Member Avatar for FalseAlarm

Last night my computer was working fine, and I shut it down properly. The next morning I hit the power button and get no response.

So after checking connections and all the simple stuff, I open the computer up. I removed the powersupply, and tested it by only pluggin it into the fans. It works.

So what other possibilities are there, and how do I know if say, my motherboard is fried?

If you need more information to solve this problem let me know. I'd really appreciate any advice right now.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by fren

Dani AI

Generated

Quick, practical checklist to isolate the fault (builds on and suggestions).

  1. Check power connectors first. Confirm the main 20/24-pin and the 4/8-pin CPU power lead are firmly seated. A new PSU can still leave a missing CPU power plug unnoticed.
  2. Reduce to bare minimum for POST: motherboard, CPU+cooler, one RAM stick, PSU, speaker, and video (onboard or a single known-good GPU). Remove drives, add-in cards, USB devices, front-panel audio, card readers, etc.
  3. Reseat memory and test slots one stick at a time. Swap a known-good stick if available. RAM faults are the most common cause of repeated long/continuous beeps or no video.
  4. Force a cold-clear of CMOS (remove battery or use clear jumper) and try again. Corrupt settings can stop POST.
  5. Bench test the board outside the case on a non-conductive surface to rule out a short from standoffs or panels.
  6. Test the power switch/header: disconnect the case power switch and momentarily short the two power pins on the motherboard with a small screwdriver to simulate the switch. If that changes behavior, the case switch or wiring is suspect.
  7. Look for physical damage: bulging/leaking capacitors, burn marks, or a bad smell. Check the CPU fan header is connected and the fan spins; many boards will refuse to POST if the CPU fan is not detected.
  8. If possible, swap in a known-good GPU, RAM or PSU to narrow it to one part. Swap-testing remains the fastest definitive method.

Notes and next steps: beep patterns vary by BIOS vendor; consult the motherboard manual or vendor documentation for exact meanings. If the minimal bench still gives a repeating long beep and no video after the steps above, the likely culprits are motherboard or CPU. If parts cannot be borrowed, a local shop can bench-test quickly, or pursue an RMA if the board is under warranty.

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Member Avatar for bill.jeffs

well ive had a similar problem see thread(http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread90225.html)- from what ive been advised.. swap testing all the components is the best way.. i.e taking something out trying it until you can narrow it down to one particular piece of hardware or you ahve stripped it down to the barebones (motherboard ram cpu psu). Have a read of my thred tho see if theres anything of interest in there..

Member Avatar for FalseAlarm

UPDATE

Ok got it working by installing a new powersupply (550v).
However, when I boot the computer I get one long beep, that repeats every 3-4 seconds. Blank screen, and trying to shut off the computer using the power button only reboots it, so I have to hit the power switch on the side of the comp to shut it off.

any ideas?

Member Avatar for fren

I think your motherboard is about to fail. To confirm this, test all essential components in another computer.

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