Fans spin for a second then immediately shut off
The power supply initiates boot but triggers internal short-circuit protection (SCP/OCP) almost instantly to prevent component damage.
Internal desktop parts run on harmless 12V DC voltage and cannot shock you. Simply unplug the wall power cable first, then touch the unpainted metal case frame to ground static electricity.
Common Symptoms & Tells
- Fans spin for half a second before halting
- Power LED flashes once then turns off
- System requires power cord pull to attempt turning on again
Interactive Fix Checklist
0 of 5 steps completedSafety power-off and discharge
Shut down the PC, turn off the power supply rocker switch (O), and unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet. Press the front power button once while unplugged to discharge residual capacitor energy before touching any internal components.
Check 8-pin CPU (EPS) power cable
Ensure the 8-pin CPU power cable near the top left of the motherboard is fully seated. Do not confuse 8-pin PCIe graphics cables with 8-pin EPS CPU cables.
Inspect for motherboard standoff shorts
Ensure only required motherboard standoffs are installed in the chassis. An extra standoff behind the motherboard can short power traces to the case chassis.
Strip down to bare minimum components
Disconnect all SATA drives, front USB headers, RGB hubs, and add-in cards. Boot with only CPU, one stick, and motherboard to identify the shorted component.
Inspect PCIe auxiliary connectors on the GPU
Look for burnt pins or melted plastic on 12VHPWR or 8-pin PCIe headers, which trigger emergency latch-off.
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