CPU fan isn't functioning properly; computer stuck in a short power on/ power off cycle.

Jaylad

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Jul 7, 2016
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My problem began when I noticed that my CPU was overheating, starting at 60 degrees Celsius and climbing to 80+ degrees Celsius while idling. I dusted off the inside of my computer and removed the old stock heat sink that came with the CPU and noticed that the thermal paste was dry and cracked.

I just finished replacing an old heat sink with a new stock Intel heat sink. I installed it correctly, but now have a problem when I try to turn my computer on. The fan on the new Intel heat sink twitches once or twice, then spins for a second before my computer shuts itself down. It repeats this cycle, turning on, the CPU fan starts spinning, and then everything shutting down. Even using a different new heat sink gives me the same results despite the fan spinning as soon as the computer is turned on.

The old heat sink fan was a stock Intel heat sink that came with an i5-2500k. Specifically E97378-001; 0.60A / Delta. The two new heat sinks I attempted using were an Intel (E97378-001; 0.28A / NIDEC) and a Rosewill RCX-Z300 92mm Ball CPU Cooler. I can't use the 0.60A/Delta any more; two of its plastic push-pins are broken, so it can't be mounted onto the motherboard properly.

My computer specs:
CPU: Intel i5-2500k
GPU: nvidia GTX 280
RAM: G Skill DDR3 4GB x2
MOBO: MSI P67A-C43 B3
PSU: Antec BP550PLUS

All of my hardware is 4-5 years old, but has functioned perfectly up until this point.

What could be causing this and how should I begin troubleshooting? My computer doesn't stay powered on long enough to access the BIOS menu or the OS.
 
Solution
Take out your video card, and try again, just to make sure is not the PSU that is giving issues, if it does the same could be something else, like your mobo.

Krnt

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Dec 31, 2009
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Take out your video card, and try again, just to make sure is not the PSU that is giving issues, if it does the same could be something else, like your mobo.
 
Solution

Jaylad

Commendable
Jul 7, 2016
7
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1,510


I didn't add any of my own thermal paste, instead just going with the paste that was already applied on the new Intel heat sink that I ordered.

Before installing the new Intel heat sink that I mentioned, I made sure to thoroughly clean the CPU. I'm almost entirely sure that I installed it correctly.
 

Jaylad

Commendable
Jul 7, 2016
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1,510


Will do. I'll try this out and post my findings tomorrow.
 

Jaylad

Commendable
Jul 7, 2016
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1,510


Within the next few days I'll have some new thermal paste and will be able to try this.
 

Jaylad

Commendable
Jul 7, 2016
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Here's an update on my situation:

I unplugged all disk drives and optical drives from the motherboard.

I removed my video card and turned my computer on, but got the same results.

Then I removed both RAM sticks and powered my computer on, again with the same results.

I'm still having the same problem with the Intel heat sink fan. The fan doesn't begin spinning until about three seconds after my computer is turned on. It then starts spinning loudly for one second before my computer shuts down. After two or three seconds of being powered down, my computer turns on again and repeats the same behavior.

According to my MOBO's user guide, the MOBO has an onboard CMOS RAM that can be cleared by adjusting a jumper. Should I bother clearing the CMOS RAM and trying again?

Also, I have an old 305 Watt Dell PSU that might be compatible with my MOBO.
 

Krnt

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Dec 31, 2009
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I've seen that behavior before but I can't remember what was causing it, anyway, I would recommend to wait until you get the new paste and check the CPU pins as KeelinTy said, the problem could be as bad as a dead CPU, but you have to make sure of that first.
 

Jaylad

Commendable
Jul 7, 2016
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1,510


Alright. My old PSU isn't compatible with my MOBO (which isn't a surprise given how old it is) so there isn't much else I can do other than wait. I'll post an update once the thermal paste arrives.
 

Jaylad

Commendable
Jul 7, 2016
7
0
1,510
I had an unexpected update to my situation:

I reinstalled one of my RAM sticks and attempted powering my computer on again. The heat sink fan exhibited the same behavior, but after one second of it spinning loudly it slowed down and stabilized. I tested it after installing the second RAM stick and again after installing my video card; neither seemed to introduce any problems.

My computer functions normally after attaching my SSD, optical drive and all of the usual peripherals.

From the BIOS menu, my CPU appears to be idling at a stable 50-54 degrees Celsius. When my OS starts running it cools to about 40 degrees Celsius, and while running a game it stays between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. My GPU appears to be running hot, idling at about 50 degrees and climbing to 85 degrees Celsius while running the same game. I'll continue to monitor my CPU and GPU temperature over the next few days.

I don't have any explanation as to why my computer is working normally. Could it have been reinstalling the RAM stick that fixed it?

Anyway, I'll mark the thread as solved. Thanks for all of the support.
 

Krnt

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Dec 31, 2009
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It is possible that the ram was causing the issue, I've had ram sticks making false contact, but normally I would get some sort of alert, like a beep code or status leds on the motherboard indicating the issue.

I'm glad that you have found the solution, now this can show up again most likely, because of this ram contact issues could be intermittent, a good way to avoid this it to clean the ram contacts and make sure that the ram slots are clean too.