While replacing my water-cooling setup with an air cooler, my PC stopped powering on. I tested the power supply separately and it appeared to work. To narrow things down, I tested my CPU in a friend's compatible motherboard and tested their identical CPU in my system. Both computers powered on with either CPU, but my system still refuses to start when I reinstall my own CPU. What could be causing this?
2 Answers
Since your CPU works in another system and your motherboard starts with your friend’s identical CPU, the problem may be related to how your CPU is seated or how the cooler is mounted. Check the socket carefully for bent or lifted pins, reseat the CPU, and make sure the cooler isn’t tightened unevenly or excessively. Also verify that the CPU power cable and front-panel connections are fully seated.
The motherboard could still have a socket-contact problem even if it works with another CPU. Remove the CPU and inspect the socket under bright light for bent pins, debris, or uneven contact. Clear the CMOS and test with only the motherboard, CPU, one RAM stick, and the power supply connected. Avoid powering it on with the cooler completely removed, but make sure the cooler is mounted evenly rather than clamped down too tightly.
That seems possible. I barely tightened anything when testing my friend’s CPU, so I’ll inspect the socket and try reseating mine with less mounting pressure.