Graphics card killed my PSU?

Iridar51 · Apr 14, 2014

Backstory:
I decided to upgrade from GTX 660 to ASUS GTX 780 DC2OC.
When I was switching the GPUs, I failed to install the GTX 780 into the PCI-E port, but didn't realize it. I did connect the additional power connectors to it.

When I tried to turn on the PC it turned on for a couple of seconds, then immediately turned off. Then turned on again, then turned off, and repeated this cycle until I unplugged it and checked inside. I realized that I failed to insert the graphics card into PCI-E slot, and did that, but PC wouldn't start after that too.

I tried disconnecting and reconnecting all sorts of things, but that didn't help, PC would turn on only for a few seconds.

Question:
Is it possible that GTX780, even disconnected from PCI-E, felt that PC is turning on through additional power connections, and tried to draw the necessary 300W all through the 6 pin and 8 pin additional power connections, which overloaded and killed the PSU?

Tomorrow I'm taking the PC to a repair shop, but I would to hear from you guys if it is even possible.

I have overclocked Core i5 3570k, ASUS P8Z77-V LK mobo, and 4 HDDs.
My PSU is (was?) EVEREST 85 PLUS 700

kapitalistas · Apr 14, 2014

may help identifay a problem is the cpu fan spins did the mobo lights come up any beeps,may help connect your monitor to mobo withouth gpu .

smeezekitty · Apr 14, 2014

Does it start with the GPU out?

Iridar51 · Apr 14, 2014

When I try to turn on the PC all fans start to spin for a few seconds, then the system powers down. The cycle repeats after a few seconds.

Yes, I tried disconnecting the GTX and connecting the monitor to the motherboard itself, same result. I also tried disconnecting pretty much everything else, didn't help.

I also tried disconnecting the PSU and starting it manually by shortcuircing two specific pins (the green one + red one pair) with a paper clip in the 20+4 cable. PSU seems to try to start, it's fan keeps twitching for an instant, but that's it.

Unfortunatly, I don't have a spare PSU to check if the PC will work with the different PSU.

smeezekitty · Apr 14, 2014

(the green one + red one pair)

You mean the green one and the black one, right?

Karadjgne · Apr 14, 2014

Couple things. The PSU is a 4 rail design with dedicated rails of 18A each. 1 CPU, 2 PCIe, 3 mobo, 4 PCIe. This means it cannot power a 780, no matter what fsp claims its 700w. And unfortunately, its also junk (no offense intended)

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modulesphp?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=120

Iridar51 · Apr 14, 2014

smeezekitty :

I shortcircuited 4th pair from the bottom.
As seen in the motherboard manual at page 44, those are "+5 Volts" and "PSON#" pins. Is this the correct way? Or I should have tried to use "PSON#" and any of the "GND" ones?

Edit: I tried that just now, and PSU starts no problem. Damn, I was hoping that it was my PSU, but apparently I managed to kill the motherboard somehow.

Edit: I just tried removing the front panel connectors from the motherboard, and manually shortcircuiting the PowerSW and GND pins, and the PC seems to start. I will try to reassemble the PC now.

Karadjgne · Apr 14, 2014

You'll also have to check the voltages on the rails. 1 Molex for 5,7,12v , both PCIe for 12v and 20+4 pin for 3.3,5,7,12v. Psu's can turn on but that's no guarantee that you have output on all the rails.

Iridar51 · Apr 14, 2014

Ok, an update: I've assembled together bare necessities: mobo + CPU + cooler, RAM, PSU and PowerSW front panel connectors, monitor, mouse and keyboard The thing seems to start now, I see an ASUS logo, but that's it, the boot doesn't go anywhere after that. Just stuck at the logo. Connected the HDDs, same thing. Tried pressing MemOK! button on the mobo, no change. Don't even know what to think.

smeezekitty · Apr 14, 2014

Verify there is no motherboard shorts to case

Iridar51 · Apr 14, 2014

smeezekitty :

How do I do that? Should I just take out the motherboard out of the case and see if it will work?

Iridar51 · Apr 14, 2014

I tried taking out RAM modules and installing them separately in different slots, didn't change anything.

Edit: after messing around with the RAM, I put both RAM modules where they were at the beginning, and now I don't even get the ASUS logo, only the black screen. But the fans are whirring.

Looks like the problem lies with the motherboard after all. Sad thing I don't even know if I broke something, or the mobo died by itself.

Karadjgne · Apr 15, 2014

Before you give up, check the voltages. The motherboard may be ok. If it is the psu, it may not be giving the motherboard the voltage it needs.

Iridar51 · Apr 15, 2014

Karadjgne :

Alright, I will. Fortunately, my bro works in IT support and he has a voltmeter lying around, gonna take the PSU to him today. Thank you. I hope it's the PSU, since it's considerably cheaper to replace than a motherboard.

Iridar51 · Apr 15, 2014

Karadjgne :

I checked the voltages, and all of them seemed to be fine, sometimes half a volt over though. Then we plugged in this PSU into the brand new PC my bro was assembling, and it booted up to the BIOS no problem. So I think it's safe to assume now that it's not the PSU.

I'm going to get new motherboard today, if it won't help I'll just refund it.

What baffles me is why my motherboard broke in the first place, the only plausible reason is that I somehow physically damaged it when I was installing new GPU.

smeezekitty · Apr 15, 2014

Iridar51 :

Karadjgne :

I checked the voltages, and all of them seemed to be fine, sometimes half a volt over though. Then we plugged in this PSU into the brand new PC my bro was assembling, and it booted up to the BIOS no problem. So I think it's safe to assume now that it's not the PSU.

I'm going to get new motherboard today, if it won't help I'll just refund it.

What baffles me is why my motherboard broke in the first place, the only plausible reason is that I somehow physically damaged it when I was installing new GPU.

0.5v is quite a bit high but if that isn't under load it may not be realistic.
Physical damage isn't impossible

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