Which is the issue, CPU or MOBO?

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Apr 21, 2015
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My brother had bought M5A97 mobo last year with FX 6300.
Along with a 4gb 1333mhz ram, and 1TB hard drive. It worked at his first build. Few weeks later it stop working. And he basically gave up for one day and bought an I7 laptop instead. So I tried to recover the system back and use it to make videos and musics. As well casual gaming, although it's gonna be my third PC. I tried everything I could to fix it.

What could be the problem? CPU or Motherboard? Since the Ram, GPU, and Hard-drive works in my other PC. When I tried to turn on the M5A97, all I get is the green light and Dram with solid red light. Memok button doesn't help or work. Everything turns on including the CPU fan. The only thing I can't tell, which one is the defected component, CPU or Motherboard?

If CPU is broken I'll buy another CPU
If the MOBO is the issue I'll buy another MOBO
I don't know which one is the issue and I don't want to spend on both, only one I can afford right now.
 
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Its neither - read the manual mate. A solid DRAM_LED means the memory sticks installed are not compatible with the Mobo or are not inserted correctly or they are damaged.

Manual for the M5A97 R2.0 Here - page 1-17 - http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM3+/M5A97_R2.0/E8046_M5A97_R2.pdf MemOK!
If you have the older board, then this manual here - http://www.manualagent.com/asus/m5a97/owners-manual

Memory compatibility list from 1-10 (R2.0). Keep in mind, if you Flash Update the Bios, more memory will be compatible so try that first before buying more RAM sticks.
 
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Well I ask my brother. He said, he used an old PSU and I found out that the PSU he used basically turns off on its own every time he turns it on. The ram is compatible cause we got it working last time. Well I got 10 same Rams that I kept and they work in my other PCs as well, I tried all of it but still get that RED light on DRAM. I think the PSU destroyed something and the only thing that left me thinking that both MOBO or CPU was taken down by the old PSU. I don't know if the CPU is still working.

The only question I can ask

Is the CPU likely to be destroyed along with an old PSU that shutdown or the MOBO is likely to?

I would like to save the CPU though and buy a new MOBO if it's still alive.

Thanks tho
 
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You wont know if CPU is damaged until you test it - unless there is obvious physical damage.
If the RAM is Ok, then it pretty much has to be the MOBO (as its reporting an error message with the Memory when it shouldn't)
Replace the PSU as well, but not with a cheap one - check the PSU Tier List here on Tom's and select one from Tier 1, 2 or 3 - stay away from 4 and lower.
 
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reset BIOS of the motherboard
disconnect power from the PSU and clear cmos by jumper

the memok button was pressed as long as the LED was starting to blink?

Did you try all DIMM Slots with working RAM?

try the motherboard outside the case on a non conducting surface like wood and just with one RAM, PSU and CPU with cooler inserted
 
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I can't get to the bios cause the screen remain pitch black.

I already tried the clearing jumper, nothing.

I been holding the memok as long as I can, nothing as well.

Tried all DIMM slots with working rams, nothing.

Well I already tried it on my wooden floor with one ram as well, and nothing.

I don't know, mobo might be the issue or the CPU. Still have to wait for my new PSU.

Thanks anyway
 
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Hmm yes, if CPU is toast, then it wont POST, but it sounds like the MOBO is the issue - you said you tested the RAM in another PC and it worked OK, and you said initially the PC worked, you said the GPU worked in another PC...all you can do is take a chance and try replacing the CPU and/or the mobo

I would ask your Brother what happened to make it not work - most people will try fix it, not go out an buy a new Laptop so I reckon he knows what really happened and knew it wasn't salvageable :)

Couldn't find a review on that PSU - not Tiered as yet, closest I could find was RS650W - http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cougar-RS-650-W-Power-Supply-Review/1323/10 - and well, they managed to make it explode during testing, so perhaps not a great choice :)
 
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I bought the PSU here http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=26075
It is 80plus from PCCaseGear I been getting stuff there as well. They don't sell unknown products, it's a well known online shop.

I salvage his 1TB drive though, took the RAM out and left the CPU in the MOBO.

Yeah, my brother and I been trying to fix it last year but we gave up. So I realize I might try fix it again.

Well I can only hear one beep code, which translate to DRAM refresh failure though.
I start to think that the MOBO is really the defect.
 
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PC Case Gear are just a retailer - they sell all products good and bad :) Just because its rated +80% Gold does not mean it is a quality PSU. I'm sure it will be fine though, just giving you advice :)
 
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Hello guys it's been weeks but actually looks like the MOBO is the culprit cause I bought a new amd cpu, the screen didn't turn on, the fans and lights on the MOBO still works but the new cpu didn't bring it to life. So yeah MOBO is bad.

Although can anyone recommend me which one should I upgrade to AMD fx 8350 or Intel i5 4590? From a Core 2 Quad Q9400 user. I'm on a budget but this CPU's are my picks. I'm really confuse cause both are very good, they both have advantages and disadvantages but seems I can't really work out. For long term use, I do game alot and make musics, edit videos and pictures. Which one should I go?

I still game with my 7 year old cpu on 1080p. And it's time for me to upgrade. No war please just advice.
 
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