Question PC Won't Power On After Changing Component

[NathW90]

So I've just change the WiFi module (M.2 WiFi card) in my MSI Gaming Edge X570 WiFi motherboard, and now the PC will not power on at all.

To do it I had to disconnect everything (bar the CPU/Cooler) and take out the motherboard completely.

As far as I can see I've hooked it all up back as it should be. Does anyone know what might have gone wrong? Panicking a bit!

Cheers.

 

[rgd1101]

could be anything. recheck everything

 

[NathW90]

could be anything. recheck everything

99.9% certain it's all plugged in as it should be. What are the chances this new WiFi module is somehow the problem?

 

[rgd1101]

did you get one that was supported?

 

[NathW90]

did you get one that was supported?

Yep. Can't see any logical reason why they would be incompatible? It's an Intel AX210 in a MSI Gaming Edge WiFi.

Even if it slotted fine but wasn't compatible surely it wouldn't completely stop the PC from booting?

I've probably somehow static shocked the system and killed it.

 

[rgd1101]

test the motherboard out of the case?

 

[NathW90]

test the motherboard out of the case?

What do you mean by that exactly? Sorry, I'm not completely clueless but not far off haha.

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

He means take the motherboard out of the case, and plug it in to see if it works. You might could've scratched something on the motherboard, as well

 

[NathW90]

He means take the motherboard out of the case, and plug it in to see if it works. You might could've scratched something on the motherboard, as well

Don't have any problem with doing that if it's recommended but what's the benefit of taking it out? And would I still leave everything else connected?

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

The benefit of taking it out is to inspect the motherboard, make sure nothing is damaged, then powering it on to see if anything jumps out at you, (you'll want to where gloves while you do this, to protect the board and yourself..) You should preferably leave everything connected first, then start carefully removing components until it turns on. I would start with the wifi card, obviously, and go from there

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

You'll want to try removing everything but the cpu, gpu, ram,

 

[NathW90]

The benefit of taking it out is to inspect the motherboard, make sure nothing is damaged, then powering it on to see if anything jumps out at you, (you'll want to where gloves while you do this, to protect the board and yourself..) You should preferably leave everything connected first, then start carefully removing components until it turns on. I would start with the wifi card, obviously, and go from there

I didn't wear gloves when I took the whole thing apart before to put the new WiFi module in. I'm starting to think I've killed the board by not taking the proper precautions. 😔

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

Ohhh. Were your hand recently cleaned before?

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

If so, then it might not be that.

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

Even if they weren't cleaned, as long as you didn't directly touch the volatile areas of your components (assuming your hands weren't covered in water or completely greasy) like the pads on your cpu or the pins of your gpu, you should be fine.

 

[NathW90]

Ohhh. Were your hand recently cleaned before?

Can't remember to be honest. I am quite anal about washing my hands particularly as I have COVID at the moment, but couldn't say exactly how long before I washed them.

Is it quite likely I could have damaged it all by not wearing gloves then? Static shock?

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

There is a chance, but it is not likely you permanently damaged your computer. You should try taking everything apart, and spray-washing everything with 99% Isopropyl alcohol, and then wiping everything off with a lintless rag a few times. If this does not work, then you may have very well damaged your computer.

 

[NathW90]

Even if they weren't cleaned, as long as you didn't directly touch the volatile areas of your components (assuming your hands weren't covered in water or completely greasy) like the pads on your cpu or the pins of your gpu, you should be fine.

Yeah I certainly didn't have wet or greasy hands, and I was careful not to just gung ho put my hands all over things I didn't need to. I didn't even take the CPU/cooler out.

 

[NathW90]

I'm just completely lost with it. I'm so certain it's all plugged back in exactly as it was.

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

I would recommend just washing all your components in 99% isopropyl alcohol. It won't hurt anything to do so.
Btw, if you cannot get 99%, I would recommend nothing below 91%, as this contains some water. If you are using 91%, just use it in moderation at increments.

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

I hope this helps. Unfortunately, I have to go. If you have any more questions, just post them here, and I will get back to you tomorrow. I hope this works, and that you have a good day!

 

[NathW90]

I hope this helps. Unfortunately, I have to go. If you have any more questions, just post them here, and I will get back to you tomorrow. I hope this works, and that you have a good day!

Thank you for your help.

One other thing I should maybe mention. I do get a click sound when I press the power button. This click comes from within the PC and has always happened whenever I used to power it on. Suppose that shows some sign of life, even if just the tiniest bit?

 

[rgd1101]

click from the psu?

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

This click could be a number of things. It could be a short in the spu, it could also be the button itself. Does anything else happen when you try to turn on your computer?

 

[DiamondPlayz139]

That click could very well have also been a sign of a defect. Try to see if you can tell what is clicking, and let us know what you might think it is.