Computer Died, need help!

[imported_Rager]

I came home the other day and my computer would not boot up (Asus NForce2 MB, Athlon PC, Radeon 9700). The green light on the case would just blink (not the hard drive active light). I also noticed my speakers where turned off, which only happens when we have a power failure. I checked the power strip and the light was kind of shimmering, so I unhooked the power cord from the computer and hooked it up straight to the wall. Turned on the computer again, and the green light was solid (which is normal) but the monitor only showed a "Check Signal Cable" message. At this point I figured I had some kind of power surge. I have a notebook at the house and hooked it up to the monitor to make sure the monitor worked, which it does.
I then went over to a buddies house and borrowed his video card and swapped it with mine. No luck. I placed my video card in his PC and it worked, so my video card is fine.

I then purchased a new power supply, still no luck.

My next step is to replace the motherboard, but I figured I should seek some help before going through the hassle.

Here is the strangest part: When i turn on the computer, the monitor comes to life so I know something is being sent from the video card to the monitor... but the monitor shows the "Check Signal Cable" message... yet I know my video card works because I used it in my buddies computer.

Anybody have any ideas?? I appreciate any and all help.

 

[Fern]

Hi Rager and Welcome to the forums!

So we know the psu, monitor and vid card are good.

I'd disconnect all PCI cards (modems, NICs whatever) and drives, leaving cpu (plus HSF), ram and vid card (and of course KB & mouse) and try to get it to post. If no go and your mobo does beep codes for stuff like cpu or ram, you might booting w/o one those to see if you get the proper beep. It it gave you the correct beep code, that may be an indication the mobo's OK and it's another part which is futzed.

Otherwise, you'll have to test the cpu & ram in another board to check them out. Of course if they are all OK, it's narrowed down to the mobo. Which seems likely.

Oh, maybe clear the CMOS for kicks.

Good Luck with it.

Fern


Hmmm.. if it didn't post at he above test, I'd prolly remove the keyboard & mouse and try. You never know what get knocked out with power surges.

 

[AMDFanatic]

Originally posted by: Rager
I came home the other day and my computer would not boot up (Asus NForce2 MB, Athlon PC, Radeon 9700). The green light on the case would just blink (not the hard drive active light). I also noticed my speakers where turned off, which only happens when we have a power failure. I checked the power strip and the light was kind of shimmering, so I unhooked the power cord from the computer and hooked it up straight to the wall. Turned on the computer again, and the green light was solid (which is normal) but the monitor only showed a "Check Signal Cable" message. At this point I figured I had some kind of power surge. I have a notebook at the house and hooked it up to the monitor to make sure the monitor worked, which it does.
I then went over to a buddies house and borrowed his video card and swapped it with mine. No luck. I placed my video card in his PC and it worked, so my video card is fine.

I then purchased a new power supply, still no luck.

My next step is to replace the motherboard, but I figured I should seek some help before going through the hassle.

Here is the strangest part: When i turn on the computer, the monitor comes to life so I know something is being sent from the video card to the monitor... but the monitor shows the "Check Signal Cable" message... yet I know my video card works because I used it in my buddies computer.

Anybody have any ideas?? I appreciate any and all help.

Your problem is most likely the motherboard. If it was just the CPU, you would at least get a CPU POST error. I deal with this problem on many occasions and it's most likely a shorted mobo. Buy a new mobo and a surge protector.

 

[imported_Rager]

Thanks AMDFanatic and Fern. I'm at work now, So i'll try a few more things out tonight.

The most frustating part is that there is no beep codes. And the hard drives do not sound like they are spinning up.

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[amdskip]

I would actualy recommend a battery backup over a surge protector.