Most likely reason my computer suddenly won't post?

[TrocD]

The computer listed in my sig has been working without a hiccup for about a year and a half. Then, while I was using it the other night, it went down as if the power had been cut, then restarted itself, then faltered again, so I shut it down. After waiting a bit, I started it up and it was fine for about a day. Then, again while I was using it, it went off as if there was a power outage (but there wasn't) and this time when I tried to restart, it would not post. Lights go on, fans go on, but nothing else.

Things I've tried:

1) resetting CMOS, with and without removing battery
2) unplugging everything (HD included) but videocard and 1 stick memory
3) taking out all memory - did not get any beeps when I tried to start without memory

There have been no hardware or BIOS changes in many months. I did update to SP1 a couple days ago but assume this could not affect posting.

So ... power supply?, motherboard?, CPU? It's not easy for me to check these in another system so I'm wondering if anyone recognizes the way this shutdown as symptomatic of a particular problem. Thanks for any suggestions

BTW, only overclocking was of the CPU

 

[Chosonman]

I think the likely culpret would be the power supply.

 

[DSF]

The PSU seems the most obvious choice, followed by the motherboard. Any chance you could borrow a power supply from a friend? If you have a small computer shop near you they might be willing to let you bring your computer in and try one of their PSUs with it, or at least hook your PSU up to a tester.

 

[TrocD]

I'll try to borrow a power supply and report back. Thanks

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i'd say its the biostar MB
what psu do u have?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: TrocD
I'll try to borrow a power supply and report back.

Borrow one...
They're so cheap after rebate, you should have a spare laying around. :roll:

 

[TrocD]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
i'd say its the biostar MB
what psu do u have?

See sig

They're so cheap after rebate, you should have a spare laying around

I have a couple, but not compatible with current hardware.


Anyway, borrowed a power supply and no joy - same results as with my Corsair. Pity, since at least the power supply is under warranty. Looks like the MB is the next thing to try, although I might think about upgrading the CPU at the same time to cover my bases.

Thanks again and any more input appreciated.

 

[TrocD]

Just to put the cap on this thread: it was the Biostar motherboard - replacing it (and only it) with the cheap Foxconn in my updated sig has fixed it.