Troubleshooting a PC That Only Boots with a Hair Dryer: What You Need to Know
Have you ever encountered a peculiar issue with your PC that leaves you scratching your head? Imagine this: your computer refuses to power on unless you resort to an unconventional solution—a hair dryer. This recent experience has prompted a deeper look into my setup and possible causes for this unusual behavior.
Hardware Overview
Here’s a brief overview of my current hardware configuration:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 2400G
- Motherboard: Asus PRIME B350M-A (with the latest BIOS updates)
- RAM: 2x HyperX FURY 8GB 2400MHz
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): Thermaltake 600W 80 Plus White Smart Series
All components are relatively new, having been purchased between 1.5 to 2 years ago, and there have been no overclocking attempts or changes to voltage settings.
The Booting Dilemma
As highlighted in the title, I’ve faced a frustrating issue where my PC will not power on in the morning without some external assistance. After being turned off overnight, the only way to get it to boot is by applying heat from a hair dryer. Once it finally starts, the system runs flawlessly for hours or even days.
To diagnose the problem, I’ve taken several steps:
- Reassembly: I carefully reassembled the components, ensuring everything was connected properly.
- Memory Testing: I’ve attempted to boot with a single memory stick and minimized additional peripherals.
- Stress Tests: Running Prime95 for about nine hours yielded no errors, with the CPU temperature peaking at 89 °C. Additionally, MemTest86 and OCCT CPU tests confirmed that the components are functioning correctly.
Considering the Environment
Living in a tropical city, the high temperatures (ranging from 24 to 32 °C) and consistent humidity levels could play a significant role in this dilemma. Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of spare components to perform further tests, such as substituting the PSU or motherboard.
A Continued Mystery
After another attempted shutdown, I faced the same issue once more. To troubleshoot further, I directed the heat away from the PSU, focusing instead on the front and middle areas of the chassis—being particularly mindful of the motherboard’s location. After a few minutes of careful heating, the PC miraculously powered on again
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