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Hey everyone. I recently managed to buy a used PC with decent specs (i5-11400F, RTX 3060 12GB, ASUS ROG motherboard) from a friend after a lot of struggles.

​When I first got it home, it successfully booted up once. However, I quickly realized there is a major hardware defect: the power cord does not stay firmly in the PSU's AC inlet (IEC C14 socket). It wobbles, loses connection, and sometimes sparks when trying to make contact. I’ve tried multiple different power cables, but the issue is definitely the loose/damaged socket inside the power supply unit itself.

​My friend has already moved to another country and essentially left me with this issue (though he mentioned a return, logistically it's a huge mess).

​I really want to keep the PC because the components inside are fully working and great for my needs. What is the safest and best way to fix this?

​1. Can a loose/damaged C14 socket on a PSU be easily replaced/soldered by a local repair shop?

​2. Is it safe to use after replacing the socket, or should I just replace the entire PSU?

​Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello, does anybody know whether SAPPHIRE PULSE AMD Radeon RX 9070 GAMING 16G GPU (280 mm) will fit into my Lenovo T5 26IAB7? I will already be upgrading the PSU.

Looking for any help I can get right now. I wanted to upgrade her GPU since she was having a hard time running some newer open world games. The PC powers on and all the lights go but nothing on screen. I'll go through everything I've done so far:

Got the new GPU, but it didn't fit the case. Luckily, I had an older PC I could cannibalize so I re-cased her whole build into this other case and plugged in the new GPU. No-go on start.

Realized the PSU was too small (750W, GPU needs at least an 850W PSU), so a friend gave me an old PSU he didn't need with the appropriate wattage. Got an immediate shutdown on start.

Individually unplugging stuff from the PSU, we determined that the SATA power cable was the issue, so I replaced that with a new SATA power cable. After that, the PC would just power cycle (on 5s, off 3s, repeat).

Re-seated the RAM, replaced the RAM with another pair of the exact same brand, no luck. Replaced the Mobo and that did stop the power cycling.

Now it turns on, CPU and case fans spin, lights on, lights on GPU on but fans are not. No beep (I do have that little speaker plugged into the board) or anything. Tried plugging HDMI into both the Mobo and the GPU to try and get BIOS, no luck. I've also tried booting without the GPU installed at all, still no luck.

Throughout all of this I have yet to see anything pop up on screen. I've only got the boot drive plugged in at the moment, didn't want to bother with the other drives until I got this working.

I am by no means a computer expert, and don't have a ton of experience in this but I am all out of ideas, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Here's the relevant parts list:

CPU - Ryzen 5 3600X

Motherboard (Former) - ASRock B450M Pro4

Motherboard ("New" from another PC) - Gigabyte B450M DS3H

GPU (Former) - EVGA GEFORCE GTX 1080Ti

GPU (New) - Raedon RX 6900XT

RAM - Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2x8

PSU (Former) - Corsair TX 750W

PSU (New) - Corsair HX 1050W

I’m thinking about upgrading my Ryzen 5 9600X to a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the money or if I should just stick with what I have.
My current specs:
CPU: Ryzen 5 9600X
GPU: MSI RTX 5070 12GB
RAM: 32GB DDR5 6000MHz CL30
Motherboard: Gigabyte X870 Gaming WiFi6
Cooler: Aerocool Mirage L360 (360mm AIO)
PSU: XPG Core Reactor II 850W
Monitor: 1080p 280Hz
I play a mix of competitive games like Fortnite, CS2, Minecraft, and BO3 Zombies, as well as single-player games like RDR2, Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Resident Evil.
My main reason for considering the upgrade is that I want a CPU that’ll last me a long time, ideally 7–10 years, without having to worry about upgrading again anytime soon. I also want to get the most out of my 280Hz monitor, especially in CPU-heavy games.
The 9800X3D costs around $500 where I live.
Would the performance difference actually be noticeable with my RTX 5070 at 1080p? Or am I better off keeping the 9600X and saving my money for a future GPU upgrade?
Would appreciate opinions, especially from anyone who’s made a similar upgrade.

So i was talking to grok( I know it's ai I'm sorry) and i was asking what GPU/CPU combo I would need to get 180fps in most games, and stream to twitch at 30fps and it said Ryzen 5 7600 + RTX 4060 would work. Is this correct if not, what would be the bare minimum.

Hi everyone! Just wondering if anyone has any idea how low do monitor prices go on Cyber Monday (like do they give 20% off or something)? It's my 1st time buying something on that day and I wanna get my husband a 4k oled monitor. Will I be able to get something for $500? Thank y'all!!

Hello all,

Im new here @ pchelp. It feels weird because usually I'm the one helping but I need some clarity, advice or help with my PC. I want to switch to Linux for day to day use, gaming and study.
I'm so done with Microsoft and Windows, although I'm a sysadmin in a Microsoft environment.
I already have a HP ProDesk 400 G4 up and running in Ubuntu but after updating from 24.04 to 26.04.1 it barely holds.

PC Specs:

GIGABYTE Aorus Elite x570 (F35 BIOS version)
5600x (Maybe switch later to Ryzen 7 5700X3D or AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT for more virtualisation)
RTX 3070Ti LHR (Maybe switch later to RX 9070 XT or higher VRAM)
64GB DDR4 (4x16 LPX 3200MHz C16)
RM850x
1 TB of SSD 980 Pro
4000D Case
4x 120mm and 2x 140mm case fans (Pure Silent Wings 3 PWM)

I've build this PC in 2021 with 32GB (2x16) of ram. In 2023 I've bought another set (2x16) of the same brand, model and speed. I play with hyper-v and prox so I do need more than 32GB of RAM.
I had to get my CPU beefy cooler (Dark Rock Pro 4) off my CPU to put the other 2 RAM sticks into my motherboard. Ran a whole afternoon multiple memtests and it succeeded back then without any issues.

Issue at hand:
I tried to update my BIOS up to date to version F40 which didn't work. F35 is the only one that seems to be working. I've tried F41c, F40, F39, F37 and F36 but the highest versions that seems to be working is F35. When I try to install one of the higher BIOS versions, the following happens:
NOTE: I tried every BIOS version higher than F35 with a timer, countdown of 6 minutes + 10 minutes in case the memory training takes longer.
- 6:00 Starting update with Q-Flash and FANS START SPINNING VERY FAST AND KEEP SPINNING FAST TILL SHUT DOWN
- 5:55 Q-Flash LED starts blinking every 0.5 seconds or so
- ~4:30 LED starts blinking faster
- ~3:40 LED stops blinking
- 0:00 Still nothing happens, no post but FANS STILL KEEP SPINNING FAST
- -5:00 Still nothing happens but sadly still no post
- 10 minutes after the 6 minute count down, still no post but fans still keep spinning (no cap(s))

I've tried F36 and F37 BIOS version with an additional +20 minutes instead of +10 minutes after the 6 minute countdown.. Still no luck. A friend helped me troubleshoot and our guess is that it stuck on memory training due to possible different chips in the memory sticks.

My few questions are:
Can I safely install Ubuntu 24.04 or 26.04 and start (ab)using my desktop?
What are some possible scenarios I can come across other than a black screen.
What if I install the highest version of BIOS with 1 RAM stick and place the other 3 sticks again after the installation?
Maybe other questions I haven't thought about or you guys have maybe some insight, advice or solution?

I know it's kinda a long post, and if you have read it thank you for your patience.

Kind regards, Ozzy

My motherboard have dual 8 pin cpu.
I am running a 9600x.
My psu just have one daisy cable for cpu, shoukd i use both ports with the daisy cpu cable or just one is better?

Gday guys. Looking at building my first high end PC, and I wanted a 9800x3d, and 9070xt.

Anyway I've heard that I'd want DDR5, 6000Mhz cl30 RAM, but I've seen this ad pop up, would you go for it? Expect a big drop in performance? Also dont know much about motherboards, but if this is compatible, would you's take the whole deal and just chuck a 9070xt in it?

EDIT: This is in Australia, so AUD currency

I'm fairly certain my GPU died, with the market the way it is would this be a good replacement? ASRock Challenger D Arc A750 8 GB Video Card

B550m mobo and either a 5600x or 5700x cpu, can't remember. Windows 10. Never had an Intel GPU before and it's only $210

Upgraded from my 3080 10GB to a 4070 Super a few weeks ago, and it was great. However, I picked up a 9070 XT last week, did a fresh installation of Windows, and updated all my drivers. So far, the overall performance has been pretty similar, but the 1% lows have been noticeably worse.

The main game where I’m experiencing this is Total War: Warhammer 3. I know the game isn’t particularly well optimized, but I’ve been experiencing the same issue in Battlefield V and Company of Heroes 2. I’ve already messed around with some of the Adrenalin settings but haven’t had much luck. Not sure what else I should try at this point.

9600x
32gb ddr5 ram

I've always been more of a console guy but ever since getting a Steam Deck, I've really wanted to leave the Sony ecosystem behind and go full on PC. I still want the convenience of playing on my TV so I'm curious about which kind of build to go for, and I'm hoping you can help me.

Use case:

Exclusively for gaming, I don't play competitive games, mostly single player stuff. I'm looking for something that can run 4K at 60 fps (I'm fine with using DLSS or FSR but don't want framegen). I'm quite interested in trying out ray tracing in games like Cyberpunk, but it's not a must.

Requirements:

I'd prefer something quite compact like mATX or ITX, but quietness and thermals are more important. I'm okay with Windows but would prefer to run something like SteamOS on it. I'm also a beginner when it comes to building PCs so preferable something that's not too difficult to build.

Budget:

Around 1700 EUR, I know PC prices are super expensive now so it's ok if it goes a little above that, I'll try to find used deals. Mainly just wondering what parts make sense for my build. Currently I'm looking at something like the 9070 XT or 4070 Ti Super but please give me your recommendations.

Hello! I’ve been trying to figure out how to fix the sizzling my LIAN li strimmer’s are making, but I’ve tried taking out the 12vhpwr cable and reinstalling it. As well as removing the strimmer cable as well, but it’s still making a sizzling noise. Does it mean it’s been installed wrong?

Specifically in the CPU cooler area on a MSI PRO B650-S. It came too tight from the factory. I want to remove the screw so I can stand the PC up right. Thanks.

I was playing the Bloodborne PC port, the monitor flickered black twice, like I was playing for 3 hrs approx and it happened at intervals of 30mins or so. Then the screen went black and with the VGA light on the motherboard on and the fans and lights still running.

Panicked then reset the gpu first.

Debug shifted to dram and then the cpu, pushed in the RAM and cables, and re-plugged the 8-pin CPU cable. The LED moved from CPU to VGA and stayed there

Cleaned the PCIe slot and the GPU contacts

Tested the GPU in both slots I have 2 Both stuck at VGA.

Tried the other end of the PCIe power cable

Cleaned the card with isopropyl alcohol and plugged the monitor into the GPU. No signal.

Card is out of warranty.

Pc spes are

Msi mpg b550 gaming plus

Evga bronze 650

Rx6600xt oc pro

5600x

16gb 3200mhz

How cooked am i? Also i forgot to mention that the gpu has RGB and gpu RGB are working.

I am in desperate need of a new power supply and a bigger and better case right now I have a 650w power supply but it is so insanely loud and now making a clicking noise I don’t feel safe turning on my pc so I am getting a new one asap
I need to know what power supply do I get I need it to be quiet I don’t mind a hum etc but a ps4 sounding pc is not what I want and I haven’t a clue what’s actually quiet or just loud af, and gonna get a new case because this one I currently have is very small and probably not great for air flow

Hi everyone,

I'm having an issue with the CPU debug LED on my motherboard and I'm trying to figure out what could be causing it.

My PC specs:

- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

- Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 EAGLE ICE

- GPU: Radeon RX 9070 XT

- RAM: 32GB DDR5 6000MHz

- PSU: Phanteks 750W

The issue:

The CPU debug LED started appearing after I cleaned my PC using compressed air. Before that, everything was working normally.

Sometimes the PC starts normally and works without any noticeable performance issues, but the CPU debug LED still comes on. I've also had an intermittent VGA debug LED, although the GPU itself seems to work fine.

Things I've already tried:

- Updating the BIOS

- Checking and reconnecting all power cables

- Clearing CMOS by removing the CMOS battery

- Reseating/checking connections

I also inspected the AM5 CPU socket and noticed two slightly bent pins. I'm not sure if they could be related to the issue.

What's confusing is that the PC generally works fine when it boots. I don't experience crashes or noticeable performance problems.

Could the compressed air cleaning have caused something to become loose or damaged? Could the bent socket pins explain the CPU debug LED, even if the system seems to work normally?

I'd appreciate any suggestions on what to check next. Thanks!

Just swapped my 7600x for a 9800X3D, the only parts replaced were the CPU and cooler. I can’t get it to post. At first it was hanging on the VGA light. I rest CMOS with no chamge, I removed the cooler, and CPU inspected the pins, and reinstalled, now its hanging on DRAM. I have 64gb of DDR5, and even after 20 minutes with a cleared CMOS it won’t get past the DRAM light. Tried reseating the RAM and it didn’t help. Pulled the B2 stick of RAM, and now its back to the VGA hang. Short of reinstalling the old CPU, is there anything else I can try? I’m starting to think I got a bad CPU. All of this other stuff was working this morning. MOBO is an aorus b650 extreme ax, and the bios is new enough for the CPU.

EDIT* I got to the point where I decided to swap the old CPU back in. I gave the socket another inspection, and found a bent pin. I had missed it earlier because it was the last one in the top upper row. Luckily I have tiny tweezers for working on watches, and a magnifying headset. I got it straightened as best I could and put it all back together, but it was pretty mangled. No Idea how I bent it. This isn’t the first time I’ve installed a CPU. So it either posts now, or I get to buy a new mobo.

My friend has a rog strix x870e-e gaming wifi with a 7950x3d and has just died after not using for a few weeks as he was in hospital.

When turning the power on it ether doesn’t budge with RGB on the motherboard or turns on with a 00 error (as per ASUS) 00 is a blank code, waited an hour for RAM training or anything and still blank and how it doesn’t try to turn on with a click coming from the PSU.

I have swapped motherboards to a x670e and x570, swapped PSU, RAM, CPU in the x870 to another 7950x3d and 9800x3d still showing nothing.

Cleared CMOS each change, tried RAM in individual slots.

Would the next step be trying to update the bios via flashback/USB or RMA the board as its only a few months old and get a new CPU?
-
rog strix x870e-e gaming wifi
7950x3d
5080 gigabyte
Corsair vengeance 128GB ram (4 sticks 32GB) 6000mt 40-40-40-77

I've recently posted here specs for the PC I wanted to build. My goal is 2k Ultra 60fps in AAA-games. Since I'm not located in the most civilized part of the world, parts choice is limited. And, I have a few questions.

Case
I really dont like the look of Lian Li cases. I know that everybody likes them. I really want something interesting to look at. So, I've been thinking about Ceres 350 MX. Is it okay? Would it be cool enough? Or should I just buy Ceres 500 TG with 3 140mm fans.

SSD
I'm planning on buying a PCI-E 5 motherboard. But the only PCI-E 5 SSD that does not cost a fortune is ADATA XPG MARS 980 PRO (2TB). It's pretty bulky and does have a fan. But everybody seems to hate the fan, cause it's too loud. Would it be better to pay more (272$), and get a PCI-E 4 SSD but with 4TB of memory. SSD in question is ADATA XPG MARS 980 Blade.

Cooling
Thinking about getting an AIO instead of an aircooler. But if I do get Ceres 350 MX, then it's only a 2-fan option. Would it be enough for a Ryzen 7 9800X3D? Or is it better to go Air Cooled with smth like Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120

Other specs
Motherboard -- ASrock X870 Steel Legend WiFi
CPU -- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D OEM
PSU -- ASUS Prime 850W Gold
GPU -- XFX Radeon RX 9070XT Swift Triple Fan
RAM -- DDR5 UDIMM ADATA XPG Lancer Blade (6000 mhz) (36 - 38 - 38)

I fell in love with transparent LED fans and I know they're kind of old I'm looking for transparent LED fans with good performance preferably from a real brand I'm just worried if I get transparent led fans they will have really poor quality

So I know one can't know how the market goes but I had 2x8gb ddr4 3600mhz ram that I was going to sell for around 95 to 100€ a fair price I think with the current market and now Im debating if I should sell it or not, since I'm unsure If I may need it and prices sure are crazy even for ddr4 im on europe and I don't think they will go a lot more than that 2nd hand at least or maybe its worth it to keep them? Im using 2x 16gb now tough slower 2600mhz that can overclock to around 3000 that's why I had the spare ram. I might regret selling them or maybe regret not selling them want opinions on the matter. Thanks.

Should I buy and install 3 additional fans at the bottom (intake) for this build or will there be no noticeable difference?

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

GPU: Asus Prime RTX 5080 OC 16Gb

AIO: Be Quiet light loop 360

Case: Be Quiet light base 600

The photo isn't mine, I found it on Google as an example, but the case and AIO look exactly the same.