calling on you guys' experience while I'm searching through Google...

I'm in safe mode doing stuff when the computer just dies. Faint burnt smell coming from PC so I'm thinking CPU at first.

Board is MSi 790GX-G65
CPU is AMD Phenom II x4 965 (never overclocked, never unseated or removed HSF since original POST test @ hardware store)

I can't get the PC to power back on at all. Unplugging, replugging, then turning it on will get you some of the board's LEDs for a split second (no fan movement, nothing). You can't get the LEDs to do that again unless you physically pull the plug and let it sit a few seconds.

When I remove the 4pin 12v connector (CPU power), I can get fans and HDDs turned on and stay running. Nothing is posting, of course. I cannot turn it off by power switch, only by PSU switch/plug.

I've removed RAM, switched RAM, switched PSU, reseated/pasted CPU and HSF (yes, I used a thin layer of mid-grade Arctic Silver with no overspread), and unplugged everything except ATX connector and aforementioned 4-pin connector. I did not notice any burns or smells on CPU but the room is a bit on the dim side.

No board speaker, so I can't hear any beeps.

Any ideas?

12/24/2011 12:14:34 PM

n/m there IS a speaker but no beeps

12/24/2011 12:49:39 PM

well that model uses solid-type capacitors, so that lowers the chance it was one of those blowing.

Can you confirm the power supply is good? You'll usually see a light on the motherboard when it's receiving power but not turned on. If you don't you might want to test your power supply.

If it was a fan or usb port failure you'd usually get a screen saying so....

And for what it's worth I've never seen a CPU go without the motherboard going; unless it just wasn't seated right or something stupid...

[Edited on December 26, 2011 at 12:36 AM. Reason : missed that you switched out PSU's already.]

[Edited on December 26, 2011 at 12:37 AM. Reason : my guess is your motherboard is cooked if it won't boot with the 4pin ]

12/26/2011 12:35:26 AM

well it was the motherboard

[/case closed]

12/28/2011 12:36:39 AM