Dead Computer... again!

[Amplified]

Alright guys, I'm resorting to asking a forum to help me troubleshoot my dead computer. Please give this a quick read as I want to explain everything, so I can get the best support I can get.

 

I built my computer in 2012 with the following parts:

Case: Zalman Z11 Plus

Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G43

CPU: i7 3770k cooled with the Hyper 212 EVO

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600 MHz

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB, also added a Samsung 850 EVO SSD 250GB in 2015.

GPU: was running a EVGA GTX 660 Ti and then upgraded to a Zotac GTX 1070 Mini in January 2017.

PSU: Silverstone ST75ZF 750W  (probably 10+ years old now) https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256006

 

I ran into a problem with my one of my RAM sticks which gave me the BSOD. I replaced both sticks with 4x4GB CORSAIR Vengeance LP; https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233196&gclid=Cj0KEQjwofHHBRDS0Pnhpef89ucBEiQASEp6LOqPiE--6Dw0H3FPxoYidpXwH_SilqAahrQkcYKs1YQaAtvL8P8HAQ

 

Two weeks later, I ran into a dead computer. I diagnosed it by unplugging the new ram, all taking out new components, and etc. I also tried to jump the motherboard by using a flat head screw driver on the PW switch pins. Then, I tested the PSU voltages of EVERY cable using the paperclip method with a multi-meter. All of the cables returned corrected and stable voltages. I concluded it as a dead motherboard. I ordered one off eBay one month ago as no one sells LGA-1155 motherboards anymore. It was a new MSI B75A-G43. After 2 weeks of using it, I tried turning my computer on (6 hours ago of this post) and nothing. No sound, or anything, just like the first time it died. 

 

Many people say it's not worth upgrading my parts as I have pretty decent parts that will handle a lot. A lot of opinions were given to me that upgrading from my i7 3770k to an i7 7700k will not be worth it. 

 

Something is shorting my motherboard out, maybe it's my old PSU? That's my theory now since the problem has happened twice. 

 

I want your guy's suggestion on what I should do. I can order another motherboard on eBay again, and may opt for a higher end mobo that can OC and SLI. Additionally, buy a new PSU that is bronze or gold rated (~600-800W, as I may want to SLI my GTX 1070.

 

Sorry for the long read, but I explained my problem thoroughly. I hope I can get better insight as I'm torn on what to do now.

 

[LienusLateTips]

Standoffs? Sounds like its failing POST.

[Skiiwee29]

I would think it the PSU personally based on the symptoms. I would try replacing the power supply before anything else. In my signature is a link to a PSU tier thread. For your system you should look at Tier 3 and above for the best quality. 

[crzyces]

14 minutes ago, legacy99 said:

I would think it the PSU personally based on the symptoms. I would try replacing the power supply before anything else. In my signature is a link to a PSU tier thread. For your system you should look at Tier 3 and above for the best quality. 

That tier 3 be Quiet! - Straight Power E10 Gold+ should be a tier 1. It is one badass PSU.

[Amplified]

50 minutes ago, JDE said:

Standoffs? Sounds like its failing POST.

My standoffs look fine, I'm not sure what to look for exactly.

[Amplified]

49 minutes ago, legacy99 said:

I would think it the PSU personally based on the symptoms. I would try replacing the power supply before anything else. In my signature is a link to a PSU tier thread. For your system you should look at Tier 3 and above for the best quality. 

Yeah, I thought it would be a PSU problem based on my diagnosis. 

 

So you suggest buying another mobo off eBay, and getting a new PSU that is tier 3 and above from your sig?

 

I was going to get that Seasonic M12II 620 W that was on sale.. but I decided to pass. I should've pulled the trigger!!

[Amplified]

Also... would eBay be the only place I can find a LGA-1155 mobo now?

 

edit: I decided I probably won't SLI but would this motherboard be good enough for my build + OC my CPU?

 

http://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z77P-D3-rev-11#ov

[Biggerboot]

1 hour ago, Amplified said:

My standoffs look fine, I'm not sure what to look for exactly.

Does the motherboard show any signs of life at all?  Sometimes you'll get beep codes for post failures if you have an internal speaker installed, or code lights.

 

Try the board cold turkey too.  Take it out of the case with just the CPU and RAM (minimum to boot).  

 

If both boards are dead then yeah, I would change the PSU, and maybe get a better surge protector.  Not sure I agree with a high end board on an older platform but that's up to you.

[Amplified]

1 minute ago, Biggerboot said:

Does the motherboard show any signs of life at all?  Sometimes you'll get beep codes for post failures if you have an internal speaker installed, or code lights.

 

Try the board cold turkey too.  Take it out of the case with just the CPU and RAM (minimum to boot).  

 

If they're both dead then yeah, I would change the PSU.  Not sure I agree with a high end board on an older platform but that's up to you.

No life at all. I tried the board 'cold turkey' as well. I took EVERYTHING out of my case, and only left the CPU and RAM in then plugged in the 24 pin + 8 pin CPU cable. Tried jumping it with the flat head and nothing still. My mobo doesn't have a button on it to start it, unless there's another way?...

[Amplified]

13 hours ago, JDE said:

Standoffs? Sounds like its failing POST.

I think I'll replace the standoffs and the screws as well for a piece of mind. Any you'd recommend? Plastic vs. metal, etc.. ?

[LienusLateTips]

6 hours ago, Amplified said:

I think I'll replace the standoffs and the screws as well for a piece of mind. Any you'd recommend? Plastic vs. metal, etc.. ?

They have to be metal. I have never seen a plastic screw in a PC in my whole life.