Computer starts but then stops, is CPU or Motherboard dead?

mbachan92

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Jun 28, 2014
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4,510
I built a new computer yesterday, and it was actually working very well, with most everything installed, drivers up to date and so son, but I moved it a bit while it was on today because some stuff around my apartment had to be moved,but when I checked the monitor and the computer,everything just went off.

I suspect that a sort of loose PSU (molex) connector (it's non-modular) made contact with the metal on the back of the motherboard, causing it to short out. When I opened up the side panel, that one had come loose and was the only one sliding around when I moved the computer. It's swing radius passes right over that metal piece on the back of the motherboard, and I'm almost certain that it made contact and shorted something out. Problem is I have no idea what I need to RMA. Not even sure if everything has been fried. All the fans turn on for a second and then it goes turns off. However, when I unplug the CPU power connector, it all turns on for a few seconds, then shuts off, and keeps trying.

With the CPU power in, it doesn't try again.

So, with that said, I'm kind of freaking out and want to avoid a massive RMA spree. I figure the problem is with either the Motherboard or the CPU (leaning towards CPU). What really terrifies me is that all the parts have been damaged. However, so far as I can see, the GPU fan and hard drives power on, so it might only be one or two parts that need some attending to.

Any and all help will be appreciated, if you all can give any. Many thanks.
 

mbachan92

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Jun 28, 2014
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4,510
If it helps, here are my system specs:

CPU: Xeon 1241 v3
Mobo: Gigabyte H97-D3H
GPU: PNY GTX 770 4GB
PSU: XFX TS 550Watt
SSD: PNY XLR8 Pro 120 GB
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16 GB (2x8 GB), CAS 9, 1600
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1 TB

And then an optical drive and a PCI-e wireless adapter, but I can't find the boxes for more specifics on what product numbers they have. Again, the whole system was perfect and even got around to running Photoshop for some work projects and some games. That molex pin just screwed me.
 

mbachan92

Reputable
Jun 28, 2014
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4,510
Bump/update: been trying a few different options, but getting the same results. I too a look at the motherboard and noticed the metal on the back seems to be the same metal on the socket. I'm aware I probably can't RMA this but at least I can find out what got damaged.

I'm still worried that the motherboard may be damaged, even though the evidence is to the contrary. Then again, I read somewhere that the motherboard can still power fans and so on and still not be functional. Is this true?