How to 'Troubleshoot'

[NeonJam]

Hey all,

 

I've been having problems with my recently build computer and have decided it would be a great Idea to troubleshoot the problem myself before getting help! Can anyone help and suggest how I would troubleshoot or even if I can the following items:

 

HDD

PSU

RAM

GPU

and if I can

CPU

Motherboard

 

Also what are good temp monitoring software I can use?

 

NeonJam

 

 

[improbablepants]

It depends on the issue. There are different ways to diagnose a part depending on the situation.

[Virgule]

1- Test the system with only CPU and RAM inserted in the motherboard. PSU is connected to motherboard obviously. If the system posts, your 4 components are likely fine.

2- Use memtest86 to fully test RAM. Create a bootable disk with the memtest on it. A google search will tell you exactly how to proceed.

3- Any stuck number shown on your motherboard's LED display (if any) or during boot up can indicate a problem with the motherboard or connected components. Look in motherboard manual if this is the case.

4- Seagate SMART tools can test HDDs and SSDs

5- A multimeter can test the PSU.

 

As said by improbablepants, the issues you're having will lead to more probable scenarios. Care to explain exactly the problems you are experiencing ?

[0x550x42]

HDD: Hook it up to another system and see if it works...

PSU: If the CPU fan is working it's probably working fine...

RAM: If the system doesn't boot up, maybe the RAM sticks are causing the problem...

GPU: Try to pull out the unit and hook up the monitor to the MOBO, see if it works...

CPU: Won't boot up

Motherboard: If everything else fails...

[Virgule]

HDD: Hook it up to another system and see if it works...

Can't tell you if you have bad/corrupted sectors.

 

 

PSU: If the CPU fan is working it's probably working fine..

Keyword : Probably. This doesn't tell you if a particular rail or connector has voltage or not.

 

 

RAM: If the system doesn't boot up, maybe the RAM sticks are causing the problem...

Keyword : Maybe. As I said, Memtest86 will tell you for sure.

 

 

GPU: Try to pull out the unit and hook up the monitor to the MOBO, see if it works.....

Also, test all ports, look if the fan(s) are spinning (if you don't have a zero fan profile), look if the pcb's leds (if any) are lit up, check device manager and gpu-z (after installing drivers) if the card is properly recognized, run a benchmark or two and compare your score with similar cards.

 

 

CPU: Won't boot up

Pretty much. The motherboard will let you know with a message either that no CPU is inserted or that there are problem(s) with the cpu (not recognized, ...)

 

 

Motherboard: If everything else fails...

This is the first thing you test as I stated with my first step (booting up with mobo+ram+cpu). After that, further tests can be done on PCIe slots, DIMM slots, SATA ports, ...

[NeonJam]

I am experiencing Random Crashes without a crash report and a slow reboot

[Virgule]

I am experiencing Random Crashes without a crash report and a slow reboot

Any overclocking done ? What are your specs ? Any changes done in bios settings ? 

[NeonJam]

No Overclocking and no Bios Changes,

 

CPU: AMD 6300

HDD: 2TB HDD

GPU: Sapphire R9 270X 2GB OC

RAM: 2x4GB Kingston HyperX Beast 2133

Motherboard: Asus M5A99X EVO R2.0

PSU: Corsair CX Builder series 600W Semi-Modular

Case: NZXT Phantom 410

[Virgule]

No Overclocking and no Bios Changes,

CPU: AMD 6300

HDD: 2TB HDD

GPU: Sapphire R9 270X 2GB OC

RAM: 2x4GB Kingston HyperX Beast 2133

Motherboard: Asus M5A99X EVO R2.0

PSU: Corsair CX Builder series 600W Semi-Modular

Case: NZXT Phantom 410

Run memtest86