Question New build is shorting when any GPU is installed ?

Jul 18, 2025
4
0
10
I recently reassembled my old build in a new case with some minor upgrades to system memory. When I tried to start it I noticed the distinct shorting sound from the PSU. For troubleshooting and put the system on a workbench, tried a different GPU, motherboard, PSU, and PSU cables and the issues persists.
When I remove the GPU the short goes away. Any ideas on what could cause this?

PC Specs
Mobo: Auros B550i
CPU: Ryzen 5600X
GPU: RTX 3080
PSU: 850 SFX
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

RTX3080
+
PSU 850 SFX
The RTX 3000 series had it's issues with having high transient load spikes. This is why people buying into one or owning one, were advised to overprovision on the wattage form their PSU. In your instance, you're advised to look into a 1KW or higher wattage PSU, while also looking into a reliably built unit.

Recently reassembled my old build in a new case with some minor upgrades to system memory.
+
Troubleshooted and put the system on a work bench
You mean the system was breadboarded?

tried a different GPU, Motherboard, PSU, and PSU cables and the issues persists.
Might want to mention all parts that were swapped over during the troubleshooting process. If the PSU's aren't brand new, please state their age and what they powered prior to your build.

When unplugging the GPU the short goes away. Any ideas on what could cause this?
You're sure you're not confusing a PSU incapable of delivering power to the entire system with the discrete GPU and not a short...?
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

RTX3080
+
PSU 850 SFX
The RTX 3000 series had it's issues with having high transient load spikes. This is why people buying into one or owning one, were advised to overprovision on the wattage form their PSU. In your instance, you're advised to look into a 1KW or higher wattage PSU, while also looking into a reliably built unit.

Recently reassembled my old build in a new case with some minor upgrades to system memory.
+
Troubleshooted and put the system on a work bench
You mean the system was breadboarded?

tried a different GPU, Motherboard, PSU, and PSU cables and the issues persists.
Might want to mention all parts that were swapped over during the troubleshooting process. If the PSU's aren't brand new, please state their age and what they powered prior to your build.
Thanks for the response. The build has worked for last 3 years so not sure it’s a wattage issue. The PSU swap went from thermal take to Corsair branded one. The motherboard I kept the same brand, I just had a spare lying around. The different GPU was a 3060. And yes I breadboarded.
 
When I tried to start it, noticed the distinct shorting sound from the PSU.
The PSU swap went from thermal take
Exact model? Since there are several crap quality SFX PSUs from Thermaltake. And if your old PSU was one of them, it most likely fried everything it was connected to. Hence why the build will not work even when you hook good quality Corsair SF-series SFX PSU to it.
 
The only thing I can’t confirm is the issue is the CPU.
I wonder, how could you test the MoBo if you can't test the CPU? 🤔

If 2nd system also uses AM4 socket CPU, then you could plot that CPU to MoBo to test your MoBo. And in turn, plop your 5600X into 2nd system to test the CPU.
That is, unless, the 2nd system is AM3/AM5/Intel.

So, current possible suspects are CPU and MoBo. Not just CPU.

Btw, why not disclose your Thermaltake SFX PSU model?
 
I wonder, how could you test the MoBo if you can't test the CPU? 🤔

If 2nd system also uses AM4 socket CPU, then you could plot that CPU to MoBo to test your MoBo. And in turn, plop your 5600X into 2nd system to test the CPU.
That is, unless, the 2nd system is AM3/AM5/Intel.

So, current possible suspects are CPU and MoBo. Not just CPU.

Btw, why not disclose your Thermaltake SFX PSU model?
Will discole it when
I wonder, how could you test the MoBo if you can't test the CPU? 🤔

If 2nd system also uses AM4 socket CPU, then you could plot that CPU to MoBo to test your MoBo. And in turn, plop your 5600X into 2nd system to test the CPU.
That is, unless, the 2nd system is AM3/AM5/Intel.

So, current possible suspects are CPU and MoBo. Not just CPU.

Btw, why not disclose your Thermaltake SFX PSU model?
I just bought another of the same Mobo off Amazon, the second system is Am4 but i was hesitant to take the cooler off to test CPU’s. . For the PSU all I know is it’s an 850watt thermal take, I bought it several years ago, I don’t have more info than that.
 
but i was hesitant to take the cooler off to test CPU’s.
Well, you may need to do it to check if the pins on CPU are all present. This would be the very least you can do to check the CPU.

For the PSU all I know is it’s an 850watt thermal take, I bought it several years ago,
Then it most likely is Tt Toughpower SFX Gold. Released in 2020 and OEM is HKC.

However, multiple PSU protections it has, are either configured very poorly (OCP) or outright do not work (OTP). On top of that, the PSU should be ATX 3.0, which means that at least for 100 microseconds, it must be capable of delivering up to 200% of it's max capacity. So, for 850W unit, it must sustain peak to 1700W. But the review sample died at 150% peak (1277W). Thus, it is not ATX 3.0 PSU. And 2nd sample died during hot box testing, when OTP failed to kick in (PSU was cooking itself to 185C until it failed completely).
With all the faults it has, it is considered crap quality unit.
Reputable review: https://hwbusters.com/psus/thermaltake-toughpower-sfx-850w-gold-psu-review/8/