Red CPU LED (Sabertooth 990FX mobo)

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

Okay SO, I'm kind of a noob at this stuff (I'm trying to teach myself things)
ANYWAYS,
So I built my pc in March 2011 (just passed the 2 year mark last week)
I have:
Motherboard: ASUS Sabertooth 990FX
CPU: AMD Bulldog FX 6-core @ 3.2GHz
GPU: ASUS Nividia Geforce GTX 560Ti
RAM: G. Skills Sniper series, 8GB @ 1600MHz
PSU: OCZ 700W

I was using my PC last night, left it on over night (fell asleep with it on), turned it off early this morning by holding the power button because my "Sleep" button on my keyboard wasn't putting it to sleep. Returned to it a few hours later (about 30 minutes ago) to turn it back on and BAM, no display, yet fans are running, CPU LED is red. It seems anything I plug into my USB ports don't have power (maybe that's because the computer isn't booting?). Can anyone assist me in whatever is wrong with my pc?

Please help
Thanks so much,
Tom

Onus · Mar 18, 2014

One of the first things to try in a case like this is to reset the CMOS to defaults using the jumper.

thunderdan602 · Mar 18, 2014

Unplug the power from the wall, let it sit for a few seconds, plug it back into the wall, and see if it boots properly.

bgunner · Mar 18, 2014

the red led by the CPU means that component is causing it not to boot. If resetting the BIOS does not help then make sure your 8 pin CPU supplemental power cord is plugged in all the way. if all power cords are plugged in then it will either be a CPU or motherboard bad.

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

thunderdan602 :

Unfortunately it still does not boot properly :/
Thanks though.

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

Onus :

Again I am a noob at this, so would you mind explaining what is CMOS and how to reset it using the jumper? :/ (Not strong with terminology)
Thanks

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

bgunner :

I see, how do I reset the BIOS? And it seems that the cable connecting to the mobo that has 8-pins (near the CPU and coming from the PSU) is plugged in all the way.
Thanks

Onus · Mar 18, 2014

Check the manual that came with your board (or download one) for the location of the CLRCMOS jumper. It is probably located near the battery. While the system is off, move the jumper to the CLR position for a few seconds, then move it back.
The failure could also be due to thermal cycling. Remove and reseat your RAM, and the motherboard's power cables (main and CPU). You don't need to remove it, but lift then refasten the CPU locking lever.

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

Onus :

I did everything you suggested, or at least tried to do them properly but the CPU LED is still red and no image is displayed :/
Thanks

Onus · Mar 18, 2014

Unfortunately, it is possible that something has failed. Your mobo has a five year warranty. Do you have access to any spare parts you can use for testing?

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

Onus :

Darn :/. A close friend of mine (the friend who helped me build this computer) might have something. What spare parts would I be looking for?
Thanks

bgunner · Mar 18, 2014

The first thing would be, If you have one, a CPU change.

Onus · Mar 18, 2014

If you can get one, another CPU for that board might be helpful. Is your RAM a 2x4GB kit, or a single 8GB stick? If the former, see if pulling a stick helps (even though it appears to be a CPU issue).
Your OCZ PSU may be a part of the problem as well, so another PSU to test might be helpful as well.

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

Onus :

I think it'd be difficult for me to find a spare CPU. My RAM is a 2x4GB kit. Unfortunately, pulling a stick of RAM doesn't yield any difference :/. Quick question: my DVD drive's green LED is blinking, does that help in narrowing down the problem perhaps?
Thanks

Onus · Mar 18, 2014

Hmmm, yes. Make sure it is the CPU LED that is red, and not the boot device LED. You might disconnect your DVD drive's SATA cable and see if that makes a difference.

bgunner · Mar 18, 2014

CrannySmith :

Any AM3 or AM3+ cpu will work in the Sabertooth 990FX motherbaords. this includes some Sempron, all Athlon II, Phenom II and FX series CPU's. It does not need to be the same CPU you currently have it can be x2, x3, x4, x6 or x8 CPU's. you can also take your CPU and place it a friends system and see if you have the same issue.

CrannySmith · Mar 18, 2014

Onus :

Well, I'm certain that it's not the Boot Device LED that's flashing (110% it's the CPU LED that's blinking red). I unplugged my DVD drive's SATA cable and it's LED has stopped blinking and now opens and closes with ease.
Thanks

Red CPU LED (Sabertooth 990FX mobo)

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