Motherboard · critical

How to fixPCH-OVERHEAT

Released Passive Chipset Cooler (Chipset)

What this error means

PCH-OVERHEAT shows up as a critical-severity motherboard fault. The chipset on the board is overheating because the passive cooling has lost contact. Common triggers are dead battery CR2032, short circuit on the motherboard, aborted BIOS update process and age of capacitors. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Replace the CMOS battery on the motherboard

Replace the CMOS battery on the motherboard.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Use the USB BIOS Flashback function (if the board has a button)

Use the USB BIOS Flashback function (if the board has a button).

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Check the rear I/O panel for a short

Check the rear I/O panel for a short.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Dead battery CR2032
  • Short circuit on the motherboard
  • Aborted BIOS update process
  • Age of capacitors