Computer shit the bed. Any thoughts?

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Frit0z

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I want to say it is either my Mobo or GPU.

Basically this is what happens. I press power button, computer seems to boot up like normal except I have no video. After removing my opticals and all peripherals except monitor I try again with same results. I cleared CMOS, checked connections for any oxidation or possible burns. Still same thing. I guess it could be the graphics card too but I havent noticed any graphical issues lately and it is a fairly new card. Luckily my laptop is almost the same specs as my pc so I am not without a gaming machine. I am all out of spare parts to test my components, and there is no onboard video for my mobo. Anyone have any thoughts on what it could be?

And yes I am still on my leave of absence but you guys are the best techies I know so I had to come and ask.
 
Spend $5 on eBay for an old PCI graphics card--just for troubleshooting. Otherwise, try removing the card and booting--you will probably get an error code. Also try clearing the BIOS (fairly generic advice there). And one more thing--go down to one stick of RAM and try it in 2 slots before trying another stick of RAM. Just trying to rule out bad RAM or slots. I ran into a problem once with a friend's computer--I built it with 2 sticks and the board had 4 slots. When he got a RAM upgrade, it stopped booting. Turned out that he needed to blow out the dust. Otherwise, go over the motherboard--both sides--very closely. Look for burn marks of bad surface components. (You can usually tell because the part becomes misaligned and the contacts go dull orange--I've seen some really nasty ones like that.)
 
Sgt.SID said:
Let's start with the full spec's Of your system
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Mobo- ASRock > Products > K10N780SLIX3-WiFi
CPU- Amd Phenom II x4 940 deneb
GPU- Nvidia GTX 465
Ram- 8GB(4x2GB) forget the speeds and such.
PSU- Thermaltake 800w

I built this system almost 3 years ago with the only upgrade being the GPU which was put in about 6 months ago. I dont remember all the details off hand but if there is anything more specific you want let me know and i can take a look. I have run the hell out of this thing running it for on average of about 10 hours per day over 3 years. It ran 24/7 for many months as well.
 
I think it's pretty clear your computer does not support your leave of absence. That being said it sounds like your power supply is crapping out, I had similar symptoms a couple years ago and it turned out to be the power supply which was not even on my radar. It could also be your monitor, similar symptom and it happened to me three months ago.
 
Do you mean nothing comes up on your screen when you turn the computer on? That does sound like the power supply.
 
my monitor just stays in its rested state. reconnect connection and it says no dvi signal detected. maybe ill buy a decent psu, i am going to build a new computer slowly so getting a new psu is something i can get early on and not worry about new tech so much.
 
If you have a PCI slot and want to test video. I have a fried 9500 GT that still works fine in 2D mode. Would atleast rule out total board failure. If it fits in one of those 5 dollar boxes id sent it to you for free. I have a PCI-E card in the same state but im keeping it for an ornament lol. Both tested in 2 different machines they work until you install the driver and let aero or any 3d app get ahold of it lol.
 
Do you mean nothing comes up on your screen when you turn the computer on? That does sound like the power supply.
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I think the MB is the problem but the best way to test that is start stripping it down to where it will boot with bare essentials.

You're right though, Fast, it can also be the PSU and the PSU is easy to test, well easier anyway. Fritoz, do you have a PSU tester? It's a quick, easy, and cheap way to tell if you're PSU is dying. Also, does the fan on your GPU spin up? Have you been able to test your GPU in another MB? I'd start there; a PSU tester is about $25 on average and you can slap the GPU in any computer and tell right away if that's the problem, but I don't think it is.
 
i can probably borrow a gpu from someone to test the mobo. i dont have a psu tester but that is definitely something i should get. my gpu fans do spin up.
 
Frit0z said:
i can probably borrow a gpu from someone to test the mobo. i dont have a psu tester but that is definitely something i should get. my gpu fans do spin up.
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Do they spin at full speed or, go full speed and then drop to idle? The later of the 2 is usual for most cards. Before the board actually initializes video the cards initial routine is to put the fan at 100% until it can control it. Once the board initializes video the fan speed will drop. I actually assume you know that but its worth asking the status of operation.
 
I had something similar once and after much screwing around it was the PSU; one rail was faulty and the thing would sort of work. Try the tester -- besides it is good to have around -- and you can pick one up at most computer stores if you are in a hurry or websites in a few days.
 
sounds like the GPU - Ive ran into these a few times. Ive been using my thermaltake 600w psu for like 5 years now about 80$ - its solid and has not giving me (thank god) any problems. (Crappy for Over Clocking though imo) =/
 
DEATH said:
sounds like the GPU - Ive ran into these a few times. Ive been using my thermaltake 600w psu for like 5 years now about 80$ - its solid and has not giving me (thank god) any problems. (Crappy for Over Clocking though imo) =/
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How is that a good PSU if it's crappy for OC? Do you mean it just doesn't have enough power to do that?
 
sixer9682 said:
How is that a good PSU if it's crappy for OC? Do you mean it just doesn't have enough power to do that?
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Haha... wait sorry death. I was not going to post but now I feel more like it. Thermaltake is something to watch out for by the way. Like most companies they dont make power supplies, they also don't really do any design work on theirs either. They have a history of contracting the worst of the chinese suppliers everyone uses. Mind you Half of Corsairs current line was designed by Seasonic and built by a Chinese manufacturer. Design is probably good on paper and if you have the good components in a well assembled unit then there isnt much to complain about.

Randy I am with you but I think I see the other angle he is looking at. Overclocking benefits from cleaner power, not just the mandatory ability to supply the extra power needed. Ripple control and other factors can really count in overclocking even if the PSU is within ATX specifications and not going to damage the hardware its powering. Cleaner power helps transistors switch properly when your pushing that edge.
 
Test the monitor with another source (whatever video ports it has). If you have a spare video card put that in to test. PSU tester to test the PSU if you want to. I'm betting its the GPU, although will not rule out the PSU as they are the usual suspect in these cases.
 
RainMotorsports said:
Haha... wait sorry death. I was not going to post but now I feel more like it. Thermaltake is something to watch out for by the way. Like most companies they dont make power supplies, they also don't really do any design work on theirs either. They have a history of contracting the worst of the chinese suppliers everyone uses. Mind you Half of Corsairs current line was designed by Seasonic and built by a Chinese manufacturer. Design is probably good on paper and if you have the good components in a well assembled unit then there isnt much to complain about.

Randy I am with you but I think I see the other angle he is looking at. Overclocking benefits from cleaner power, not just the mandatory ability to supply the extra power needed. Ripple control and other factors can really count in overclocking even if the PSU is within ATX specifications and not going to damage the hardware its powering. Cleaner power helps transistors switch properly when your pushing that edge.
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I know, I was just trying to be polite...something I hardly ever do :)
 
I am going to order a PSU tester. Monitor is not the issue, I run a dual monitor setup and neither one is giving me anything. GPU is a possibility though on my last one i saw signs of it crapping out before it actually did. This one has been running perfect, I dont even try to push it by turning my graphics way up. If it does turn out to be the PSU what do you guys think of this one? Newegg.com - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply For my next build I figure I will need around 650-700 watts. This one gives me a little cushion.
 
The Antec in question is made by Delta. I almost got excited when I saw Seasonic made some of the HCG models. For the price looks pretty good. So long as you don't mind the bundle of unused cables.
 
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