CPU Red Light. Computer needs to rest for a day?

Horsebeard · Jan 17, 2016

Hi,
First of all this is my first post here, and I'm by no means a computer expert. The reasons I decided to post this question is because in my quest for an answer I couldn't find a similair problem.
In short, my CPU (AMD FX-6300 on an Asus M5A99X Evo R2.0) works normal (on full performance) most of the time, but after a day of usage I get the continious red (cpu) light and the computer won't boot. After I give it a day rest, the cycle continues.
I don't think bend pins would be the problem here, since it works normal every other day. I thought that heating might be a problem, since it works once every two days, so I reapplied the thermal compound and reseated the ram, without any succes.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

CompGee · Jan 17, 2016

The CPU red light indicates a problem with the CPU. Do you have a spare CPU on hand? If so, install it and see what happens. Also, monitor your temps with SpeedFan. If your temps are abnormally high, try reapplying your CPU's thermal paste. Is there an overclock on the CPU? If so, remove it. Hope that helps!

Horsebeard · Jan 18, 2016

CompGee :

Hi! Thanks for the answer! Like I said, I already removed the thermal paste, but the problem's still there. As for the spare CPU, I don't have one layin' around at the moment. Cpu isn't overclocked. Any other ideas?
Oh, btw, I checked the tempratures, they don't seem abnormally high? https://gyazo.com/09a1e1086ac21b77955f4a27ba5fdc9b

CompGee · Jan 18, 2016

Not abnormally high. Just around 30C, which is acceptable. I would also check for bent pins, and are you a gamer?

Horsebeard · Jan 18, 2016

CompGee :

No I haven't checked them yet, but are bent pins really the problem? Judging by how it performs when it's on, I don't think that would be the case? And yes, I game regularly, and also use my computer for relatively intensive tasks like music creation. (Mainly orchestral or other vst intensive styles, which usually pushes both my cpu and ram quite a bit.)

CompGee · Jan 18, 2016

See if playing video games or whatever accelerates the problem.

Horsebeard · Jan 20, 2016

CompGee :

It doesn't. Even if it's used for some small tasks, it still needs quite some 'rest' time.

Chayan4400 · Jan 20, 2016

Check your temps using another software to make sure they are accurate. I find it hard to believe that you have -128C and 12C temp readings anywhere in your PC. I use HWMonitor myself.

When the problem happens again, unplug the PC from the mains, press the power button to drain any residual electricity and re-connect and see if it boots. If so it could be a faulty motheboard or PSU.

How long has this issue been happening? Full system specs including PSU model and manufacturer will be very helpful.

Horsebeard · Jan 21, 2016

True. I tried HWMonitor, here are those results.
https://gyazo.com/ff853716114526f7cf7d40933a0d4b97
https://gyazo.com/b4b86eaebb2cfb445f5e7db0ea0ffd59

When the problem happens again, unplug the PC from the mains, press the power button to drain any residual electricity and re-connect and see if it boots. If so it could be a faulty motheboard or PSU.

I'll try this method tomorrow and give updates asap.
This issue has been around for a month. First it happend every so often, but the 'rest time' started increasing over time.

Specs:
AMD Black edition - AMD FX 6300
ASUS M5A99x EVO R2.0
Crucial Ballistix Tactical (2x4 gb)
Seagate Barracuda 1TB
Samsung 840 Evo 120GB
Corsair CX500m
MSI Geforce GTX 760

Chayan4400 · Jan 21, 2016

Temps are extremely good with a FX 6300 under the hood. Nothing to worry there. Check temps under load from a stress test llike OCCT or Aida64 (NOT Prime95) and make sure they stay under 80C (Though I'm quite sure it'll run much cooler even under load).

I'm quite sure it's the CX500 that's the issue; it's an overall subpar PSU with misleading certification (80+ Bronze rated at only 30C instead of the preferred 50C; PSU temps regularly go above 30C under load) and low quality components. A pity that many people trust it because of the Corsair name. It ranks Tier 4 on Tom's Hardware's PSU Tier List (Link in signature).

This is a helpful thread explaining the issues: http://www.overclock.net/t/1431436/why-you-should-not-buy-a-corsair-cx#

Anyway, it fits in with the problems you've been having. Do you have any way of swapping it out for a day or two with another PSU to confirm that the CX500 is faulty?

Horsebeard · Jan 21, 2016

Do you have any way of swapping it out for a day or two with another PSU to confirm that the CX500 is faulty?

Sadly, I don't have an extra one. I will check your method tomorrow though, don't know if that will confirm the problem?

helpstar · Jan 21, 2016

Did you plug in the full 8 pin atx12v power connector or just one 4 pin connector near the CPU?

Update the bios in bios itself. Download latest bios from Asus, extract it to an USB flash drive, reboot, enter bios, use flash tool and follow instructions. Don't flash in windows.

Chayan4400 · Jan 22, 2016

Did you plug in the full 8 pin atx12v power connector or just one 4 pin connector near the CPU?

Good call, forgot about that. Doubt it's a BIOS issue, but worth a try nonetheless.

Sadly, I don't have an extra one. I will check your method tomorrow though, don't know if that will confirm the problem?

It will narrow down the problem to the motherboard or PSU most likely being defective.

Horsebeard · Jan 26, 2016

I tried your solution, but the computer still didn't boot. The fans were spinning and everything like before, but still the same red light, and still no screen. Tried getting in to the bios directly, which didn't work either. I've tried to find the bios file for a flash bios update, but I can't seem to find it on asus' website. Any idea where I can find that?

Andrei-Florin Gogan · Jan 26, 2016

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/M5A99X_EVO_R20/HelpDesk_Download/
Here is the link to your motherboard drivers. I doubt it is your BIOS version since when it's working, it's working just fine. I do suspect that PSU you've got.

Horsebeard · Jan 29, 2016

I doubt it is your BIOS version since when it's working, it's working just fine. I do suspect that PSU you've got.

So, I updated my mobo within the bios itself, using a flash drive. Today there aren't any changes. Thing's still not booting. I'm also starting to suspect the PSU a little bit now. Are there any other possible explanations? If not, i'll think I return it and buy a new one. I've still got my 2 year warranty, (I think) would this be a legitimate cause to get cashback?
And if this is the cause after all, do you have some good PSU recommendations?
Thanks again for all the help!

Chayan4400 · Jan 29, 2016

Not many other causes. Could be a defective motherboard, but that is less often the cause of such problems than the PSU.

I've still got my 2 year warranty, (I think) would this be a legitimate cause to get cashback?

It depends. A good PSU doesn't cost that much, so I'd first swap out the PSU and see if the problem goes away. If so, RMA the CX500M and add that the issue went away when the PSU was swapped in the RMA form; it's more evidence that will make it more likely that Corsair will approve the return. Your 2 year warranty is only valid if you can prove that the PSU is the problem. If the problem doesn't go away, then we can rule out the PSU and focus on other causes. Most retailers allow you to return a good without question for a certain time period (Often 30 days), so you can always return the new PSU should it not solve the problem (Though I reccommend switching out the PSU regardless).

And if this is the cause after all, do you have some good PSU recommendations?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($55.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $55.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-29 09:14 EST-0500

Very good deal for the price. Tier 2 on Tom's Hardware's PSU Tier List (Link in signature), excellent quality (Made by Seasonic, one of the best PSU manufacturers right now), plenty of headroom for overclocking or future upgrades and a major upgrade from your current PSU. It isn't modular though; those that are typically cost around $15-20 more:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-29 09:17 EST-0500

The price says $59.99, but that's including a $20 mail-in rebate. This is the crème de la crème of PSUs, back by a 7 year warranty (I have one on order, with the discontinued 10 year warranty). Made by Superflower, who is arguably the best PSU manufacturer right now, and ranks Tier 1 on Tom's Hardware's PSU Tier list. Benchmark setting quality, and extremely well reviewed. JohnnyGuru (Who is a well known and trusted PSU tester) gives it a perfect 10 with absolutely no complaints:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story6&reid=440

This would be my pick if you are willing to pay the extra, for the 7 year warranty if nothing else. If not, the Seasonic is a very good PSU too.

Horsebeard · Jan 29, 2016

I think I'll go for the Sea Sonic M12II.
(http://www.paradigit.nl/seasonic-m12ii-520-bronze-520-watt/80012802/details.aspx?channel_code=110&ad_id=84085270347&s2m_product_id=80012802&utm_source=PLA&utm_medium=sea&gclid=CjwKEAiAuKy1BRCY5bTuvPeopXcSJAAq4OVsz5RIAsqIXsEYDjOUt8xAd7b5DYW915kVL0rZiC4T9RoCrpTw_wcB)
Don't find it worth to buy the EVGA in my case, since it's almost double the price in my country, sadly. Surprisingly, the modular version (of the SeaSonic) was about the same price as the non-modular one. When I've got it, I'll give some updates!

Chayan4400 · Jan 29, 2016

Horsebeard :

No worries, the M12II is also a very high quality PSU. You may want to shop around and see if any of the below are available for less:

■ Antec's EarthWatts or High Current Gamer series
■ Anything from XFX, Seasonic or Super Flower
■ EVGA's G2 or B2 series
■ Rosewill's Capstone and Lightning series

Those are also very good PSUs. From past experience, the Antec and Rosewill PSUs tend to be cheaper and readily available in countries with smaller PC parts markets. I'll do some research as well and see what I come up with.

EDIT: Here's a list of International PC Parts store: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/358998-31-worldwide-online-computer-parts-stores

Use your browser's 'find' function to search for The Netherlands.

Horsebeard · Jan 29, 2016

No worries, the M12II is also a very high quality PSU. You may want to shop around and see if any of the below are available for less:

Antec's EarthWatts or High Current Gamer series
Anything from XFX, Seasonic or Super Flower
EVGA's G2 or B2 series
Rosewill's Capstone and Lightning series

I've found that the Antec HC Gamer series and the XFX Core Edition Pro are in similar price ranges to the SeaSonic M12II. The rest was either around 100 euros or not available (I couldn't find the Rosewill series) in the Netherlands. Would any of these be a better buy? I'm also kind of on a budget, so I'd rather not spend the extra 50 euros if it doesn't make that big of a difference in terms of performance/durability.
Thanks again!

Chayan4400 · Jan 29, 2016

I've found that the Antec HC Gamer series and the XFX Core Edition Pro are in similar price ranges to the SeaSonic M12II. The rest was either around 100 euros or not available (I couldn't find the Rosewill series) in the Netherlands. Would any of these be a better buy? I'm also kind of on a budget, so I'd rather not spend the extra 50 euros if it doesn't make that big of a difference in terms of performance/durability.
Thanks again!

XFX's Pro Series is slightly better than Seasonic's S12II / M12II as it is based on the Seasonic X-Series KM3's platform. That platform is higher quality and better performing than the S12II and M!2II's platform, which is why the Pro is in Tier 1 on the aformentioned PSU Tier List, while the S12II and M12II are Tier 2. If the price is similar, get the XFX PRo series PSU. If the difference is more than €15, stick with the M12II.

Horsebeard · Jan 29, 2016

Chayan4400 :

In the end I went for the M12II, and it's supposed to be delivered tommorow. (Thanks again for the suggestion!) I'll check if the swap will fix the problem.

Horsebeard · Jan 31, 2016

Good news! The problem seems to've gone away. I installed the SeaSonic yesterday, and now it works just as usual again. If in this coming week it sudenly doesn't boot, I'll give a heads up. Thanks for all the help people!
Now that I know that the psu was the problem, how can I prove to the store I bought it from that this was the cause of the problem? I've still got my warranty lying around. Is this even a legitimate cause for cashback?

helpstar · Jan 31, 2016

Normally you will get a replacement psu or equal replacement if they can't get you the same psu.

Get in contact with the retailer you bought it from and try to get your money back or if not possible, a replacement.

If the retailer won't do that, get in contact with corsair.
RMA the psu and just explain, that this psu doesn't boot your PC, just another psu with equal wattage does.

http://www.corsair.com/en/support/warranty

Chayan4400 · Jan 31, 2016

It certainly is a reason for a replacement. Since your store waranty is probably up, contact Corsair about an RMA, and state specifically that the problem went away when you swapped out the PSU. You can also ask them for a refund on the terms that you return the faulty PSU to them. They may not agree and may simply send a replacement, but it's worth a try. If you get a replacement, you can either sell it or use it in a PC that doesn't have a GPU (That's what stresses a PSU the most).

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