New Computer Build Fails to Power on Intermittently

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vcoppa91

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Nov 19, 2014
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Before I start, I have read the stickied check list for computers that fail to POST. I have ensured that all points have been addressed.

Here is my build:
i5 4690K
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Asrock Extreme4 z97
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB
Corsair CX600M (modular)
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Seagate Barracuda 1TB HDD
Corsair 200R case

Now last night, I was able to start the computer, edit the BIOS, and install Mac OS X Yosemite onto the SSD. I was able to turn off the computer, restart, etc. without any issues.

Today, I shut the computer off, switched off the PSU, unplugged the computer, and transferred it to a different room. When I plugged in the computer and switched on the PSU, nothing happened. No fans, no lights, no drives spinning, nothing. I verified that the outlet (both top and bottom) was getting power (lamp, voltmeter, etc.) and it was fine.

I switched off the PSU and opened up the case, verified that all the cables were plugged in correctly and tried again. Still nothing. So I took it back to the other room and plugged it in. It took a few times of seemingly random actions to actually get the computer to turn on. Since I did not have a monitor hooked up, I wasn't able to see what was going on but the motherboard lights, fans, etc. were all functioning. The LED code displayed d7 since I didn't have a keyboard plugged in. I shut it down and took it back to the other room and again there was nothing. I repeated what I had done earlier (taking it to the other room, etc.) and it worked once out of 10-12 tries.

I did jump the ground and green wire on the PSU 24-pin connector and the fan turned on.

I am really at a loss because it was working perfectly fine yesterday and this morning and now it isn't. The fact that it will sometimes works adds to my confusion.

I appreciate any help that you can give to me!
 
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vcoppa91

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I was afraid of that. Is there any in depth way to troubleshoot a PSU? I don't have any other PSU but I do have a voltmeter to check this one with.

I forgot to mention that I did also clear the CMOS, to no avail.
 
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Onyx108

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I know this has nothing to do with your question, but for some reason Bing search decided your forum post is news and placed it on the news ticker on the Bing homepage under computers, lol.
 
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vcoppa91

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I did not know the Corsair CX600M was so highly looked down upon. What PSU would you recommend? I will eventually be adding a Sapphire R9-290x Tri-X OC. This computer will be used mainly for Windows gaming, video and photo editing, light 3D rendering, financial modeling, and Mac OS ecosystem integration.

I was just now able to turn on the computer twice without issue. I will try a third time soon.



Lol, of course this is news. I can see tomorrow's headlines already.
 
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Woody1999

Woody1999

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The Corsair CX, VS, CS and RM series of power supplies all use bad capacitors, which tend to blow up when overused: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj8-wNmYJvM

They're looked down upon because they're such a trick, using nice looking packaging and a big brand to encourage new builders into using their power supplies, when they're in fact pretty awful. The only reason I have one is cause they gave it to me free after my AX850 died.

You'll need a 750W power supply for the 290X. It's a hugely powerful card. I recommend an Antec HCG 750W, or an EVGA G2 750W.

Woody
 
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vcoppa91

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Hmm, that's really disappointing to see/hear. Prior to buying, I read only good things about this PSU. Now, after searching with a few key words (such as "capacitors", "failure", etc.) I am seeing that a lot of people have issues with them and a lot of people don't; too close to a 1:1 good:bad ratio. Frustratingly, about 6 months ago I posted this build list on here to get opinions and didn't hear any warnings about using this PSU. Not blaming anyone but myself though.

Anyway, after rebates and discounts I got this PSU for $19 so if I need to switch it with one of the ones you recommend, I'm not out too much money. I guess once I'm ready to get the graphics card, I'll plan for an upgraded PSU as well.

I was able to turn the computer on again for the third time without any issues. Is there anything else that might cause these intermittent no-start issues? It really only happened after unplugging the computer (after shutting down and switching the PSU off). It's almost as if it needed to "settle" before wanting to turn on.

I appreciate your help!
 
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Woody1999

Woody1999

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With my CX430, it makes a tiny whirring noise when the switch is on, and doesn't when the switch is off. Can you verify that the PSU is making the noise when the switch is on? It could just be as simple as a badly wired switch.

Woody
 
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vcoppa91

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I replicated the problem again today and with the switch on, there is no noise whatsoever. Jumping the green wire turns on the fan.

I may go to microcenter today and pick up another psu. Would the non-g2 EVGA Supernova 750w psu be fine?

http://www.microcenter.com/product/433612/SuperNOVA_750_750W_Watt_Bronze_ATX_12V_Power_Supply
 
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Woody1999

Woody1999

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That might be your issue. As for the power supply suggested, the G1 and B1 lines from EVGA are poor quality, so I wouldn't recommend them. Does your local Micro Centre have one of these power supplies?

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

If not, I highly recommend ordering one. They're very high quality, have easily enough wattage for you, and have a $30 discount right now!

Woody
 
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vcoppa91

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Just picked up the EVGA 750W B2 per your suggestion ($80 after rebate!). I'm going to hook it up when I get home soon. I'll be quite pleased if this is indeed the issue and not something going wrong with the motherboard.
 
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vcoppa91

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I installed the new psu and the same thing happened. I've discovered some consistency though: every time I unplug the psu, I must reset the cmos before I can turn the computer back on. This then requires me to adjust some BIOS settings (like designating my SSD as an SSD and not a HDD).

Is this a motherboard issue? Perhaps the motherboard battery is dead?

Either way, I am content with my purchase of the EVGA psu as it'll make my setup more compatible with the R9-290x once I get it.
 
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vcoppa91

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Don't feel bad! I'm glad you brought the CX600M failures to my attention. I'd rather run a quality PSU in my $1,000 computer. Plus, I can use the CX600M (that I had gotten for $19) as a backup in case I need to do PSU diagnostics.

So far, everything has been running great!
 
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Zak___

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Nov 11, 2015
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Did you solve this problem what did you do?
 
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vcoppa91

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Coincidentally, I had this issue come up again last night. After a bit of research, I came across this thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/2jrt1b/psarequest_possible_reoccurring_problem_with_the/

Apparently, there is a widespread issue with the Asrock Z97 Extreme 4 motherboards (specifically, the LDO voltage regulator). This issue occurs after switching off the PSU or after losing power. A workaround is to switch the PSU back on and push the CMOS reset button. Then turn on the computer. Like I said, this is a workaround and not a solution. I am looking into replacing the motherboard with a MSI Gaming 5 unit.
 
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