Old PC with error 5A - Internal CPU error

[BlackLionBrewery]

I tried to test new ram before I used it on regularly, but now I when powered on it immediately throws out 5A POST error (internal CPU error)

Full story: I bought used ram to expand mine, went with exact same model to try and avoid issues. I wanted to test the ram to make sure there were no faults, so I switched out the memory, cleared bios, booted, shutdown, and then ran memtest86. It ran through until test 7 (inversion), where it hung without progress for an hour. I couldn't exit, access the configuration, or anything so I left it for another hour, and still no change. I restarted the pc and am now getting debug code 5A immediately.

This is a computer that I built 2 years ago. A year ago I added a SD card reader. About 2-3 weeks ago, I upgraded my GPU from HD 7770 to a Sapphire RX 480 4GB card. I ran benchmarks and a stress test afterward to test for stability. No issues were found some light gaming and it was working without visible issues. This rig has not been OC.

Specs:
CPU AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor
CPU Cooler ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro
Motherboard ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
2x Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card Sapphire Radeon RX 480 4GB NITRO D5 OC Video Card
Wireless Card N900 Wireless Dual Band PCI Express AdapterTL-WDN4800
Case Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer
Operating System Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

What I’ve tried:
1. Replaced the old memory, cleared BIOS, still code 5A
2. Tried each module (new and old) in each channel (A1, B1,A2, B2), cleared BIOS between each change, nothing
3. Removed all accessory cards, tried each module (new and old) in each channel (A1, B1,A2, B2), cleared BIOS between each change, nothing

The only suggestions I've found about this is to reseat the cpu, check for bent pins, and to flash the bios. I've been using this cpu/mobo together for two years without issues and they haven't been separate since I built the computer. So, I wouldn’t expect that to be the issue. I'm afraid the cpu is dead, since it immediately posts error code 5A. But I'd greatly appreciate any advice.

 

[DRagor]

Not an expert of AMD, but what you described tells me to think that the new ram you bought might be faulty and damaged your CPU. I think you should contact ASrock customer support and ask them about that error code, if indeed bad ram could damage the CPU.

 

[BlackLionBrewery]

Asrock tech support requires the serial number. I'm traveling for work today. I'll check with them. Is there a way to test the memory for faults without damaging a cpu?

 

[DRagor]

Assuming the memory already did some damage (and it looks it did, just not sure to which component), I would be afraid to try it in another machine. Unless it was coincidence that your PC was damaged when trying new ram. And I'm not aware of any other way to test the ram, at least when talking about methods accessible to regular computer user.