Computer woes

[erehwoN]

About six weeks ago my computer displayed, for lack of a better description, a checkerboard-matrixy type thing. It didn't lock up, you could still see the mouse moving around, but you couldn't clearly see what was on the monitor. I knew it whatever happened wasn't good, but I tried a reboot to see if it would remedy the problem. Nope, it didn't. I would push the power button, and it would come on (lights and fans) for about half a second, then shut down again. I took it into a computer repair store, and they said it was probably the motherboard. So, I sent in my motherboard to ASUS and over two weeks later, got a new one back. Plugged the bare essentials back in (no additional cards, drives, etc), but it still wouldn't boot. So, I sent the processor to AMD and just got a replacement today. The damned thing still won't start. I'm am really starting to get pissed off, being without my desktop for the past six weeks, but I don't know what else to do besides take it into a different computer repair shop to see what they have to say. So, I figured I'd ask you folks. Any suggestions? For reference, I have the AMD 64 3200+ with an ASUS K8V SE deluxe motherboard.

[Derelan]

Same thing happened to me, fixed it by replacing the video card. It was most likely damaged by heat due to a faulty fan. You can try cleaning the AGP contacts on the card, making sure all the monitor pins are present and connected, then trying a new video card.

[erehwoN]

I thought that might be a cause too, so I did turn it on without any cards installed, but no luck. All that's plugged in right now is PSU, the brand new mobo, and the brand new processor. Frustrating stuff.

[geogob]

euh? I would have first suspected Video RAM, Video card or RAM issues (in that order). Not Motherboard issues as first diagnostic.
Could also be powersupply failure. If it doesn't pass POST, it rules out monitor issues... unless... your monitor is fubar and you don't see the POST/boot going.

Do you have any Beeps when it turns on? Make sure the PC speaker is well plugged in correctly... Beeps are often the key to solve POST errors. If there is no post, nothing, i would suspect broken MB or Powersuppy.

I would try this (in order):

- Make sure all is well connected, CPU well seated, etc. of course...
- Check compatibility of all component. You never know...
- Try the monitor on a working PC. This will rule out a defect in the monitor electronic.
- If no other PC/laptop are available, try another monitor on the PC. But that's not as good. If it works, you'll know it was the monitor, If it doesn't, well... you are still clueless!
- Try swapping RAM cards or removing part of the RAM. Depends on how many RAM slots you are using. Make sure you test each card alone. Anyway, you can guess the drill. You want to make sure all cards are working and that every slots are working too.
- If monitor is working but computer still doesn't get or to or pass POST try with an alternate video card or try the video card in another computer. If you don't have a second video card, go buy one in a shop that accepts open box returns (just make sure they DO accept returns) ;)
- If it videocard is proven ok or new videocard still doesn't work try with a new power supply unit. Same suggestion as with the video card applies.
- Lastly try with new RAM sticks.

If all fails, especially considering you had your CPU/MB returned, not to sure what else it could be.

I guess it's a jumper free bios... if not, check all jumpers and dip-switches for correct settings. (ugh!).

Good luck

EDIT: You say you tryed without video card? The BIOS won't pass POST if it doesn't detect a video card, RAM or the CPU. Beeps will tell you what was the error that aborted the POST process. Plug in the PC-Speaker.

Unless the MB has an on-board video card... I thought this model didn't have one.

[erehwoN]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just tried it with the video card (ATI 9800 pro) and memory installed (2x512, tried each alone), but again...no luck. I may have access to another AGP video card from a friend, so I might give that a shot. Regarding the jumpers, I left them as the factory defaults. What are these dip switches you speak of? The monitor is fine, my roommate and I have a KVM setup, and his computer is working on it fine. I'm pretty sure it's not the PSU because power is getting to the mobo. The little green light is on, and the fans very briefly come on when I flip the power switch. I've just about had it with this though. I think I'll end up walking into GeekSquad with everything and just say "Here. Fix it."

[-Snakebite-]

You tried with no video card right? Just CPU, MB and memory? Just to see if it beeps.
If it doesnt work at that point, you know it must be one of those 3 components that is ****ed.

[geogob]

well for the beebs, you will most likely need to plug in the PC speaker. Unless the MB has it's own speaker for POST warnings.

The DIP-Swiches are little that where used on *older* motherboards to set CPU clock frequency, voltage and stuff like that. But I am pretty sure your motherboard doesn't have that (too recent). Everything is set in the BIOS.

http://www.infopackets.com/graphics/dip+switch+jumper.gif

[cracwhore]

If you honestly pay the 'GeekSquad' to 'fix' your computer...

[yurch]

Ditto on the RAM. Parent's computer did the same thing when they hotswapped a PCI card and fried the RAM. *******s.

[ravens_hawk]

Read your manual. Most new MBs have built in diagnostics to show where its failing, usually a series of LEDs. But again if you don't get the usual beep, or get an odd beep, its likely the RAM.

[geogob]

I think ASUS cards beep on faulty ram


edit; about beeps...

- you need the speaker plugged in (page 2-32 of the manual)

but!

your MB uses post reporter. I think you need speakers plugged into the sound card. It will *tell* you whats wrong. (manual p. 3-3).

If the post reporter is disabled, I do not know what it does. probably nothing as nothing is mentionned about a series of beeps in the manual

[The_Pikeman]

Ok as far as my experiance goes:

If its a GFX problem or a problem with your RAM your computer should start up and keep running, granted that it might not get past POST but you will have to actually turn your computer off. Have you checked that the motherboard is seated properly? It could be a shortage problem or possibly one of the power plugs for the motherboard not being in properly. As mentioned before unplug everything exept the RAM GFX and Processor from the motherboard and give it a go. If it fails try your best to borrow a friends equipment that you know works and change one bit at a time untill you get to the individual componant.
-How.

[geogob]

Ok as far as my experiance goes:

If its a GFX problem or a problem with your RAM your computer should start up and keep running, granted that it might not get past POST but you will have to actually turn your computer off. Have you checked that the motherboard is seated properly? It could be a shortage problem or possibly one of the power plugs for the motherboard not being in properly. As mentioned before unplug everything exept the RAM GFX and Processor from the motherboard and give it a go. If it fails try your best to borrow a friends equipment that you know works and change one bit at a time untill you get to the individual componant.
-How.


Yes, that's one reason why I was suspecting the PSU. If one of the rack is busted, it will probably not start up at all.

[Harrm]

If you honestly pay the 'GeekSquad' to 'fix' your computer...

Well, let me take this opportunity to talk some **** about the place I work, only because they've chopped me down to 5 hours a week because the guy doing the scheduling is a cock and I can't wait until they fire me so I can chew him the hell out.

I work for Best Buy. It is a corrupt-as-hell institution, and I'll leave it at that. But in regards to Geek Squad, having taken one Digital Electronics course and one A+ comp. repair class, I probably know at least twice as much as any guy in the GS. Also, they aren't given any utilities, which means when it comes to software, they're useless. Also, they don't even understand the concept of static discharge.

That's just a small list. I could go on, but I don't need to. Don't ever hire GS. Ever.

--Harrm