Computer is dead, anyone got any advice?

[ScytheRexx]

So a week ago my computer froze while I was doing some photoshop. When I attempted to reboot, my monitor didn't have any signal. I first though the issue was the video card, but after attempting to use a backup card and the onboard VGA, I was unable to get it working. I do a few more changes to the RAM and drained out any lingering power, and thankfully was able to bring it back to life.

Issue is, the problem happened again today while logged into WoW. I followed the same steps as before, but the issue remains. My computer seems to be booting up normally, as my fans and drives are spinning just fine, but it just won't send a signal to my screen no matter what I do.

I don't have enough money to get a new computer, and I am worried the motherboard might be the issue, which will be expansive since the computer was store bought from HP and has given me a few headaches in the past with proprietary hardware.

Anyone got any advice on what I might be able to do further? Or at the least maybe some good links to replace my computer for cheap?

 

[PatrThom]

Got a model number? The hive mind may be able to help you better if we know what we're up against.
Knowing if there is anything interesting in the event log would be nice, too.

--Patrick

 

[crono1224]

This is going to sound stupid, but is your monitor dying (doesn't explain your computer locking up, but could occur for the no signal). Second you should feel how the temps are on your things, like just feel the video card/hard drive/heat sink on top of CPU, maybe the fans are really dirty and just not circulating air properly?

 

[Matt²]

do a quick check and see if any capacitors are exploded, rounded (bulging) or leaking near the processor or video port. If so, that is the source of the problem and can *sometimes* be fixed. If not, then most likely a new motherboard is needed if Crono's suggestion of the monitor not being faulty is the culprit. Is it an MSI AMD motherboard?

 

[ScytheRexx]

Well I am at work now so I can't look up all the information. I can tell you though that the issue is not the monitor. The monitor works fine and gets a signal when using one or two of my smaller systems using the same cables as connected to my main computer. I can't look up any logs because I can't get any video signal to see anything. It's just blank with any monitor I use, even if I attempt to use the onboard graphics.

Temperature is not the issue, my computer always runs very cool with good airflow, and the issue persists even after I let it sit for a few hours without any power attached to it. I even removed some other hardware like half my RAM (also swapped my RAM chips out to see if one of them was causing the issue), my DVD-ROM and my extra storage drive. I attempted to run it bare bones and the system still refuses to get a signal to a monitor.

I checked the capacitors after getting some advice earlier yesterday, and none of them are showing damage.

 

[Azurephoenix]

How technically proficient are you? Can you assemble a computer from scratch? Because if you can... you might be able to find a second hand motherboard from your exact model of computer on the internet somewhere. I have repaired two computers this way (one desktop and one laptop). I'll try and find the address of the dealer I went through as they have tons of parts from Dell's, HP's and the like.

 

[Chibibar]

Dell, HP and Compaq had issues with capacitors. Check your motherboard for any bulging one. The weird part is that the errors are random (depending on capacitor but I don't know what each does by heart ) Now depending on how old the system, you might be able to get a new MB from the vendor IF you have bulging capacitors. I know that Dell extend warranty for those MB by another 2 years and I manage to get a lot of the machine here at work that was out of warranty (we have 3 years) to get MB replaced.

 

[ScytheRexx]

I have built a computer from scratch in the past, but I admit as I age I find myself getting more neurotic about it. I always have the odd fear that I am going to destroy the part I am trying to fix. It's not like I have ever done anything bad enough to damage parts I have used, just get odd about it these days.

When I get home I am going to check the mobo again and see if I missed anything on one of the capacitors near the onboard graphics.

 

[Shakey]

Maybe try reseting the bios, and then trying your on-board video again. I don't know if it would help, but it's one last thing to try. If you don't know where the reset jumper is on the MB, just unplug the power from the MB and pull the little battery out. Put the battery back in, plug the power in, and fire it up.

 

[Joe Johnson]

Just to clarify: you get no signal throughout the boot process, right? (So, you don't even see the BIOS,etc loading before Windows loads?).
You're not getting any "beeps" as you boot from the mobo (well, except for the single "good" beep)?

 

[ScytheRexx]

Just to clarify: you get no signal throughout the boot process, right? (So, you don't even see the BIOS,etc loading before Windows loads?).
You're not getting any "beeps" as you boot from the mobo (well, except for the single "good" beep)?

Exactly. It beeps the good beep, the drives and fans start spinning, but at no point does my monitor come out of sleep mode. That is whats really frustrating because I think my computer technically works, but as far as I am concerned it is dead, since I can't see anything and can't get it to register anymore.

If you don't know where the reset jumper is on the MB, just unplug the power from the MB and pull the little battery out. Put the battery back in, plug the power in, and fire it up.

I wouldn't think the BIO settings would cause this issue, but then again it won't hurt to try. I know where the reset jumper is, so I will do that when I get home after rechecking the capacitors.

Right now just in case I am looking into options on a new computer. I want something just as good as what I had, and it seems I could get a refurbished one with similar specs for $250 or so. To bad I would be unable to convince them to cut out the hard drives and other stuff I wouldn't need, since all those work fine in my existing system. I could try building my own system again but it's been so long I feel rather terrified of screwing it up.

 

[Shakey]

If you don't know where the reset jumper is on the MB, just unplug the power from the MB and pull the little battery out. Put the battery back in, plug the power in, and fire it up.

I wouldn't think the BIO settings would cause this issue, but then again it won't hurt to try. I know where the reset jumper is, so I will do that when I get home after rechecking the capacitors.

I wouldn't think so either, but it's something to try. I always try everything I can think of even if it doesn't seem like it could be the cause, you never know where it might lead.

 

[Matt²]

Dell, HP and Compaq had issues with capacitors. Check your motherboard for any bulging one. The weird part is that the errors are random (depending on capacitor but I don't know what each does by heart ) Now depending on how old the system, you might be able to get a new MB from the vendor IF you have bulging capacitors. I know that Dell extend warranty for those MB by another 2 years and I manage to get a lot of the machine here at work that was out of warranty (we have 3 years) to get MB replaced.

Do you have me blocked or something Chibi?

do a quick check and see if any capacitors are exploded, rounded (bulging) or leaking near the processor or video port. If so, that is the source of the problem and can *sometimes* be fixed. If not, then most likely a new motherboard is needed if Crono's suggestion of the monitor not being faulty is the culprit. Is it an MSI AMD motherboard?

 

[crono1224]

Dell, HP and Compaq had issues with capacitors. Check your motherboard for any bulging one. The weird part is that the errors are random (depending on capacitor but I don't know what each does by heart ) Now depending on how old the system, you might be able to get a new MB from the vendor IF you have bulging capacitors. I know that Dell extend warranty for those MB by another 2 years and I manage to get a lot of the machine here at work that was out of warranty (we have 3 years) to get MB replaced.

Do you have me blocked or something Chibi?

do a quick check and see if any capacitors are exploded, rounded (bulging) or leaking near the processor or video port. If so, that is the source of the problem and can *sometimes* be fixed. If not, then most likely a new motherboard is needed if Crono's suggestion of the monitor not being faulty is the culprit. Is it an MSI AMD motherboard?

[/QUOTE]

Wouldn't that question be moot if he did have you blocked .

 

[LordRendar]

I had that problem when I installed new RAM.After removing em everything was peachy.did you add anything new?maybe you powersupply cant handle the required need of your pc anymore.

 

[ScytheRexx]

I had that problem when I installed new RAM.After removing em everything was peachy.did you add anything new?maybe you powersupply cant handle the required need of your pc anymore.

Nothing new. When the problem first occurred the most I did was changed out the video card. That didn't fix the issue at first but later on I got it to work after draining all lingering power and removing some RAM. The interesting thing is the replacement video card I put in took more power then the one I took out, so it should have been worst if power was the issue, yet it worked fine for over a week after that before it occurred again.

Just in case, I removed everything other then the bare bones. Right now the only thing that is in there is one working half a gig RAM stick and my windows boot drive, and it still will not send a signal. I even unplugged my keyboard and mouse, still nothing.

 

[LordRendar]

did you try another monitor? just to check that its the pc and not the monitor.

 

[ScytheRexx]

did you try another monitor? just to check that its the pc and not the monitor.

Like I said earlier, the monitor was tested with the same cables on another low end system. Works fine.

 

[Chibibar]

nah matt. I didn't block ya. I was supporting your statement (but didn't quote it) but also let him know that warranty was extended due to bad capacitor issues, at least this is true for Dell. I am not sure of HP machines.

 

[ScytheRexx]

Update. Just got home and opened everything up again.

Checked all capacitors and cables, all look good.
Reset the bios, no change.

I then decided it had to be something with the CPU, so I decided to take off the fan, which I was rather dreading and didn't do yesterday because I was hopeful it was something else. It's completely heated away all the information, nothing but discolored marks and a very light "amd" in one of the corners that has not faded completely. If you ask me I think I found the issue, something is wrong with the chip.

 

[crono1224]

Update. Just got home and opened everything up again.

Checked all capacitors and cables, all look good.
Reset the bios, no change.

I then decided it had to be something with the PSU, so I decided to take off the fan, which I was rather dreading and didn't do yesterday because I was hopeful it was something else. It's completely heated away all the information, nothing but discolored marks and a very light "amd" in one of the corners that has not faded completely. If you ask me I think I found the issue, something is wrong with the chip.

PSU = Power Supply, or were you referring to the CPU? Or did the PSU short and fry the CPU somehow?

 

[ScytheRexx]

Yup I meant CPU, guess my mind was off in la la land.

I opened up a few older systems I had that didn't work right due to mostly outside factors, and tried to steal the CPU from them. However, the chips either to old, or won't fit the mobo. I am going to see if a coworker tomorrow can get me a CPU from a friend of his.

Also, I just realized that since my wife is in school, I might be able to get a school discount if I have to end up getting a new system.

 

[Matt²]

Patrick.. correct me if I'm wrong, but like House (lupus??).. it's almost NEVER the cpu, right? In my experience, it's always been the motherboard.. although I've seen a LOT of MSI motherboards and AMD processors go belly up in the last few months, ones that were built in the early to mid 2000's..

 

[ScytheRexx]

I spoke with someone at Fry's about it while looking at replacements, and was told the issue can come down to the video adapter, the capacitors, or the CPU. Since the video adapter and capacitors have already been checked and seem fine, then all that is left is the CPU. I asked further about it and someone I trust told me that they once had a hairline crack on the CPU that caused the same problem for him in the past.

I really don't see any other options. I wish it was a video card or capacitor, but I have checked it up and down and now put in four different cards, no change.

I have spoken with a co-worker that has a friend supposedly with a lot of old parts. I am going to see if he has a similar CPU and going to switch it out. If the issue persists, I am just going to get a new computer.

 

[Shakey]

I've never had a cpu just go bad, but I guess it can happen. Back when they used to have the core of the CPU exposed and the heatsink sat right on top of it, I cracked one corner of a cpu while putting a heatsink on. It still worked, but the colors were all wonky. That was a long time ago though, they don't do that anymore.

 

[ScytheRexx]

The wife and I worked out a deal. I am going to get my laptop back in my office for awhile to use as a quasi-desktop till I get a replacement. She is going to use an older computer that she has not used in years that is good enough to handle her school work and WoW (though on the lowest settings). I just had to optimize it for her, which is what I spend most of tonight doing.

This is good, because it means I will have an alternative to keep me active on my projects and games until I can save the money for a new system. Planning to put $4 in a jar everyday till I reach my goal for the new computer.

I wanted to thank everyone again for all the help. I don't plan to give up attempting to fix my old system, but now I can do it at a less frantic pace.

 

[PatrThom]

Patrick.. correct me if I'm wrong, but like House (lupus??).. it's almost NEVER the cpu, right?

Like Shakey says, there were some AMD chips that didn't have a heat spreader and so they were prone to having the corners/edges chipped off by loose or improperly applied heatsinks. If he's getting the POST beep, that means the CPU is at least good enough to start up the board (get through the BIOS).

Sorry I haven't responded sooner, I've been away for a while. If it works but then quits working, that suggests to me that it's either temperature-related or capacitor related (has to 'warm up' before failure). I know he checked the capacitors, but VRMs can also go bad and aren't immediately obvious when they go. If it were my system I'd start isolating components until I found the culprit. For all I know, his BIOS just needs to be reflashed or a driver needs to be reinstalled, but I'd start pulling parts until I was down to the bare minimum, and then I'd start subbing to continue further.

My votes are still for either motherboard or PSU. In my experience, a hard lock/freeze is usually either CPU or HDD, but if it were only the HDD he'd still see the POST process. If the letters have been cooked off the processor, it could just have been that his thermal paste dried up or his HSF came loose. I look forward to hearing how it all turns out.

--Patrick

 

[ScytheRexx]

If the letters have been cooked off the processor, it could just have been that his thermal paste dried up or his HSF came loose. I look forward to hearing how it all turns out.

Thanks for the help again.

Really, at this point I am just going to get a new CPU chip free from some friends I know, make sure it will work with the mobo and install it. If the issue persists, then I was mistaken and will just keep checking it out while I plan to get a new computer in a month or two. I have nothing else to really lose at this point.

Really, my biggest worry now is getting my files off the drives. I do a lot of After Effects work and while most of it is on backup, some of it was still just on my secondary drive in the system. I also spent a weekend recently making custom skins that I had no time to backup. Blah.

 

[Chibibar]

You can try to install ubuntu on a flashdrive and boot off that. It is a full functioning OS that can run off the flash drive. Disconnect your HDD if you worry about "corrupting" your data from all the fixing.

 

[Azurephoenix]

Really, my biggest worry now is getting my files off the drives. I do a lot of After Effects work and while most of it is on backup, some of it was still just on my secondary drive in the system. I also spent a weekend recently making custom skins that I had no time to backup. Blah.

Forgive me for delving off topic... but what kind of after effects stuff do you do?

 

[PatrThom]

Yeah. If you're worried about your data, disconnect the HDD. You can hook it back up again later. You should be able to test the hardware just fine with a LiveCD or USB boot. For that matter, even getting to the BIOS screen reliably should be an indicator.

--Patrick

 

[ScytheRexx]

Forgive me for delving off topic... but what kind of after effects stuff do you do?

Nothing advanced, just some animations. I can't really delve a lot into it. It's just a hobby.

You can try to install ubuntu on a flashdrive and boot off that. It is a full functioning OS that can run off the flash drive. Disconnect your HDD if you worry about "corrupting" your data from all the fixing.

Yeah. If you're worried about your data, disconnect the HDD. You can hook it back up again later. You should be able to test the hardware just fine with a LiveCD or USB boot. For that matter, even getting to the BIOS screen reliably should be an indicator.

Good ideas, I already had one disconnected, but I will disconnect the boot drive till I can at least get a screen back.

 

[Azurephoenix]

Forgive me for delving off topic... but what kind of after effects stuff do you do?

Nothing advanced, just some animations. I can't really delve a lot into it. It's just a hobby.[/QUOTE]

Just curious... I also muck around with after effects as a hobby. I love trying to do movie special effects and I also try and make warhammer 40k battle reports with it.

 

[ScytheRexx]

Just curious... I also muck around with after effects as a hobby. I love trying to do movie special effects and I also try and make warhammer 40k battle reports with it.

It is a fun program when you get the hang of it. I don't really mess with movie effects because I prefer drawn or cut animations, but I do utilize a few special effects built into the program to add a bit more depth to my work. Every use CC Lightsweep? It actually can be used to make nice edge highlights.