My PC had been working normally for over a year when it suddenly froze while I was watching YouTube. The mouse and keyboard stopped responding, and even the power button did nothing, so I switched off the power and restarted it. Since then, the system will not POST and the monitor stays completely black. The motherboard's red CPU debug LED is lit, although all fans spin and the RGB lighting works. I tried testing the DDR5 memory sticks individually and flashing the latest BIOS, but there was no change. I have not recently moved or modified any components. The system uses an ASRock B850 Steel Legend motherboard, AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, Radeon RX 9070 XT, 32 GB Patriot Viper DDR5, and a be quiet! 750W power supply. What else should I check, and is the CPU or motherboard possibly faulty?
2 Answers
Reseat the CPU and inspect the socket carefully for bent or damaged contacts. Also unplug and firmly reconnect the CPU power connector. Since you already reseated it and the pins look normal, the next useful test would be trying a known-good compatible CPU, if available. If another CPU works, the 7600X may have failed and should be handled through its warranty. CPU failures are uncommon, but they can happen.
The motherboard could also be the problem, especially since the computer froze before it stopped starting. Clear the CMOS, disconnect everything unnecessary, and test with only the motherboard, CPU, one memory stick, and power supply connected. After a BIOS update or CMOS reset, DDR5 memory training can take several minutes, so give it time before forcing another shutdown. If it still stops at the CPU LED, testing with another compatible CPU or motherboard is the best way to identify the faulty part.
The display remains completely black and there is no signal at all. I will try clearing the CMOS and allowing extra time for memory training before testing the hardware again.
I reseated the CPU and checked the contacts, but the red CPU light is still there. I can return the 7600X if necessary, although I was not sure how likely it was for a CPU to fail suddenly.