I've got a high-end gaming rig with an RTX 4090, MSI Z790 MEG ACE motherboard, Intel i9-14900K CPU, and 4 sticks of Vengeance DDR5 RAM. Despite replacing the CPU, updating the BIOS, reseating the RAM, sending the GPU back for RMA, clearing the CMOS, and checking all connections, my PC won't POST anymore. I'm seeing an error code that isn't documented anywhere. Unfortunately, I can't afford to replace parts, and there's no Micro Center nearby for help. Just to clarify, my motherboard lacks DisplayPort or HDMI slots, so I can't use the onboard graphics. I've ruled out the RAM, GPU, and CPU as the culprits, which leaves me wondering if it's the motherboard or the PSU that's causing the issue.
4 Answers
When you mention it stops 'once a week', does that mean it won’t power on or won’t POST? Sometimes, if the PC doesn’t shut down correctly, it can mess with start-up. You definitely need to check how your motherboard's error codes are displaying; that might give you a clue.
Isolating variables is key here! Since your motherboard doesn’t have onboard graphics, this could be tricky. If possible, try to boot with just one stick of RAM and no GPU. If that works, add components back one by one. It might help find the faulty part without completely overhauling the system.
I can't use onboard graphics because of the motherboard design. I've checked all the RAM and GPU connections already.
It sounds like you might be having issues with your RAM configuration. Using 4 sticks of DDR5 can be tricky, especially if they’re mismatched. Sometimes, even sticks from the same brand can have compatibility problems if they have different chips like Samsung vs. Micron. Try running the system with just two sticks in the right slots to see if it boots up. It could help narrow down the issue!
I've been using Corsair Vengeance sticks for over 2 years now, and the problems started last December. Geek Squad suggested it was a failing GPU, so I sent it in for warranty, but the issues still persist.
You’ve done a lot already! If reseating the RAM and CPU didn’t fix it, I’d focus on the PSU or motherboard since those are the last suspects. Maybe try running the PC with just the motherboard, PSU, and one stick of RAM to see if it POSTs. If it does, then slowly add components back in to see what triggers the failure.
Honestly, I would cry if it’s the motherboard, especially since I didn’t build it myself and it could be super expensive and complicated to replace.
When it doesn't POST, I try all sorts of resets and reseating, but it's really hit or miss. The mystery error code does not help, either—it just says 'Reserved for future' on my motherboard.