Computer won't post

[bobeep]

Hi, I was just working in windows (reading a document) and all of a sudden my computer shuts off instantly. When I turned it back on all I got was a black screen with a no-signal from the monitor.

These are things I have tried

- Unplugged and removed all non-essential items. this includes all hard drives, removed all memory, removed video card. All that should boot up is the motherboard / cpu and fan.

With all of these components removed I do not get any post beep error messages which is strange. It should beep for the memory and video card being removed.

I have also reset the CMOS by removing the battery for 30 seconds, I tried the cmos clear jumper. I have also held the power button down while it was unplugged. None of these made any difference.

I don't have a spare power supply that I can use, and I would like to avoid buying parts one at a time in hopes of getting lucky.

Is there anything else I can do to determine whether it is a bad motherboard, cpu, or power supply? I have had this computer for almost two years and like I said all of a sudden it just shut off and that was the end of it. There was no power outage at the time or anything.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[mpilchfamily]

When a PC out right powers off its typicly the PSU that has died. No way to really check it uless you have another PSU around to try it with. What Brand and model PSU is it? That at least will help use determin weather you have to worry about any of the other system components having been damaged by the PSU going out.

 

[bobeep]

It's an Antec Earthwatts 500 watt power supply. It came with the Antec sonata 3 case. It's been running for about a 1.5 years.

 

[Matt1970]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
When a PC out right powers off its typicly the PSU that has died. No way to really check it uless you have another PSU around to try it with. What Brand and model PSU is it? That at least will help use determin weather you have to worry about any of the other system components having been damaged by the PSU going out.

I agree, that's the first thing I would try, and easier than a motherboard swap. You can always return it if that isn't the problem.

 

[bobeep]

I'm thinking there was some kind of surge... I just took a look at my spare computer running as a server and it now has the same problem. Ironically it also has an Antec power supply, this one is 400 watts.

Time to get a new surge protector, one that works and get some power supplies... I hpe nothing else was fried.

 

[bobeep]

Well I bought a new power supply and it still doesn't work... I know it's no the video card or monitor because I have tested them on another computer. I'm guessing it's the motherboard, and or CPU. What are the chances the CPU is fried as well? Is there any test I can do to at least eliminate one or the other. It really sucks to have to buy all the parts and hope for the best.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well you need to rule out the CPU, RAM and the Motherboard. Any or all of those could be damaged. Problem is you either have to try the parts in another system or slowly replace each one.

 

[bobeep]

Decided to get a new computer. Too many parts to test, by the time I have it figured out I'm going to have a new comp anyway.