposed to start it... If you've tried the methods including this, but the same result, then nothing can help.

 

[jordanblaze]

GOOD NEWS! I think i carried it to a repair shop and they said all they did was plug it in and pressed the pwr button and it works, fully functional, so right now I am baffled at what the fluff was going on, is it possible that something is wrong with my house lol?

 

[jordanblaze]

So my pc is back home and the same thing is happening so something either wrong with the electrical circuitry of my house and my pc, either this doesn't make ANY sense to me