My issue feels so random i’m not even sure it’s an issue.

Understanding Unexpected PC Startup Failures: A Case Study

Introduction

Encountering unexpected shutdowns and startup issues with a newly built PC can be perplexing and sometimes seem random. In this article, we examine a real-world scenario where a user faced unexplained power problems, explore potential causes, and highlight the importance of systematic troubleshooting.

Case Overview

The user reported that their Windows PC, which had been operating flawlessly for weeks after a recent build, suddenly shut down after three hours of idling. Upon attempting to restart, the system showed no signs of power: no motherboard LEDs, no BIOS beep, and no initial screen. The stabilizing factors were minimal—components were new, and basic checks had been performed.

Key Details

• System Components:
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Thermaltake Toughpower Gt 750W
• Motherboard: MSI B550M PRO VDH WiFi
• RAM: 2x16GB DDR4 3600MHz (XPG)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

• Storage: 1TB SSD (not critical for POST issues)

• Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

• Verified all cables and connections; none appeared burned or unplugged.
• Tried unplugging and waiting over an hour, with no effect.
• Replaced PSU with a known working unit—resolved the issue.

Diagnostic Insights

The absence of typical power-on indicators (motherboard LEDs, BIOS beeps, or connector clicks) initially suggested a power delivery or motherboard issue. Key observations included:

• The lack of a typical “click” sound when plugging into power indicates no current flow or a fault at the PSU level.
• Using a different, verified PSU confirmed that the original power supply unit was non-functional, despite no visible damages.

Lessons Learned

1. Systematic Troubleshooting is Crucial: Starting with basic checks ( cables, connections ) and then testing components individually helps isolate problems efficiently.
2. Power Supply Testing: A PSU can fail unexpectedly even with minimal use. Using a dedicated tester or swapping with a known-good PSU is essential for confirmation.
3. Component Compatibility & Quality: While most components were new, the PSU’s failure underlines the importance of quality and testing, especially in custom builds.
4. Post-Event Inspection: Visual and functional checks after an unexpected shutdown can reveal insights, but sometimes testing components in isolation is necessary.