Strange Boot Issue: My PC Only Powers Up with a Hair Dryer

Have you ever encountered a perplexing issue with your PC that left you scratching your head? Recently, I’ve been grappling with a peculiar problem: my computer refuses to power on unless I resort to an unconventional method—warming it up with a hair dryer. This situation has prompted me to seek advice from fellow tech enthusiasts, and I hope sharing my experience may resonate with others facing similar challenges.

Hardware Overview

Here’s a quick rundown of my setup:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
• Motherboard: Asus PRIME B350M-A (BIOS updated to the latest version)
• RAM: 16GB (2x HyperX FURY 8GB at 2400 MHz)
• Power Supply: Thermaltake 600W 80 Plus White Smart Series

All components are approximately 1.5 to 2 years old, with no overclocking or voltage modifications applied.

The Booting Mystery

The crux of the issue arises when I power down my PC overnight. The next day, startup becomes a challenge that necessitates warming the system with a hair dryer. Once I perform this unusual ritual, the computer operates without any hiccups for hours, and sometimes even days.

To troubleshoot the problem, I have tried various approaches:

• Disassembled and reassembled the system.
• Tested with individual RAM sticks.
• Booted with minimal hardware attached.

I even conducted extensive stress tests, including running Prime95 for around nine hours. The CPU temperature peaked at about 89°C, yet there were no errors. Memtest86 also returned a clean bill of health, and OCCT’s CPU test verified stable operation.

Environmental Factors

Living in a tropical climate, where the temperature ranges from 24°C to 32°C with high humidity, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Unfortunately, I lack spare components like a power supply or motherboard for further testing.

Seeking Solutions

Despite my troubleshooting efforts, the issue persists. When I powered off the PC yesterday, the same boot problem occurred today, compelling me to undertake another hair dryer session. This time, I focused the warmth on the front and sides of the case, deliberately avoiding the power supply.

After about four to five minutes, the system finally booted, which suggests a possible connectivity issue on the motherboard. Additionally, there’s an oddity with the system clock—it lags behind