Can a faulty CPU kill a motherboard?

[JohnnyBhoy]

I recently had a new 12900K build decide not to boot anymore (with a 00 Q-code and CPU led lit up on mb) and other strange behaviour (no it's not the Hero).

I suspected it was most likely a motherboard problem, and I'm expecting a replacement soon. However I also ordered another 12900K just in case.

Only thing is my current 12900K is an SP86, and if this new one is worse I'll be tempted to swap it out for my old one. Nervous about testing the old one though but I want to know if it works. So let's assume that it is bad, could it damage my new motherboard?

 

[phanbuey]

It's extremely unlikely for a faulty CPU to kill a mobo.

I would test the old one and not worry about it.

 

[Mr.Scott]

Sure. Although unlikely, it's not impossible.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I agree with Mr.Scott. It is possible but not likely. More likely is the other way around - a faulty motherboard takes out the CPU.

That said, unless mishandled, CPUs, once properly mounted and working, rarely fail - at least not until years of good service.

Did you verify you had a good power supply before ordering other parts?

 

[Mr.Scott]

That said, unless mishandled, CPUs, once properly mounted and working, rarely fail -

Yup......unless extreme abuse via heat or voltage.

 

[JohnnyBhoy]

I agree with Mr.Scott. It is possible but not likely. More likely is the other way around - a faulty motherboard takes out the CPU.

That said, unless mishandled, CPUs, once properly mounted and working, rarely fail - at least not until years of good service.

Did you verify you had a good power supply before ordering other parts?

My PSU is high end (AX1500i) and a couple years old. It has a self-test function. I tested it outside the case and it passed. I have no other PSU around to test in the system btw. Hope that's enough to give it the all clear?

Yup......unless extreme abuse via heat or voltage.

Yeah of course but I never even overclocked it. Also physically it seems perfect which is why I suspect it might be okay..

 

[Bill_Bright]

My PSU is high end (AX1500i) and a couple years old. It has a self-test function. I tested it outside the case and it passed.

All that really does is test that it powers on. It does not test to ensure the output voltages are within the allowed ±5% tolerances, that the voltages are properly regulated, or that ripple is sufficiently suppressed. It is a better test than no test, but outside of a properly equipped testing facility, the only way a normal user can conclusively test a PSU is to swap in another known good supply and see if the same symptoms appear, or if the problem goes away.

Testing with another supply is something I would urge before RMAing or buying any new replacement parts.

 

[JohnnyBhoy]

All that really does is test that it powers on. It does not test to ensure the output voltages are within the allowed ±5% tolerances, that the voltages are properly regulated, or that ripple is sufficiently suppressed. It is a better test than no test, but outside of a properly equipped testing facility, the only way a normal user can conclusively test a PSU is to swap in another known good supply and see if the same symptoms appear, or if the problem goes away.

Testing with another supply is something I would urge before RMAing or buying any new replacement parts.

Okay that makes sense. Thing is that same power supply was powering my previous build for years right up to this new one. So it would be odd if it just happened to act up when I switch to this build. Especially given that my last system was pulling more power as I was running SLI 2080 Tis as opposed to the single Ti I'm using now..

I honestly really hope the problem was the motherboard... Anyway it's been sent off now so I can no longer test it (even if I had another power supply)..

Btw I forgot to mention the issue started after I swapped out an AIO for another unit. Not that it matters as I reseated and checked and triple checked all my cabling/connections to no avail. Still was not booting..

 

[Bill_Bright]

Thing is that same power supply was powering my previous build for years right up to this new one. So it would be odd if it just happened to act up when I switch to this build.

Odd, but not impossible.

The problem is, everything inside the computer case depends on good, clean, stable power. Without that, any of those powered devices could appear to be bad, when really, they just have dirty, unstable power.

All electronics die - eventually. You said that PSU has been working for years. That's great. But then you changed its environment.

 

[ir_cow]

Motherboards can kill CPUs, haven't heard of the other way around. Not with retail CPUs. Maybe with a ES Chip if someone at R&D really messed up.

 

[Mr.Scott]

Motherboards can kill CPUs, haven't heard of the other way around. Not with retail CPUs. Maybe with a ES Chip if someone at R&D really messed up.

Nah. It happens. I have a few killer processors from the socket A and 939 era's......one AM2 also now that I think about it. Cost me a few boards before I figured it out.

 

[Caring1]

00 q-code indicates it's an ASUS motherboard, correct?
More details would help.

 

[Bones]

Nah. It happens. I have a few killer processors from the socket A and 939 era's......one AM2 also now that I think about it. Cost me a few boards before I figured it out.

Had that happen with the Opty 152 I had.
The original problem was the board (Blew a MOSFET) and after that the chip itself became a board eater - Like it had been bitten by a silicon vampire and now IT was out for electrons too.
Found that out after it caused the same thing to another board.

In short:
While it's VERY unlikely to, it can happen depending on how the failure occurs to what component in the system.

 

[JohnnyBhoy]

Odd, but not impossible.

The problem is, everything inside the computer case depends on good, clean, stable power. Without that, any of those powered devices could appear to be bad, when really, they just have dirty, unstable power.

All electronics die - eventually. You said that PSU has been working for years. That's great. But then you changed its environment.

I guess I'll just have to test it with the new motherboard and cpu then before it can be ruled out.

00 q-code indicates it's an ASUS motherboard, correct?
More details would help.

Yes, that's right. The Z690 Apex.

Had that happen with the Opty 152 I had.
The original problem was the board (Blew a MOSFET) and after that the chip itself became a board eater - Like it had been bitten by a silicon vampire and now IT was out for electrons too.
Found that out after it caused the same thing to another board.

In short:
While it's VERY unlikely to, it can happen depending on how the failure occurs to what component in the system.

I'm thinking I might RMA the cpu to Intel so they can test it for me!

 

[eidairaman1]

I guess I'll just have to test it with the new motherboard and cpu then before it can be ruled out.


Yes, that's right. The Z690 Apex.


I'm thinking I might RMA the cpu to Intel so they can test it for me!

Get your motherboard tested

 

[JohnnyBhoy]

Just an update. It was the motherboard.

My new board solved everything. I also tested the old CPU in it and it works.. So it seems my faulty board did not take my CPU out with it as well which is what worried me.

Anyway the new cpu was an sp85 (1 point lower lol), so I'm gonna return or sell that one and stick with my old sp86..

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Bones]

Good to hear you got things sorted.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I agree - great to hear you got it sorted out and thanks for coming back and posting your followup!