Computer is dead.

[Terin]

Sorry about the vague title, but the issue is pretty vague on it's own.

For Christmas, I got a motherboard, processor, and video card, and built a computer with it. It performed really well, until I had to shift the motherboard slightly to get access to the I/O port. Then, when I tried to boot it up, it would spin up the fans, hard drives, DVD drives and such, but would not beep or show any video, from either the on-board video or video card. Skimming over other people's experiences with this issue, it seems like some part is broken. The trick is now trying to find out what.

Also, I disassembled and reassembled all the cables, and now there's another issue. As soon as the PSU receives power, the computer turns on with no regard to the power button on the front panel. The pins are in the correct positions, and yet it can't do anything with the computer. Would this mean a PSU failure, or just another motherboard issue?

Well, I guess my questions are how I would go about identifying what exactly is broken and needs to be RMA'd. Then, how would I go about RMAing something, and how long would this process take? I'd like to have a working computer sometime within next week, but I have no idea how it works besides I somehow send in a dead part, and then I get a new part sometime.

Although if someone knew a way to fix the issues I'm having without having to get new parts, that would be wonderful. It seems out of the question, though.

[Asylum]

First try resetting the cmos..take the little battery out of your mother board and disconnect all power and wait a few minutes...then replace it and try again..if that dont work you will have to rma it. just contact who you bought it from and they will tell you how to do a rma.

[JC316]

Check the motherboard standoffs and make sure that nothing it touching metal. If you shifted the mobo, then it's possible that you may have touched a solder point with a standoff.

[Woody112]

Check the back of the board and make sure when you shifted it, none of the pins touched the mobo tray. Also make sure you tighted all board screws, and one didn't fall out onto the board it's self.
I doubt your PSU is the issue.

[Woody112]

Check the motherboard standoffs and make sure that nothing it touching metal. If you shifted the mobo, then it's possible that you may have touched a solder point with a standoff.

Dam it you beat me to it.:laugh:

[Terin]

First try resetting the cmos..take the little battery out of your mother board and disconnect all power and wait a few minutes...then replace it and try again..if that dont work you will have to rma it. just contact who you bought it from and they will tell you how to do a rma.I've already tried resetting the CMOS, and it did nothing. But even though it didn't work, how does that confirm that the motherboard is the issue?

As for the RMAing, I'll contact Foxconn support then, if it's the motherboard. Would you know how long it roughly takes for something to be sent back? A week? Two weeks? A month?

Check the motherboard standoffs and make sure that nothing it touching metal. If you shifted the mobo, then it's possible that you may have touched a solder point with a standoff.I can't really get a good look at it to see if anything is touching the tray. I tried putting it on my wood floor, and even lifting up in the air (very carefully by the corners, of course), and it still had the power issue.

[mc-dexter]

with the sounds of it my guess would be you have caused the mobo to get something like an airline fracture....

[Woody112]

Personally what I would do is remove the board from the case completely and inspect it. Check the back of the board for burned tracks and solider pins.
Check all hardware for damage. Reassemble the system with patients, don't get in a rush and ensure everything fits properly. Sounds like you may have damaged the board when you moved it and I hope when you moved it you didn't do it by grabbing the CPU HS.

[Terin]

I haven't noticed ny apparent damage on the motherboard. However, I don't have a good eye for that kind of stuff.

On another note, I've made a new development. I completely reassembled the computer, motherboard, hard drive, graphics card, and all, and there seems to be some power issues. If I switch on the computer using the PSU switch, it will power up for a second, then shut down. I can use the front panel's button to power on the computer, but only for about 1-5 seconds. If the video cable is plugged into the motherboard's VGA port, rather than the GPU's DVI port, it will do the same thing as before, except with a littler longer life before the power cuts out (2-7 seconds). If the hard drive is unplugged, then, the machine can seem to be powered on for an indefinite amount of time, and I can plug it back in with no consequence. This strange series of events may indicate some power supply issues. Would a situation like this mean that my PSU is bad?

[Asylum]

Could be your psu..do you have another 1 you could try?

[lucasweir]

make sure all the cpu power connector is connected and the video card connection if you have one

[Terin]

Yes, all the power connectors are in the appropriate places.

As for other power supplies, I have a 250w PSU from a 5-year old PC, which has a 20-pin connector, when my motherboard uses a 24-pin connector. I also have access to a MicroATX tower from 2007, which has an indeterminate amount of wattage output. I can try them to see if there are any differences.

I would definitely be willing to buy a new PSU if that's the actual problem. I was using a 420w PSU that came with a $50 case I bought a few months ago.

[mrhuggles]

i wouldnt worry, its prolly the motherboard, unplug it for like 2-3 days and then try it again and itl prolly be ok

[lucasweir]

theres your problem, you have to have a better PSU that has a 24-pin connector

just get a cheap corsair that should work good for your system, very good power supply's

[Terin]

No, those are alternate PSUs that are lying around. My current PSU is the 420w one, which comes with a 24-pin connector as well as the CPU power, 4 Molex connectors, and an SATA connector. Theoretically, it's fine, but from seeing what's going on with my computer, there may be a problem with it.

And mrhuggles, I doubt that the computer will fix itself. I don't want to waste time just letting it sit for days. There's something that's cause the computer to malfunction, and whether it's the motherboard, processor, PSU, RAM, or something, I want to get it fixed as soon as possible.

[lucasweir]

try taking out a stick of ram and alternate them, i just did that with mine when my comp wouldnt boot and found out it was bad ram

[Terin]

It's probably not bad RAM. I had to scavenge some from another computer, which has been working flawlessly, so I don't see why the RAM would suddenly fail when put into this new motherboard.

[BloodTotal]

This is why when you build a computer, do it with a good psu first, then do it with the new psu, that eliminates one big culprit

[kysg]

I agree psu seems to kicked the bucket in this case. but still I would go ahead and check everything else just to be sure.

[BarbaricSoul]

I'm gonna guess the problem is your PSU. Never heard of a bad motherboard booting at all. As already suggested, get a 420 watt corsair PSU (corsairs are currently the one of best PSU's out and the most recommended on this web site) to replace that raidmax and hope the raidmax didn't hurt anything else in your system(which is possible)

[techjunkie]

Try this

Assemble your whole pc outside the case on a plain sheet of cardboard. This makes sure that NOTHING touches the mobo other than what is supposed to. Had a similar issue when building mine and this way I found out that my case was pure crap

[Terin]

I'm gonna guess the problem is your PSU. Never heard of a bad motherboard booting at all. As already suggested, get a 420 watt corsair PSU (corsairs are currently the one of best PSU's out and the most recommended on this web site) to replace that raidmax and hope the raidmax didn't hurt anything else in your system(which is possible)From googling "No beep no post", it seems like sometimes a bad motherboard can be the cause, but not consistently. As for a new PSU, I'm on a pretty tight budget, as I built my whole computer for about $175. Newegg has a 450w Corsair PSU selling for $70, as well as the shop I'm going to, which is a really steep price. I would want to ideally get a PSU around $30. I know it's not going to get me perfect performance for years on end, but I just need something that would work for a few months.

Try this

Assemble your whole pc outside the case on a plain sheet of cardboard. This makes sure that NOTHING touches the mobo other than what is supposed to. Had a similar issue when building mine and this way I found out that my case was pure crapAlready have done that. I even boot it up while holding it in the air, which changed nothing.

I tried the old 250w PSU on my computer, and it changed nothing. However, the computer it came from had the same issue, where there was no video or beep on boot, so I'm remaining slightly optimistic. The MicroATX PSU runs at 250w, from what I see, and it has a 24-pin connector, so I'm going to try that now.

EDIT: No go. I know that the MicroATX PSU works, and it still instantly booted it up, with no video or beep. I'm guess then that it isn't the power supply. So back to the original point, how would I confirm that the motherboard is faulty? Don't try and fix the problem with the instant power - even if it was fixed, it wouldn't beep or post before that. It may be an option in the BIOS, from what I heard from someone else.

[Sonido]

Sorry about the vague title, but the issue is pretty vague on it's own.

For Christmas, I got a motherboard, processor, and video card, and built a computer with it. It performed really well, until I had to shift the motherboard slightly to get access to the I/O port. Then, when I tried to boot it up, it would spin up the fans, hard drives, DVD drives and such, but would not beep or show any video, from either the on-board video or video card. Skimming over other people's experiences with this issue, it seems like some part is broken. The trick is now trying to find out what.

Also, I disassembled and reassembled all the cables, and now there's another issue. As soon as the PSU receives power, the computer turns on with no regard to the power button on the front panel. The pins are in the correct positions, and yet it can't do anything with the computer. Would this mean a PSU failure, or just another motherboard issue?

Well, I guess my questions are how I would go about identifying what exactly is broken and needs to be RMA'd. Then, how would I go about RMAing something, and how long would this process take? I'd like to have a working computer sometime within next week, but I have no idea how it works besides I somehow send in a dead part, and then I get a new part sometime.

Although if someone knew a way to fix the issues I'm having without having to get new parts, that would be wonderful. It seems out of the question, though.

First off, I'm glad to see someone use proper grammar. I'm doing this from my Blackberry, and I'm taking the time out to properly structure my sentences. Going with your problem, I would say try that RMA. Do you have any spare parts that you can test with?

[mc-dexter]

First off, I'm glad to see someone use proper grammar. I'm doing this from my Blackberry, and I'm taking the tom out to properly structure my sentences. Going with your problem, I would say try that RMA. Do you have any spare parts that you can test with?

first off, you have a digg at everyone in general about grammer... then you obviously haven't took the time to read any of the other posts by other TPU users, as if you did you would realise your just repeating whats been said already, all whats left to do is for teh guy try out whats been suggested ALREADY by other TPU members.

and then you clearly haven't been that bothered about spelling... as you made a spelling mistake, lol. anyways i'm feelin shitty and need my sleep, :rockout:

[Sonido]

first off, you have a digg at everyone in general about grammer... then you obviously haven't took the time to read any of the other posts by other TPU users, as if you did you would realise your just repeating whats been said already, all whats left to do is for teh guy try out whats been suggested ALREADY by other TPU members.

and then you clearly haven't been that bothered about spelling... as you made a spelling mistake, lol. anyways i'm feelin shitty and need my sleep, :rockout:

1) I wasn't attacking anyone, so don't be a penis.
2) I was agreeing with the members about the RMA.
3) I noticed the spelling mistake and corrected it within 10 secs of posting, but you were so quick to be a dick you didn't notice.
4) I was just giving him kudos for his post, since he's new.
5) I won't be taking a grammar lessons from you anytime soon.

[mc-dexter]

1) I wasn't attacking anyone, so don't be a penis.
2) I was agreeing with the members about the RMA.
3) I noticed the spelling mistake and corrected it within 10 secs of posting, but you were so quick to be a dick you didn't notice.
4) I was just giving him kudos for his post, since he's new.
5) I won't be taking a grammar lessons from you anytime soon.

Dude.. if you are a dude that is, Dudette if not, there could be a cool flame war going of .... but i'm not even guna attempt to let it carry on.

MY GRAMMER IS SHIT

but people still know exactly what im saying so what the hell does it matter?... which was the point all a long, yeah it's nice to see everything all wrote out as it should be, but for some of us, sucking on the teachers ring hole just wasn't for us,

wow what now? i've admitted my grammer/spelling is shit and i don't care as long as i know people know what i mean.

EDIT: anyways i'll shud up cause there's no point in bitchin about it, ... i've got out the wrong side of the bed again lol.

also this is the "computer is dead" thread, so we guna try and stick to that topic?

if you really want to carry it on PM me but don't expect much response.

[Sonido]

Lol u mad? Just help the guy or lady.

[PuMA]

try taking out the ram and putting 1 srick it back firmly, untill u hear a cklicking noise from both the white thingys. fans spinning, but no picture is a sure sign of bad mobo or bad/loosely fitted ram.

[suraswami]

Also, I disassembled and reassembled all the cables, and now there's another issue. As soon as the PSU receives power, the computer turns on with no regard to the power button on the front panel. The pins are in the correct positions, and yet it can't do anything with the computer. Would this mean a PSU failure, or just another motherboard issue?


I had the same issue with my 2 yr old S939 MSI Platinum board all of a sudden. It was working great for almost 2 yrs. I initially thought it was my PSU and RMA'd it and got the replacement and the replacement did the same thing. The moment you turn on the PSU the computer will start booting up, you don't need to press the front panel power button at all. After much trouble shooting I thought it was time to move on and bought myself a new AM2 set.

So something must have shorted the board or the PSU must have dumped a sudden voltage thru the board while you were moving the board to reach the I/O panel. If the board is just bought from the store or online (like newegg), just exchange with them. If its past exchange time you need to call Foxconn and request a new board. Usually it takes about 10 days.

If I were you, I will just buy a cheap ECS board from newegg and be done with it.

That Raidmax is good enough if you are not planning to OC your CPU and add a beefy Video card.

[suraswami]

try taking out the ram and putting 1 srick it back firmly, untill u hear a cklicking noise from both the white thingys. fans spinning, but no picture is a sure sign of bad mobo or bad/loosely fitted ram.

Loosely fitted ram will usually result in Long beeps from the board (if not dead) and the board will not turn off like that.

[Thrackan]

Loosely fitted ram will usually result in Long beeps from the board (if not dead) and the board will not turn off like that.

Usually, but not always. /me has had a similar case where badly fitted RAM was the culprit.

Anyways, besides testing with other parts or making an educated guess that the motherboard is the problem, I can't help much here..

[TechnicalFreak]

Ok, since you have tested everything possible.. Did you make sure you had no static elec. in you when touching the mobo?

Otherwise a friend of mine had similar problem, and it seemed to be the videocard at first, then one of the connectors being wrong from the psu to the mobo. I have not much advice to give at the moment, since you tested most of what I would recommend.. But do you have a friend, or do you have another mobo you can test your hardware on, just to make sure there is nothing wrong with that?

And did you say it had an integrated VGA? Then just remove everything, incl. memory.. You just want to see if it can atleast POST or reach BIOS, right?


Good luck anyway, hope it´s just something "easy to fix".

[kysg]

Lol u mad? Just help the guy or lady.

Hey could you two curb it a little??. If you need to settle it settle over a game of CS or something.

Also I'm starting to think this guy needs to RMA back some parts and get a new psu.

[overclocker]

1) I wasn't attacking anyone, so don't be a penis.
2) I was agreeing with the members about the RMA.
3) I noticed the spelling mistake and corrected it within 10 secs of posting, but you were so quick to be a dick you didn't notice.
4) I was just giving him kudos for his post, since he's new.
5) I won't be taking a grammar lessons from you anytime soon.

So i gues some one like me should never post enything b/c my spelling and grammar stinks?

I also think you PSU is dead :(

[TechnicalFreak]

Can you start the PSU without the mobo? There is a trick to do it, can´t remember how. But IF you can, then take a multimeter and test that everything gives the Voltage required from the PSU. Ah, and one more thing.. Is the CPU fan connected to the "right" plug? Most MoBo´s have several, it´s easy to make a mistake. We all do it.

[Thrackan]

Can you start the PSU without the mobo? There is a trick to do it, can´t remember how. But IF you can, then take a multimeter and test that everything gives the Voltage required from the PSU. Ah, and one more thing.. Is the CPU fan connected to the "right" plug? Most MoBo´s have several, it´s easy to make a mistake. We all do it.

Trick is to connect green to black. It's wise to add a device as well to create some load on the PSU. Say, a CD-ROM device.