Is my computer dying?

[TemjinGold]

I use my computer for work and play and I went to reboot today when my webcam didn't come on for a conference call. Shut it off, waited, and turned back on. Then nothing. I still heard noises and whatnot for the machine (though not all of the normal ones), just nothing on the display. Did this like 3 more times with same result. Then I let it power off for like 5 mins and it still did that but after letting THAT sit for like 5 mins, the Windows login screen came on. Got in, webcam still didn't work but when I unplugged the usb and replugged, it worked. Now everything is fine. I've shut it off and turned it back on once with no problem.

So now I'm a bit worried--I built this machine in 2011 so it is coming on 5 years. The only thing I've replaced recently is the video card (bought the 290 end of last year). Is this a sign something is going? Am I looking at total rebuild (was hoping to hold out till Pascal/Arctic Islands at least) or is there something you guys can pinpoint is probably dying? Thanks!

 

[Ketchup]

Sounds more like there is just a short in the webcam. And if that's the case, the computer will probably be fine so long as you don't keep inserting it.

Another possibility would be a short in the USB port, but that would be less likely IMO. I would still get a new webcam.

 

[Burpo]

Sounds like USB port issue..

 

[TemjinGold]

Ahh good to know, thanks. I've always had the webcam plugged in (never touched it for years). Do I need to replace the webcam?

 

[VirtualLarry]

If he rebooted several times, and didn't get a display on the monitor, then the problem is more than just a USB webcam device.
(Edit: Unless it's physically shorting the USB +5V to Gnd, which would cause the PSU to shut down.)

I'm guessing that the PSU is going. This could also cause USB devices to fail to initialize properly, if the +5V isn't up to snuff.

My suggestion would be to temporarily replace the PSU with a newer, known-good one, and see if the problems go away.

Edit: I've had the same thing happen to me, the BIOS was telling me no keyboard or mouse detected (were USB). Replacing the PSU fixed it.

 

[TemjinGold]

Thanks, Larry. The problem though is that after the 4th reboot that didn't work, I let that non-working boot sit for like 5-10 mins and then got back into windows. I haven't seen the problem since. So if I swapped in a known good PSU, I wouldn't know if that was the problem (since the problem has now disappeared). Is there some way I could tell though?

 

[Ketchup]

Thanks, Larry. The problem though is that after the 4th reboot that didn't work, I let that non-working boot sit for like 5-10 mins and then got back into windows. I haven't seen the problem since. So if I swapped in a known good PSU, I wouldn't know if that was the problem (since the problem has now disappeared). Is there some way I could tell though?

Not yet. If the webcam (or the USB port it's connected to) has a short, a good power supply won't let the computer boot. A Seasonic like you have would fit into the "good" category. I don't think it's the power supply. You would probably have to wait and see if the issue comes back to be sure. To start with, I would put the webcam in another USB port and see what happens.

 

[LTC8K6]

It almost sounds like there was a short in the USB port, and it's protection saved it. After a while, that USB port protection will reset, and it will work again.

 

[TemjinGold]

Interesting. I'll try another port then. If there is a short, is that a webcam problem or a USB port problem (as in which one am I replacing)?

 

[TemjinGold]

Update: I moved the webcam to another USB port and haven't seen the problem. However, my corded USB mouse (Corsair R65) is having intermittent problems. This is not a new problem, it's been on and off for a couple years, I just never paid it much heed (and even got a replacement a year ago). Could my USB ports on this motherboard be dying?

 

[LTC8K6]

You could get a USB port card.

http://www.amazon.com/Anker®-Express-Connector-Desktops-Chipset/dp/B005ARQV6U/ref=zg_bs_229185_2

 

[TemjinGold]

I can. Just wanted to figure out if they were a problem first.

 

[LTC8K6]

I can. Just wanted to figure out if they were a problem first.

That's what the card is for.

 

[TemjinGold]

True, true.

I guess I might be trying to justify rebuilding since it's been 5 years lol...

Though I do actually want to wait for Pascal/Arctic Islands before I did.