How to Fix the CPU Light on Motherboard?

Your motherboard is a component on your computer that hosts all the connections and circuitry. Everything that your computer works on – such as Power Supply Unit, Storage Disk, RAM, GPU, and Processor communicate through your motherboard. It is the common component that binds all the other components on your computer together. 

When your system or the components on it has any issues, motherboard indicates the fault or issues through the visual indications. These can include the red light on motherboard. Have you come across the CPU light on motherboard? We will check what is CPU light on motherboard is and how to fix the CPU light on motherboard quickly. 

What Does the CPU Light on Motherboard Mean?

If your motherboard has a label indicating CPU and it has a light blinking, it is generally related to the CPU. If you do not find the label CPU, the red light may be something related to the other components. If you find the CPU light on the motherboard, it can be due to a few of the reasons here below:

How to Fix the CPU Light on Motherboard?

Having found the causes that can result in the CPU light on the motherboard, we will check out how to fix the CPU light on motherboard. 

Fix 1: Check the CPU fan and its connection 

CPU light on motherboard can result from a faulty CPU fan or even a loose connection of the CPU fan. If your motherboard is new, the CPU light can indicate the fan is loose or damaged. It is also possible that the fan may need to be appropriately fitted to its port. 

Fix this issue through the following steps:

You can even connect the fan to another motherboard and check if the fan is working fine. If the fan works, you can conclude that the port is faulty on your motherboard. 

Fix 2: Check the CPU connection to your motherboard 

If the fan is working fine and the issues with the fan are ruled out, you can check the CPU connection to your motherboard. The CPU may not be connected to the motherboard properly, and this makes the motherboard fail to detect your CPU. 

The motherboard will not detect the processor when it is not seated correctly in its place. The lack of thermal paste on the processor may have vanished, and this can cause the temperature of the processor to rise. 

You can remove the CPU and check if it has developed any issues. If you find any pins broken, you may need to replace the CPU. You can adjust the position if the CPU has deviated from its position.

Fix 3: Check your power supply unit 

The power supply unit on your computer has multiple connections. It also has a specific cable to power your processor. If the cable is damaged or the PSU is not able to power your CPU as per its power requirements, you will end up with the CPU light on motherboard. 

Remove all cables to the computer and unplug all the wires. Remove the PSU and check it on a working computer. If it is working fine, you will need to analyze the individual connections from the  PSU to the processor. If you find the PSU damaged, it may need replacement. 

Fix 4: Reconnect your RAM and GPU

The next step to check is to reposition your GPU and RAM modules. Even when the RAM is misplaced, the system may misread it and come up with the red CPU light on motherboard. Pushing the RAM slightly into the slot can be the easier option to help you fix the issue. 

If you have two RAMs, it is a good idea to check if one of the RAMs sticks to assess its working condition. 

Fix 5: Reconnect your Storage drives 

The storage drives connected to your computer can create issues. Your motherboard may detect the problems with the storage drives and flash the CPU light. It should generally be indicated through the light on the BOOT section, but it can also light up the CPU LED. 

You can open your computer and check if the storage devices are properly connected. If not, secure them, or if needed, replace the storage drives. 

Fix 6: Reset or update your BIOS settings

A faulty BIOS or corrupted BIOS records can also cause the CPU light on the motherboard to glow. The BIOS is a firmware that lets your motherboard coordinate with your computer components and the operating system. If these BIOS instructions are damaged, you will end up with a red CPU light on the motherboard. 

Access your BIOS settings and update them as per the make of your motherboard. You should be able to source your BIOS file from the website of your motherboard manufacturer. Do note that updating BIOS settings can be a tough task, and you need to be careful with the task. 

Fix 7: Reconnect the hardware 

The CPU light on the motherboard may be a result of the improper connection of the components and hardware on your computer. Disconnect all the hardware, internal cables, pins, and practically every component that you have connected to the motherboard. 

Reconnect all the hardware once again and check if the issue has been resolved. Make sure that all the components are connected to the right ports. 

Fix 8: Replace or reset the CMOS battery

The CMOS battery on your computer is yet another reason for the red CPU light on the motherboard. Replacing it or resetting it can be helpful in fixing the error and getting your system back in position.  

Take out the CMOS battery and let the system sit idle for around 10 to 20 minutes. Replace the battery back in its place. You can also use the CMOS jumper to reset the CMOS battery. You should find the CMOS jumper just beside the CMOS battery. That would help you fix the issues. 

If the CMOS jumper does not work, you will have to replace the CMOS battery. 

The Concluding Thoughts

The CPU light on motherboard may be something other than what you would come across every other day. When you find the issue affecting your computer, it would be advisable to look out for the fixes in the above outline and check if the fixes resolve the error for you. You can even check by unplugging and replunging every component to check if the red CPU light on motherboard turns off.