Troubleshooting a Peculiar PC Boot Issue: When a Hair Dryer Becomes Essential

Experiencing a computer that refuses to power on without a little extra warmth might sound bizarre, but it’s a predicament faced by a user with a Ryzen-based setup. In this post, we’ll delve into the details of the issue, explore potential causes, and examine some troubleshooting techniques that have been tried so far.

The Hardware Setup

The configuration in question features:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
• Motherboard: Asus PRIME B350M-A (with the latest BIOS update)
• RAM: Two HyperX FURY 8GB modules running at 2400MHz
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Thermaltake 600W 80 Plus White Smart Series

Each component has been in use for approximately 1.5 to 2 years, and notably, no overclocking or voltage adjustments have been made.

The Persistent Boot Issue

The crux of the problem arises when the computer is powered off for the night: the next day, it refuses to boot unless warmed up with a hair dryer. After applying this unconventional technique, the system functions normally for hours or even days. Multiple troubleshooting steps have already been attempted:

• Reassembly: The PC has been reassembled, ensuring that all connections are secure.
• Memory Testing: Attempts have been made to boot the system using just one RAM stick and with minimal peripheral connections.
• Stability Tests: The hardware endured rigorous testing with Prime95, which ran successfully for about 9 hours without errors. The CPU temperatures did reach up to 89°C, but this did not appear to impact stability. MemTest86 and OCCT also confirmed that there were no errors during testing.

Environmental Factors

The user notes they reside in a tropical climate with high temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, coupled with substantial humidity year-round. Such conditions could potentially play a role in hardware performance and reliability.

Lack of Spare Parts

A significant obstacle in diagnosing the issue is the absence of spare components, such as an alternative power supply or motherboard for testing. Without these, pinpointing the source of the problem becomes increasingly difficult.

Latest Updates: More Insights

In the most recent development, the user attempted to power off the PC again and faced the same boot issue, requiring yet another session with the hair dryer