PC Just Dieded

[GrandMasterFlash666]

Was upgrading my memory just now on PC
after installing in a way that i have done before - just add the new ram in
then booted the PC - everything seems to come on but there is no video output to the monitor

i put the pc back exactly how i found it before the upgrade

have taken the video card out and put it back in
the fan on the GPU goes around ok
i have a keyboard plugged in and when the computer is on the lights for CAPS LOCK doesn't work anymore
have plugged USB memory stick in and am getting power to it
hard drive is doing something - though doesn't look like much
pressing the off button does not turn the computer off, as if it was only the video out that was not working (but holding it for some time will)

Basically how do i work out if its the mother board or if its the graphics card?

Thanks

Motherboard - Asus A8N SLi Standard S939 NF4

 

[wahnula]

1. Check the monitor w/ another PC
2. Check the PC w/ another monitor.

This takes the monitor out of the equation.

Tony

 

[GrandMasterFlash666]

monitor and cable are both fine

 

[BadBigBen]

I replied in the other POST but what I forgot is to tell you that it also could be the PSU, so try another known working PSU...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[jlockley]

PSU thread:

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1349715&page=1

If the fan is going, the PSU is probably working, so something else is causing the black-out.

You restored the memory, I think? Try reseating it.

Here some easy things, just in case it's just something absolutely stupid.
Open the case and

1: gently lift it and turn it on it's side and shake it gently. If something rattles and doesn't fall out, find it. (thinking short here)
2: dust it. I laughed at this the first time I heard it, but it has worked before. One suggestion was to remove and replace all cards and shake them out. A can of compressed air works pretty well, though.
3: Being sure that you have de-electrified yourself (touch plugged in case before you start or wear a wrist band connected to case) check all cables and cards for seating. Especially power cable.
(Tip: If you are as conducive as I seem to be, try using an anti static bag as a sort of mitten when removing cards, etc.


Look at the comments on the other thread about shorts and cross-connecting from another computer.

 

[BadBigBen]

If the fan is going, the PSU is probably working, so something else is causing the black-out.

not quite true... sorry to say... if one rail on a PSU goes and the others still work, then FANs can still function but the mobo will not post... had this happen quite a few times...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[BadBigBen]

If the fan is going, the PSU is probably working, so something else is causing the black-out.

not quite true... sorry to say... if one rail on a PSU goes and the others still work, then FANs can still function but the mobo will not post... had this happen quite a few times...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[macten88]

>>i have a keyboard plugged in and when the computer is on the lights for CAPS LOCK doesn't work anymore

are you getting any power to the keyboard? Any lights? Are they ps2? Are they plugged into the correct ports?

 

[GrandMasterFlash666]

Ran a volt metre over the power cable and one of them is producung almost no current about 1% of the others so guess that it is that

 

[35Pete]

Just an FYI. You can't measure current with a voltmeter. You need it in ammeter mode and the connection needs to be in series rather than parallel. If your reading ZERO volts then either the supply is dead or it is short circuited.

Just be careful with the tech words you use. It can be confusing if not concise.

 

[GrandMasterFlash666]

Well replaced the power supply and its not that -as its still the same

guess it now one of
Graphics card
CPU
Motherboard

what's the most likely now so i can try that?

Thanks

 

[BadBigBen]

So the PSU is out of the equation...

Reset CMOS...

make sure that the GFXcard is seated correctly (reseat - take it out and reinsert)... does the gfxcard need extra power and is it plugged in?

also check the cable to the monitor...

do you have access to another GFXcard, to test if the GFXcard is bust...





Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."