Welcome to the Advaitβs Tech Hub AβZ PC Repair Guide
Whether youβre a beginner or an experienced builder, keeping your PC running smoothly is easier when you know what to check and how to fix common issues. This guide takes you letter by letter, from π ° to π, covering everything from airflow and BIOS settings to GPUs, storage, and troubleshooting no-boot scenarios.
Each section gives you:
Overview: Why it matters
Common Issues: Problems to watch out for
Steps / Fixes: Clear instructions to resolve them
Pro Tips: Expert advice from Advaitβs Tech Hub
Click any letter to expand its guide and get practical, actionable tips to maintain, optimize, and repair your PC. Whether itβs a quick DIY fix or a reminder of best practices, this AβZ guide is your go-to reference for keeping your system in top shape.
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Overview:
Proper airflow is essential for maintaining performance and hardware longevity.
Common Issues:
- High CPU or GPU temperatures
- Loud fan noise
- Unstable performance during gaming or heavy workloads
Steps:
1. Plan air direction: Front/bottom intake, rear/top exhaust.
2. Clean regularly with compressed air.
3. Optimize cable routing.
4. Upgrade fans (PWM/fluid bearing).
5. Monitor temperatures (HWMonitor/NZXT CAM).
Pro Tip: A clean airflow setup can reduce temps by up to 10Β°C.
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Overview: The BIOS handles booting, hardware compatibility, and system stability.
Common Issues:System not booting after new component installation
RAM speed not recognized
Random crashes after update
Steps:
Identify your motherboard model.
Download the latest BIOS from the official site.
Format USB to FAT32 and copy the BIOS file.
Enter BIOS and launch flashing utility.
Enable XMP for RAM speed; adjust boot order and fan curves.
Pro Tip: Update only when necessaryββIf itβs stable, donβt risk it.β
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Overview: Good cable management ensures strong airflow, safe connections, and professional appearance.
Common Issues:Loose connections causing shutdowns
Drives or fans not detected
Blocked airflow from tangled wiring
Steps:
Route PSU cables behind the motherboard tray.
Secure with zip ties or Velcro straps.
Avoid sharp bends or tension.
Double-check all PSU and GPU connections.
Pro Tip: Every PC built by Advaitβs Tech Hub follows strict cable routing standards for safety and performance.
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Overview: Dust is one of the most common causes of overheating and hardware degradation.
Common Issues:Fans running loudly
Components overheating
Random shutdowns
Steps:
Power off and unplug the PC.
Use compressed air to blow dust out of fans, vents, and heatsinks.
Hold fans in place while cleaning to avoid damage.
Clean every 3β6 months.
Pro Tip: Install dust filters on intake fans to reduce buildup and extend cleaning intervals.
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Overview: Motherboard LEDs and beeps help identify faulty components before boot.
Common Issues:VGA, CPU, or DRAM lights stuck on
System not posting
Steps:
Refer to motherboard manual for code meanings.
Reseat RAM, GPU, and CPU power cables.
Test parts one by one.
Pro Tip: Keep a digital copy of your motherboard manual handyβitβs your best diagnostic tool.
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Overview: Fans regulate airflow and temperature across components.
Common Issues:Loud or rattling noise
Fans not spinning or spinning too fast
Steps:
Clean fan blades and bearings.
Check headers and power connectors.
Replace failing fans.
Balance intake vs exhaust for proper cooling.
Pro Tip: Quality fans reduce heat and extend component life β use only premium brands.
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Overview: GPU drives visual output and performance; often the source of VGA light errors.
Common Issues:No display signal
VGA light stuck on motherboard
Overheating during games
Steps:
Reseat GPU in PCIe slot.
Ensure power cables are fully inserted.
Test different display ports or cables.
Update GPU drivers.
Pro Tip: Always support your GPU with an anti-sag bracket to protect the motherboard slot.
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Item descripOverview: Drives store critical data and degrade over time.
Common Issues:Slow performance
Clicking sounds (HDD)
Boot failures
Steps:
Monitor SMART data using CrystalDiskInfo.
Back up data regularly.
Replace drives with high reallocation counts.
Keep SSD firmware updated.
Pro Tip: Clone to a new SSD every 3β5 years to prevent data loss.tion
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Overview: Proper installation ensures a stable, long-lasting system.
Common Issues:Bent CPU pins
RAM not seated properly
Loose cooler or GPU
Steps:
Ground yourself to prevent static discharge.
Gently insert parts; never force connections.
Apply thermal paste correctly (pea-sized dot).
Verify all cables before first boot.
Pro Tip: Test components outside the case first (bench test) for faster troubleshooting.
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Overview: CMOS resets fix many no-boot or configuration problems.
Steps:Locate the CMOS jumper (consult your motherboard manual).
Move it to the clear position for 10 seconds.
Return it to its original position and reboot.
Pro Tip: Use a CMOS reset instead of removing the battery for safer troubleshooting.
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Common Issues:
Keys not responding
Ghost typing
Backlight malfunction
Fixes:
Test the keyboard on another PC.
Update or reinstall drivers.
Clean debris between keys.
For mechanical keyboards, check for switch failure.
Pro Tip: A quick USB port change solves 50% of keyboard issues instantly.
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Overview: RGB lighting should enhance your setup β not complicate it.
Steps:Use one control app (e.g., ASUS Aura, NZXT CAM).
Avoid connecting incompatible RGB headers (ARGB vs RGB).
Manage cables cleanly to prevent short circuits.
Pro Tip: Keep lighting profiles subtle β looks professional and reduces power draw.
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Common Issues:
System boot loops
Random crashes
RAM not running at rated speed
Fixes:
Reseat RAM sticks firmly.
Run MemTest86 for diagnostics.
Enable XMP in BIOS.
Replace defective sticks.
Pro Tip: Always match RAM frequency and brand for multi-stick configurations.
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Common Issues:
Dropped Wi-Fi
Slow internet
Network not detected
Fixes:
Update adapter drivers.
Use Ethernet for critical work.
Reboot router/modem.
Position PC closer to router or use mesh Wi-Fi.
Pro Tip: Wired connections are best for gaming or large file transfers.
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Common Symptoms:
Sudden shutdowns
High fan speeds
CPU throttling
Fixes:
Clean dust from heatsinks and fans.
Reapply thermal paste.
Improve airflow or upgrade cooler.
Check case placement β avoid closed spaces.
Pro Tip: Run stress tests after fixes to ensure temperature stability.
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Overview: A reliable PSU ensures stable performance and prevents hardware damage.
Common Issues:System not powering on
Random restarts
Burning smell or coil whine
Fixes:
Verify cables are secure.
Test with a PSU tester or multimeter.
Ensure wattage matches system needs.
Replace aging or cheap units.
Pro Tip: Always use 80+ rated PSUs from trusted brands.
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Overview: Quick Boot speeds up startup by skipping certain checks.
Steps:Enable Quick Boot in BIOS for faster startup.
Disable it when installing new hardware for accurate detection.
Pro Tip: Fast boot is convenient, but disable it when troubleshooting.
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When to Reinstall:
Malware infection
Severe performance drops
Corrupted system files
Steps:
Backup important data.
Create a bootable USB using Microsoftβs tool.
Perform a clean install (delete old partitions).
Install all drivers and updates afterward.
Pro Tip: Fresh install every 2β3 years keeps your PC performing optimally.
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Common Issues:
Slow boot times
Missing drives
Bad sectors
Fixes:
Check drive health using SMART tools.
Defragment HDDs; avoid defragging SSDs.
Update SSD firmware.
Use surge protection.
Pro Tip: Leave at least 10β15% of drive space free for optimal performance.
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Overview: Thermal paste bridges the gap between CPU and cooler.
Steps:Clean old paste with isopropyl alcohol.
Apply a pea-sized drop in the center.
Reinstall the cooler evenly.
Pro Tip: Replace paste every 2 years or after cooler upgrades.
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Common Issues:
USB devices not detected
Power issues on ports
Fixes:
Reinstall USB drivers.
Test different devices and ports.
Disable USB selective suspend in Windows.
Check for physical damage.
Pro Tip: Use rear ports for high-power devices to prevent instability.
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Steps:
Reseat GPU and power cables.
Test monitor and cable separately.
Reset BIOS.
Try onboard graphics if available.
Pro Tip: A VGA light doesnβt always mean GPU failure; sometimes itβs just a bad connection.
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Fixes:
Update adapter drivers.
Reposition antennas or router.
Use Ethernet for critical workloads.
Limit background bandwidth-heavy apps.
Pro Tip: Mesh systems are far more reliable than extenders for large spaces.
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Steps:
Enter BIOS and enable XMP/DOCP.
Verify system stability with stress tests.
Update BIOS if RAM profiles arenβt detected.
Pro Tip: XMP can improve memory performance by up to 20% β always check compatibility.
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Steps:
Open Device Manager.
Right-click device β Update Driver.
Install manufacturer drivers if automatic update fails.
Pro Tip: Keep all GPU, chipset, and LAN drivers updated to avoid instability.
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Overview: When your PC powers on but shows no display or beeps.
Fixes:Disconnect everything except CPU, 1 RAM stick, and GPU.
Test RAM slots individually.
Reset BIOS.
Inspect motherboard for shorts or bent pins.
Pro Tip: Start with minimal componentsβit isolates the issue faster.
Every computer has a lifespan, but with proper care, it can serve you well for years. This guide is your AβZ reference for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing your PC, and Advaitβs Tech Hub is here to help when things go beyond DIY.