Hey everyone! I'm having some trouble with my MSI 790FX-GD70 motherboard and could use your help. When I power it on without connecting the CPU, it starts up, but it hangs at the FF POST code. However, when I connect the CPU, the power supply trips, which makes me think there might be a short circuit somewhere. I've got a multimeter to check things out, but that's about it. The motherboard appears to be new but the capacitors look a bit dried out from being unused for the last 16-17 years. Thanks for any advice you can give!
2 Answers
Considering this motherboard is quite old, it could be experiencing issues for various reasons. If it hasn’t been used in all these years, my guess is that the capacitors might have failed right when it was powered on after such a long time. That age can really take a toll on the components.
Try removing the CPU and then powering the motherboard with just the power connected. If it still trips, then it’s likely the motherboard itself that's faulty. But if it doesn’t trip, the CPU might be the issue. Just make sure you're using a known-good power supply for testing.

Yeah, old capacitors can definitely cause problems. If you can, inspect them for any bulges or leaks. It might be worth replacing them if you’re up for a little project!