Odd PC behavior (Solved)

[omghaxcode]

Issue summary:
PC won't power on at all. No OS, no beeps, no fans, nothing. The physical power button on the motherboard itself is flashing/flickering at a high rate (like on/off 5-10 times a second) orange. Normally it is solid orange when the computer is off and I believe solid green when on. I've had this happen twice before and literally nothing fixed it other than waiting 24-48 hours. This time it happened during a storm so could be surge related.

Specs:
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H
CPU: Intel I7-2600k
GPUs: 2x Nvidia GTX 670s in SLI
RAM: 4x 4GB of whatever. It has been a while.
PSU: Seasonic X750 Gold

Debug steps:
I tried removing the GPUs and unplugging everything except the motherboard power supplies but the exact same thing happens (flashing power button). I didn't see anything on the motherboard manual about that error signature http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-z77x-ud3h_e.pdf . I tried other outlets, I tried reseating all the power connections... Nothing changes the problem. I didn't remove the CPU because it is a pain in the ass and I don't see how it could help but I did remove its power and tried that.


Summary
So I'm guessing this is a damaged power supply but I haven't seen the flashing power button before so I'm open to other suggestions. This build is ~4 years old now so it wouldn't shock me if the PSU died but Seasonic PSUs really should last longer than 4 years. Anyone have any ideas? What is odd to me is that it recovers after ~24-48 hours without me actually doing anything.

 

[UsandThem]

Your symptoms sound very much like typical PSU going bad issues. Even Seasonic has units that don't forever. I would start there if I was experiencing your issues. Remove everything besides the CPU, OS hard drive, and one stick of RAM. That way you can rule out bad RAM. That PSU has a 7 year warranty, so if it is the culprit, you can RMA it (of course you have to pay to ship it to them), but from reading previous posts here, they have a pretty decent RMA department. I keep an extra PSU for troubleshooting purposes, so if you can't borrow one, maybe just pick up an inexpensive EVGA from Amazon or Best Buy ($30 - $40).

Also, CPU thermal paste dries out over time and becomes less effective. After you figure out your issue, it wouldn't hurt to clean off the old paste, and put some new stuff in there. You didn't say if you are overclocking or not, but if you are, be sure to run stuff at stock until you figure out the issue.

 

[omghaxcode]

I did try the memory step so I don't think that's the issue. I'm pretty confident it is the PSU as well just wanted a second opinion as it is odd that it came back to life for several weeks/months before dying again. This happened a total of three times and has come back twice. I didn't know I had a 7 year warranty actually so thanks for that info. I'll try to find a PSU at work but I don't have one available at home. Thanks.

 

[UsandThem]

it is odd that it came back to life for several weeks/months before dying again. This happened a total of three times and has come back twice.

Another thing you might want to try before replacing the PSU, take a look at your BIOS battery, and get a replacement from Home Depot/Lowes/Grocery store. After that you can clear your CMOS. That would cover a $4 fix if your motherboard battery is the culprit. If you've had that system since its release, the battery would be over 6 years old.

Now for the most probable issue, it could be a bad/swollen capacitor in there causing those type of issues. The problem with PSUs is they hold a deadly charge, so unless you know exactly what you are doing, it can end very badly. So I wouldn't even open it up (which often voids your warranty anyways). I would just try out another PSU, and if it fixes the issues, just send the other one off for RMA.

Just don't be like the last guy I helped on here with a Seasonic RMA, and send your cables and accessories in with the PSU. Even though the RMA instructions said to only send the PSU, he sent everything in. Luckily they returned them to him, or he would have been SOL since PSU cables are usually unit specific and not interchangeable.

Good luck!

 

[VirtualLarry]

Just don't be like the last guy I helped on here with a Seasonic RMA, and send your cables and accessories in with the PSU. Even though the RMA instructions said to only send the PSU, he sent everything in. Luckily they returned them to him, or he would have been SOL since PSU cables are usually unit specific and not interchangeable.

That's good to know. Noted.

 

[omghaxcode]

Lol, appreciate it. I'll grab a new battery just in case and give it a shot.

 

[omghaxcode]

I replaced the PSU and reboot went fine. Thanks for the guidance.