Is my computer dying? Please help.

[Swoosieque]

Yesterday's adventure was to clean the cpu, its fan, and apply the arctic thermal paste, and replace cables with new ones. Didn't fix the problem. Ordered a new graphic card.

Today, I removed components so that I could get to the case's power switch. I took that out and ordered a new one. So, by middle of next week, with these changes made, all that's left is replacing the motherboard and getting a new cpu.... at which time I will have rebuilt the entire computer and will lead me to the realization that it probably was the motherboard which went bad.

 

[Dethroy]

Sorry to tune in so late... I may have missed it while skimming all posts, but what beeping sounds (beep code) does the MoBo produce (if any...) when failing the POST during a cold boot? And what Motherboard is installed?

Edit: regarding the beep code... both count and length of the beeps are important

 

[biffzinker]

what Motherboard is installed?

Intel DP43TF

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121351

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us...esktop-boards/intel-desktop-board-dp43tf.html

 

[Dethroy]

Intel DP43TF

My bad! I was reading all posts at a stretch and completely forgot Swoosieque mentioned that in the very first post...

 

[hat]

Sorry I saw the thread late... but my first suspicion in such a situation would be bad motherboard.

 

[Arjai]

I still think it is the MB and the Memory slots, not getting a good connection.

My two cents. Time to find some more pennies!!
Best of luck with this!!

 

[Swoosieque]

Sorry to tune in so late... I may have missed it while skimming all posts, but what beeping sounds (beep code) does the MoBo produce (if any...) when failing the POST during a cold boot? And what Motherboard is installed?

Edit: regarding the beep code... both count and length of the beeps are important

There are no beeps when trying to start up. The screen stays black, I shut down the power, restart the power, fans start running, hdd & dvd drive lights flicker (on the front of the case), and nothing - no Intel screen, so, I repeat up to 3 times, and then the Intel screen comes up and the o/s loads.

I still think it is the MB and the Memory slots, not getting a good connection.

My two cents. Time to find some more pennies!!
Best of luck with this!!

Yes, I think you are right. The new graphic card came in and I bought a new front power switch, will be installing both of those today, but not expecting any good news. I am pretty sure, at this point, that I'll need to order a new mobo and cpu. I'll have rebuilt this and problems will be solved. Will keep you updated after installing the power switch and graphic card. Thanks again everyone!

 

[Dethroy]

There are no beeps when trying to start up. The screen stays black, I shut down the power, restart the power, fans start running, hdd & dvd drive lights flicker (on the front of the case), and nothing - no Intel screen, so, I repeat up to 3 times, and then the Intel screen comes up and the o/s loads.

Wow, that means that the machine possibly even shuts down before it actually attempts to POST. The culprit is most likely the MoBo then.

One more thing... Are the standoffs still keeping your MoBo adequately away from touching the case?

 

[Swoosieque]

Wow, that means that the machine possibly even shuts down before it actually attempts to POST. The culprit is most likely the MoBo then.

One more thing... Are the standoffs still keeping your MoBo adequately away from touching the case?

Yes, it shuts down before trying to POST. I'm sure, now, that it's the MoBo.

What do you mean "standoffs"? Ohhhhh, the little rubber 'boots'? Yep, they're okay.

Installed the new power switch and graphic card. Problem still exists, and I can't even install an O/S on my new hard drive. Next step, new MoBo, RAM, CPU. I may as well buy a new power supply too, then everything will be new. Sigh...

 

[silkstone]

It's a pity as the Q9400 is a nice chip for what you use it for.

But, everything is old enough now that a full upgrade is certainly worth it.

 

[Dethroy]

Yes, it shuts down before trying to POST. I'm sure, now, that it's the MoBo.

What do you mean "standoffs"? Ohhhhh, the little rubber 'boots'? Yep, they're okay.

Pretty certain it is the motherboard indeed. I just feel sorry for you, that you went through all those hoops, just to arrive at said conclusion.

 

[P4-630]

"Is my computer dying?"

Yep! As soon as you start using it, it's dying slowly...
Nothing you can do about it.

 

[Swoosieque]

It's a pity as the Q9400 is a nice chip for what you use it for.

But, everything is old enough now that a full upgrade is certainly worth it.

No kidding, eh? But my husband is 'frugal' and wants to take the mobo in and have it 'fixed'. NO! It's time to finish the rebuild. Heck, this computer has outlasted anyone's that I know.

Pretty certain it is the motherboard indeed. I just feel sorry for you, that you went through all those hoops, just to arrive at said conclusion.

Actually, it's okay, the only money spent that will be lost is the RAM (DDR2) which I won't be able to use on a new mobo, but the graphic card and CMOS battery will be okay, as well as the new power switch for the SEVENTEEN year old case!!

Now, I'm really bummed, thinking it's 5 o'clock somewhere and ready to crack open a pint.

Anyway, here are the components I'm looking at for a new rebuild:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132575&ignorebbr=1

ASUS H170 PRO GAMING LGA 1151 Intel H170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
LGA1151 socet

• Dual DDR4 2133 support

• SupremeFX

• Sonic Radar II

• Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard, and GameFirstIII

• RAMCache

• Gamer's Guardian

• USB 3.1 Type-A/C and M.2

Intel Core i3-6100 3M 3.7 GHz LGA 1151 BX80662I36100 Desktop Processor
14nm Skylake 51W

• 3MB L3 Cache

• 2 x 256KB L2 Cache

• Intel HD Graphics 530

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&ignorebbr=1
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120 mm PWM Fan
600 - 2000 RPM (PWM) +/- 10%

• 24.9 - 82.9 CFM +/- 10%

• Aluminum

Crucial 4GB DDR4-2133 UDIMM CT4G4DFS8213

Brand: Crucial

• Form Factor: UDIMM

• Total Capacity: 4GB

• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

• Specs: DDR4 PC4-17000 • CL=15 • Single Ranked • x8 based • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR4-2133 • 1.2V • 512Meg x 64 •

• Series: Crucial

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438048&ignorebbr=1
EVGA SuperNOVA 650 GS 220-GS-0650-V1 80+ GOLD 650W Fully Modular EVGA ECO Mode Includes FREE Power On Self Tester Power Supply
ATX12V / EPS12V

• Full Modular

• 80 PLUS GOLD Certified

• 100 - 240 V 50/60 Hz

• +3.3V@20A, +5V@20A, +12V@54A, +5VSB@2.5A, -12V@0.3A

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA85V3DG9459&ignorebbr=1
Lite-On iHAS124-04 24x SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer DVD Burner (Black)
UPC: 4718390028097

• Weight: 1.350 lbs

I'm going to call Crucial and see if I can exchange the DDR2 RAM that I bought and trade for the DDR3, of course with whatever the cost difference is.

But, This build, all at New Egg, is around $500 U.S.

Any thoughts on this MoBo, etc..? Remember, I'm not a gamer, just play Word with Friends, BUT, I do a LOT of spreadsheet work and transcription work, I need accurate calculations.

THanks so much for any further input.

 

[MagnyCours]

The CPU you picked is on a newer socket (LGA 1151) and is incompatible with the Z97 you picked. So you should look for a motherboard that supports Skylake CPUs (Z170, H170, etc.) like this one for example:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132575

 

[Swoosieque]

The CPU you picked is on a newer socket (LGA 1151) and is incompatible with the Z97 you picked. So you should look for a motherboard that supports Skylake CPUs (Z170, H170, etc.) like this one for example:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132575

Man oh man am I glad you took a look at this. That's what I am worried about, overlooking stupid things like that! I thought I looked at it, but you are right! That would've been a big goof! Thank you!

Also, in changing the mobo, I had to change the RAM from DDR3 to DDR4. Thanks so much!

 

[sneekypeet]

I'm going to call Crucial and see if I can exchange the DDR2 RAM that I bought and trade for the DDR3, of course with whatever the cost difference is.

Crucial has great customer service! Most likely they will indeed help you out in this situation. Just know that they will likely want to charge the full amount of the new RAM to a credit card, they then ship it out, and you return the older kit in the same box. They will then credit the card with whatever the agreed upon exchange was.

 

[Swoosieque]

Crucial has great customer service! Most likely they will indeed help you out in this situation. Just know that they will likely want to charge the full amount of the new RAM to a credit card, they then ship it out, and you return the older kit in the same box. They will then credit the card with whatever the agreed upon exchange was.

Actually, just got of chat with an agent. They'll do the refund first, and then I'll order the new RAM. Hey, that's great news! Now I'm not out $50+!

 

[Vario]

Can you do 8GB ram? Well worth it in todays world, 4GB is just not enough now.

 

[Swoosieque]

Can you do 8GB ram? Well worth it in todays world, 4GB is just not enough now.

Yes. Haven't ordered any of the parts yet, still double-checking, but will go with 2x4GB DDR4 RAM.

 

[Vario]

Yes. Haven't ordered any of the parts yet, still double-checking, but will go with 2x4GB DDR4 RAM.

Here is a possibility if you want faster 8GB option, this 3466 G.Skill kit with Samsung ICs. Compatibility with the Asus H170 Pro shown here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/H170-PRO/HelpDesk_QVL/

G.SKILL F4-3466C16D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V
NewEgg: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231904 $72.99

There are plenty of other ram that are compatible on that Asus list. However I have found Samsung ram to be the highest quality and G.Skill is a well regarded brand with a limited lifetime warranty.

 

[Swoosieque]

Here is a possibility if you want faster 8GB option, this 3466 G.Skill kit with Samsung ICs. Compatibility with the Asus H170 Pro shown here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/H170-PRO/HelpDesk_QVL/

G.SKILL F4-3466C16D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V
NewEgg: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231904 $72.99

There are plenty of other ram that are compatible on that Asus list. However I have found Samsung ram to be the highest quality and G.Skill is a well regarded brand with a limited lifetime warranty.

It's been such a long time (10 yrs.) since my last build, and at that time, Crucial was highly regarded for quality, that's why I picked Crucial memory for this new build, but, things change in the blink of an eye in the tech world. I've got 10 yrs. of catching up to do!

And now, my husband is telling me his ideas about a totally different build, starting with a Xeon processor, he said he found one for only $55 U.S. I don't like that idea of getting someone else's used components because if it were still good, why sell it?

 

[rtwjunkie]

It's been such a long time (10 yrs.) since my last build, and at that time, Crucial was highly regarded for quality, that's why I picked Crucial memory for this new build, but, things change in the blink of an eye in the tech world. I've got 10 yrs. of catching up to do!

And now, my husband is telling me his ideas about a totally different build, starting with a Xeon processor, he said he found one for only $55 U.S. I don't like that idea of getting someone else's used components because if it were still good, why sell it?

Crucial is still a reliable and respected brand. So is Mushkin. So is G Skill. Catch my drift? People have their preferences. Also, within each brand there are great and not so great models.

As to used components, people by and large sell their used components because they got the itch for something newer and even better, not because anything is wrong with it.

I've bought and sold used components for over 15 years, and have yet to get a broken one or a dud. For more peace of mind, we have a buy, sell, trade forum here on TPU.

 

[Swoosieque]

Crucial is still a reliable and respected brand. So is Mushkin. So is G Skill. Catch my drift? People have their preferences. Also, within each brand there are great and not so great models.

As to used components, people by and large sell their used components because they got the itch for something newer and even better, not because anything is wrong with it.

I've bought and sold used components for over 15 years, and have yet to get a broken one or a dud. For more peace of mind, we have a buy, sell, trade forum here on TPU.

Thanks so much. I will have to have a look at TPU's buy/sell section.