The Weirdest Computer Problem I’ve Ever Had to Solve: A Case of Continual Shorting
Assemblers and computer enthusiasts know that building a new PC can bring immense joy and gaming excitement. However, the case I built in October 2022 was a unique challenge that tested my troubleshooting skills like never before. This article delves into the bizarre sequence of events that led me to discover the unassuming culprit behind the mysterious shorting issues in my PC.
Initial Build and the First Anomaly
I decided to upgrade my system with a new B550 motherboard and Ryzen 5 3600 CPU. With a fast DDR4 RAM and a GTX1080ti already in place, I felt like I was ready to game at a beastly level. I visited a wholesaler, known for supplying parts to repair shops and retail trade, to ensure I got the best quality components. Anticipating any potential issues, I was confident the parts would be technically sound.
However, upon assembly, my PC displayed a baffling message: “USB Device Over Current Status Detected.” The system wouldn’t even power on, a clear sign that something was amiss with the motherboard or a connected USB device. Despite multiple attempts, the issue persisted, leaving me baffled. I returned the faulty components, and the wholesaler replaced the motherboard. Miraculously, the system worked perfectly, only to fail a few weeks later.
Days of Intermittent Failures
Over the next few weeks, the system functioned well, but on one fateful morning, it failed to start completely. With no visible signs of power, I suspected a faulty power supply, especially considering the recent power cuts in my area. Replacing the PSU with a new one resolved the issue temporarily, but it was doomed to failure again in just three days.
Desperate for a solution, I called the wholesaler and tried switching the PC on while speaking with a technician. To my surprise, it powered on. This unpredictable behavior was bizarre and almost supernatural. Believing the PC to be cursed, I consigned it back to the wholesaler, who attempted to start it multiple times with similar results.
The Rusty Port Theory
When the wholesaler suggested that rusty ports on my GPU might be the culprit, I hesitated, but my trusty GTX1080ti was indeed causing intermittent shorting issues. I exchanged the GPU for my wife’s RX570 and my son’s RX580, but the system continued to malfunction. This further supported the theory that the case itself might be the cause. The wholesaler warned me to remove the GPU, unplug everything, remove the CMOS battery, and then reassemble the system, which fixed the issue for a while.
The Final Revelation
After months of frustration, I opted to buy a new RTX3070 for a substantial discount. Testing all the new parts in a different case, I discovered my long-neglected PC issues had cleared up overnight. The real culprit was a bad solder junction on the switches of the original case. This faulty soldering was causing the issue, and it was the first part touched during assembly and the last to be removed.
Upon reflection, I realize that the USB port issues were my first indication that something might be amiss. I should have taken a closer look at the case back then. My quest to identify the problem shows that, despite the many potential causes, the unassuming case was often the source of intermittent power-related issues.
The Moral of the Story
Anyone building a PC should take the time to acutely examine the case for any signs of shorts or malfunctions. While it might seem like a minor detail, a faulty connection in the case can wreak havoc on the entire system. Don't overlook the seemingly insignificant components; they could be the source of your most challenging troubleshooting tasks.