Question My PC Won't Start After Installing a New CPU Cooler

[cwebb40]

EDIT/FIXED: I tried a new PSU, but found the same issue so I ended up having to replace my motherboard. As soon as I put everything on to the new motherboard, including the new AIO cooler, Corsair fans, and Commander Core XT, the pc booted and began to run like normal!

EVENTS UP UNTIL FAILURE: I recently updated my CPU from a Ryzen 5 3600 to a Ryzen 7 3600 X. After successfully installing my new CPU, I found that my CPU temp was a little bit higher than I wanted it to be, so I bought a Corsair Hydro Series H60X RGB Elite AIO CPU cooler. While waiting on the new cooler to get delivered, my PC performed just fine and had no issues whatsoever. I was able to game and live stream without problems. The AIO cooler gets delivered and I installed it following several tutorial videos (because I am pretty new at building PC's) and found that I needed the Corsair Commander Core XT because my motherboard did not have the proper connections for complete installation of the new cooler. Once the Commander Core XT arrived, I took everything apart so I could restart my cable management because I was also adding two Corsair RGB fans. I made sure the PC was cut off, the PSU switch was off, unplugged the PSU, unplugged all of my wires (USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Etc...) and began working. I installed everything just like the videos and instruction manuals said. I applied thermal paste to my CPU, made sure everything was nice and tightly secured, plugged all of my cables back into the PC and then nothing happened. Well, some lights on my GPU blinked red, my CPU fan and case fans spun for a second and then everything shut off.

THE FAILURE: When I plugged my PC back in (and I have double checked multiple times that I am indeed turning my PSU switch on) and hit the power button, the CPU fan would spin for a second, the GPU lights would flash red for a second, and the case fans would all spin for a second but then the whole system shuts down. (I have not seen any lights on my motherboard flash, I don't think my motherboard has any lights) I tried this a couple of times and nothing seemed to work. I even went as far as to take everything I put on off and return to the original PC setup that I had and knew worked before I started to replace anything and I am still having this issue.

ATTEMPTS TO FIX: I have attempted to start the PC without anything except for the GPU and CPU connected, I've tried plugging my PSU power cable into different wall sockets, I've tried putting the PC back to it's beginning state. I feel like there could be something I've missed, but I am pretty sure I have checked and double checked everything so many times and nothing has helped.

To be completely transparent, I did set the PC case down on the carpet for a few minutes while I went to get something to eat. I never removed the motherboard from the case. I've cleaned all that I can clean, checked and rechecked all power lines and connections and can't seem to find the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I also have a new PSU (same as the one I currently have in the PC) and new motherboard (ASRock B550M Phantom Gaming 4) that I was going to use to start building a second PC with. I have not attempted to use either of these yet because I did not have enough time yesterday to keep trying before going into work.

PC SPECS: CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 3600 X, GPU - AMD Radeon 6700XT, MOTHERBOARD - ASRock B550M-HDV Micro ATX, RAM - Corsair Vengeance Pro 2x16 GB DDR4, PSU - ThermalTake 700W

 

[Ralston18]

As I understand the situation and symptoms, my thought is that the CPU is thermally shutting down.

What thermal paste did you use and how was the paste applied?

No need to immediately open up and redo the thermal paste.

Just consider the possibility that it could be thermal shutdown.

There may be other ideas and suggestions posted in the meantime.

 

[cwebb40]

As I understand the situation and symptoms, my thought is that the CPU is thermally shutting down.

What thermal paste did you use and how was the paste applied?

No need to immediately open up and redo the thermal paste.

Just consider the possibility that it could be thermal shutdown.

There may be other ideas and suggestions posted in the meantime.

I used the Corsair High Performance thermal paste. I applied the thermal paste by putting a dab of it in the middle of the CPU. This is also the same way that I applied the paste when I upgraded my CPU.

 

[Ralston18]

Hopefully the thermal paste concern is somewhat moot now.

Unfortunately, the PSU would be the next likely suspect - even if new.

ThermalTake 700W = non-modular correct?

Do you have access to another PSU to swap in for testing purposes?

Or have a multi-meter and know how to use it? If so, a PSU can be tested to a limited extent.

FYI:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-manually-test-a-power-supply-with-a-multimeter-2626158

Not a full test because the PSU is not under load. However, any voltages out of tolerance make the PSU more suspect.

 

[cwebb40]

Hopefully the thermal paste concern is somewhat moot now.

Unfortunately, the PSU would be the next likely suspect - even if new.

ThermalTake 700W = non-modular correct?

Do you have access to another PSU to swap in for testing purposes?

Or have a multi-meter and know how to use it? If so, a PSU can be tested to a limited extent.

FYI:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-manually-test-a-power-supply-with-a-multimeter-2626158

Not a full test because the PSU is not under load. However, any voltages out of tolerance make the PSU more suspect.

The new PSU that I have is non-modular, I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I do have a multi-meter and will try and see if the PSU is truly the problem when I get home from work.

Thank you for all of your input so far. I wish I could try the suggestions you've made now, but work is getting in the way.

 

[cwebb40]

Hopefully the thermal paste concern is somewhat moot now.

Unfortunately, the PSU would be the next likely suspect - even if new.

ThermalTake 700W = non-modular correct?

Do you have access to another PSU to swap in for testing purposes?

Or have a multi-meter and know how to use it? If so, a PSU can be tested to a limited extent.

FYI:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-manually-test-a-power-supply-with-a-multimeter-2626158

Not a full test because the PSU is not under load. However, any voltages out of tolerance make the PSU more suspe

I have been seeing some posts talk about resetting the CMOS on the motherboard by taking out the battery. Do you think that doing this could also help? If it begins to work when I plug in the new PSU, I won't need to worry with it. Just trying to formulate some ideas just in case it turns out that the PSU is still working.

 

[Ralston18]

Worth a try.

However, be sure to check the motherboard's User Guide/Manual so you follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Leave no room for doubt or potential error.

= = = =

Edit: as for work getting in the way. Just do what you can when you can.

Very likely that rushing things could backfire....

 

[cwebb40]

Worth a try.

However, be sure to check the motherboard's User Guide/Manual so you follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Leave no room for doubt or potential error.

Sounds good, I'll add that to the list. One of my friends said that because I placed the case on carpet that static electricity could have messed up my motherboard, CPU, or GPU. Could this also be true, even if everything stayed inside the case?

 

[cwebb40]

Worth a try.

However, be sure to check the motherboard's User Guide/Manual so you follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Leave no room for doubt or potential error.

= = = =

Edit: as for work getting in the way. Just do what you can when you can.

Very likely that rushing things could backfire....

Very true. Thanks again for your advice. Any other things you recommend trying?

 

[Ralston18]

Something to consider but I would not expect that to have happened.

Caveat being that if the environment is conducive to static electricity (dry, cool, people constantly getting shocked etc.) then there could have been some buildup of electrons. Setting the case on the carpet is one thing. Sliding the case along the carpet is another. The latter being far more likely to create a build up of electrons and a subsequent discharge.

And those electrons eventually escaped in the form of a spark trying to reach ground (earth) via a path including sensitive components in the computer. Or any place with fewer electrons.....

====

Other suggestions: If you are in an environment with static electricity then start using a wrist strap and grounding yourself accordingly. Or take other actions to avoid static build-ups and/or ways to safely discharge build-ups that occur.