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Help! My motherboard started smoking while testing RAM sticks, what should I do?

December 31, 2025 3 answers
Asked by TechWizzy99
I recently tested some RAM on my Asus Prime B560M-A motherboard with an i5-11400 processor. I connected four sticks of 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 3200 MHz RAM and used a random 600W Gamebooster power supply that I had lying around, which hasn't been the best in the past. While trying to boot, I didn't have a cooler installed on the CPU, and after a couple of attempts with different RAM configurations, a microchip near the TPM lettering started smoking. I immediately powered off the PSU and unplugged it. Now I'm worried about the motherboard and whether it's safe to even try booting it again. What steps should I take from here?
Hardware hardware issues motherboard PC building RAM test troubleshooting

Answers

GamerGuru42
It sounds like your motherboard might be damaged since it released the 'magic smoke.' It's usually a bad sign when that happens. When you test components without a CPU cooler, it’s generally advised to power it off quickly when you see signs of life. Just because the system turns on doesn’t guarantee everything is okay. You might need to try a different power supply or even another motherboard to ensure safety. For testing RAM, using tools like MemTest86 is way better to diagnose issues without putting your hardware at risk.
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CircuitChaser77
If it was the BIOS chip that smoked, it's bad news, and you might as well consider a new motherboard. But if it’s a microchip lower than that, which still allows the system to function, you might have some luck. But be cautious; continuing to use it can lead to further damage. If you feel unsure, I suggest not powering it on again until you get it checked out.
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PCFixer16
You should definitely let it sit for a while and check if there are any visible damages or burnt components. If it powered on after the incident, it’s worth checking to see if it boots, but please don’t risk using it for anything important. You might need professional help to be sure it’s safe.
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