Eric7696

Yeah, this seems like the most likely scenario. My buddy has a very similar build. I'm going to drop my CPU and RAM into his system to ensure that those components are still functioning. Then, I will probably proceed with purchasing a new motherboard. AND a surge protector while I'm at it!

I was using an IKEA power strip. It must not have surge protection. Pretty stupid of me.

My system was fully functioning for nearly a year until about two weeks ago. There was a pretty heavy thunderstorm with a lightning strike within a few dozen yards (or meters) of my house. Since then, my system will not boot. I assumed that the storm could have damaged my power supply, and have since tried a brand new PSU to no avail. I have tried stripping the system down to CPU, 1 DIMM and NO drives to see if there were any other hardware issues. I have also tried resetting the CMOS settings by removing power and then removing the MB battery. I have yet to accomplish anything. The only indicator I have is the blinking standby "PWR_LED" on the motherboard that was solid on when the system was functioning. It blinks on about every 3 seconds. I cannot find anything in the MB manual about what this may indicate. Also wondering what component is most likely to fail during a power surge after the PSU. Thanks in advance for any insight! Parts listed below: Intel i5-8600K @ 4.0 GHz Asus ROG STRIX Z370-F Gaming G.Skill Trident Z (4x8 GB) DDR4-3200 Samsung 960 EVO 250 GB A few BarraCuda Drives Sapphire RX 590 NITRO+ SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 650 W (now 750 W)

@WoodenMarker I probably wouldn't really notice much improvement in 200-300MHz in practical application (I'm assuming). I'm pretty new to PC gaming and over clocking, so I may also be a little overprotective of my components as this is my first build. I would probably be alright with the H7 for the time being. I was able to clock the 8600k at 4.8 on all cores with 1.25V and max temps still only around 81ºC.

@Velcade Cool! Any clue if the 120mm on the front would actually create enough clearance for the heat spreaders on the Trident Z modules? I was merely speculating. Thanks for your input!

@Velcade Idle temps are around 40-45ºC and under load in games (GTA V, DOOM, etc.) about 72-77ºC. So my temps are really fine. I'm mostly curious if I could get a higher overclock that would be worth it with less noise and lower temps. I guess temps under 85ºC probably wouldn't decrease the life of my CPU any further than its practical life expectancy?

Would it be feasible to replace the 135mm stock fan with a 120mm Silent Wings 3 for the sake of ram clearance without sacrificing much performance? I have 4x8GB Trident Z on an Asus ROG Strix Z370-F. I'm looking for a slight upgrade to my current Cryorig H7. Furthermore, is it even worth upgrading from the H7? I am currently running an i5 8600k @ 4.7GHz and 1.2V with temps maxing around 79-81ºC in AIDA64. Thanks!