Computer starts but no signal to monitor

AlecW · 01-06-2013, 12:58 PM

I recently built a computer (Within the past 3 weeks) and I was working perfectly up until 2 days ago. I left it on to finish a download over night and when I woke up the computer was on but the monitor was not receiving a signal. Since then I have tested both PCIe slots, both sticks of ram, disconnected the HDD, unplugged and replugged just about everything, and reset BIOs. That is when I realized that I was getting 5 short post beeps followed by a pause and then 1 sharper beep. I have done some research and this might mean a processor failure but I am hesitant to take it out. Can someone help me solve this problem?
CPU AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor
CPU Cooler Xigmatek GAIA SD1283 56.3 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card
Power Supply XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V
Optical Drive Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer
Monitor Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor
If I do end up having to take out my processor will I have to reapply thermal paste? If my processor is dead what are the chances it is covered by a warranty? Can someone help me solve this problem?

ketchup79 · 01-06-2013, 01:01 PM

Thermal paste is for one application only. So you will need to re-apply. Do you know what your normal/max temps were like before this issue occurred?

AlecW · 01-06-2013, 01:21 PM

I don't know the temps before this happened but the computer never seemed to be hot.

Steltek · 01-06-2013, 01:47 PM

FYI, the first thing you should always do after you get a build up and running is to check the processor temps. Most motherboards include monitoring software, or you can also install SpeedFan or HWMonitor to do this as well.

However, I don't think you have a bad processor. The AMI UEFI BIOS beep codes for your motherboard are different than the old BIOS AMI beep codes were. Five short beeps on an AMI UEFI BIOS means you have a VGA problem. If you had a bad CPU, you wouldn't be getting any beeps at all. I think the sharp beep at the end is single beep you normally get at the end of the POST process.

Do you happen to have another video card you can try on your system before you go tearing the processor out?

AlecW · 01-06-2013, 03:12 PM

Well as soon as I fix my computer I will take the temps, thanks. And thank you for telling me its my VGA. I will try to see if I can borrow another video card from a friend but I doubt it. I really don't know what I should do.

ketchup79 · 01-06-2013, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecW

Well as soon as I fix my computer I will take the temps, thanks. And thank you for telling me its my VGA. I will try to see if I can borrow another video card from a friend but I doubt it. I really don't know what I should do.

Where are you? You may be able to find a friend here in the forums.

Steltek · 01-06-2013, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecW

Well as soon as I fix my computer I will take the temps, thanks. And thank you for telling me its my VGA. I will try to see if I can borrow another video card from a friend but I doubt it. I really don't know what I should do.

Unfortunately, you are kind of at the point where you can't do anything else short of a physical swap. You could RMA card, but that will leave you no knowing if that was the problem until you receive the replacement.

AlecW · 01-06-2013, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ketchup79

Where are you? You may be able to find a friend here in the forums.

I have some friends at school I'm going to ask first but maybe if they don't someone here could help out

Big Roger · 01-06-2013, 06:18 PM

Sounds more likely to be RAM, as you've said you've tested it, have you actually tried each stick in each slot?

AlecW · 01-06-2013, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Roger

Sounds more likely to be RAM, as you've said you've tested it, have you actually tried each stick in each slot?

No, I have tried each stick in the first slot. Should(do I have to try) I try each slot? could that really make a difference?

ketchup79 · 01-06-2013, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecW

No, I have tried each stick in the first slot. Should(do I have to try) I try each slot? could that really make a difference?

A different reaction to having the sticks in different slots would indicate an problem with the motherboard, which would point to the cause of your problems.

AlecW · 01-06-2013, 08:35 PM

After reading some reviews of my motherboard and hearing similar complaints I think I am going to RMA it. Thank you for all the help(I hope this works).

ketchup79 · 01-06-2013, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecW

After reading some reviews of my motherboard and hearing similar complaints I think I am going to RMA it. Thank you for all the help(I hope this works).

We hope it does as well. Are you going to RMA for something different?

AlecW · 01-07-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ketchup79

We hope it does as well. Are you going to RMA for something different?

I'm not sure, I was thinking about it but I'm not sure what I would get in its place.

Big Roger · 01-07-2013, 05:48 PM

Do what I said anyway, it'll give them more reason to accept your RMA and give you money or an alternative board.

AlecW · 01-08-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Roger

Do what I said anyway, it'll give them more reason to accept your RMA and give you money or an alternative board.

Will do.