Troubleshooting a PC That Refuses to Boot Without a Hair Dryer
In today’s tech landscape, encountering peculiar hardware issues is not uncommon. One user recently shared their frustrating experience with a PC that would only boot after applying a bit of unconventional warmth. Here’s a look at the issue, the hardware involved, and some potential solutions.
The Situation
The user’s computer, comprised of a Ryzen 5 2400G CPU, Asus PRIME B350M-A motherboard, 16GB of HyperX FURY RAM, and a Thermaltake 600W power supply, has been primarily trouble-free for about one and a half to two years. Interestingly, the setup has never been overclocked or modified. However, after turning off the PC for the night, it requires some help from a hair dryer in the morning to start up properly. Once it’s warmed up, the machine operates seamlessly for hours or even days.
Initial Troubleshooting Efforts
In an effort to diagnose the problem, the user has undertaken several troubleshooting steps:
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Reassembly: The components were taken apart and reassembled, which often helps with resolving contact issues.
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Memory Testing: They tried booting the system with just one memory stick, along with powering on the machine with minimal peripheral devices connected.
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Stress Testing: The user ran Prime95 for an extensive 9-hour period without encountering any errors, even with the CPU reaching temperatures of 89°C. Additionally, Memtest86 and OCCT CPU tests were conducted, both yielding no errors.
Environmental Considerations
The individual lives in a tropical area, facing consistently high temperatures (between 24°C and 32°C) and elevated humidity levels throughout the year. These factors could potentially exacerbate hardware connectivity issues, particularly in sensitive components like the motherboard.
Lack of Spare Parts
Unfortunately, the user does not have access to spare parts, such as a power supply unit or motherboard, making it more challenging to pinpoint the exact issue.
An Unexpected Update
In a recent update, the user turned off the PC once again, only to find it unresponsive the next day. It required another round of ‘hair dryer therapy.’ This time, they focused the heat on the front and mid-top sections of the case while deliberately avoiding the power supply area. After about 4 to 5 minutes of gentle warmth, the PC booted up successfully. This suggests that the problem might
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