MotherBoard Problem, Please Advise!

[SuperG03]

Hi ALL,

I am having problems with my computer, and I have pretty much isolated it (I think), to the moterboard. I have an ABIT BE6-II MotherBoard. I have an Intel Celeron 1 GHz FCPGA1, 512MB PC133 RAM, 60GB 7200RPM HD, Ricoh 7200A CDR/RW, 50x CD-ROM. I am running Windows XP Professional. Well, the other day, I was running Windows XP, and I had to run out for a few things, and then when I came back, my monitor was in suspend mode, so I tried to move my mouse to bring it back, but got nothing. And normally, on my monitor, when it is in suspend mode, it flashes from orange to green, but this time it was straight orange, which most likely means no signal from the video card. So I decided to reset my computer. When I pressed the reset button, nothing happened. So then I decided to do a power off. I held down the power button, and again nothing happened. So I decided I had to cut the power manually, so I switched off my surge protector. But when I plugged it back in, and turned the power on, nothing happened, the computer power turned on, but the BIOS did not post, the hard drive did not spin up, and nothing was on my screen, and there was NO BEEPS of any kind. And again I could not shut off the computer using the power switch, only by turning off the surge protector.

I then opened the case to see if I could find the problem. I first removed the ATX power connector to my motherboard and let it sit for a while, then after I plugged it back in, nothing. I then removed all my PCI/ISA cards, and replaced my video card with an older back-up I had. Turned the computer on, and nothing again. Next I tried the memory, again nothing. Then I tried the CPU, and again nothing. Then I got to my IDE ports. I decided to remove all the IDE devices, except for my HD, and then when I turned it on, again nothing happened with the computer, BUT the CD-ROMs (which were still on the power supply), turned on and I could eject, etc., but the HD would still not spin up. So then I decided to pull my HD out of the IDE port too. When I turned it on, my HD spined up, and I could tell it was ready to go. But whenever I plugged any of the IDE devices back into their ports on the mother board, same problem, they would not "activate". So I guess I would be correct in assuming that something has gone wrong with my motherboard? Does this mean it is dead, or is there something I can do to try and re-initialize it. I did already try and reset the BIOS using the jumper on the motherboard, but nothing happened. My motherboard is no longer under warranty, and I want to know if there is anything I can try before I have to go buy a new one. Now there was one very wierd thing. Right after the first time this happened, I turned off my computer, removed the ATX power to the motherboard, and waited. Then I plugged it back in and turned on my computer. Again nothing happened, but this time I left it running. After about 10-15 mins, all of a sudden, the monitor came on, the IDE devices started up, and the BIOS posted. All my BIOS settings were normal, and I booted into WinXP. I was able to use my computer for about 2 hours, and then again, the screen went black, and I could not turn off the power with the switch. Since then, I tried to do the same thing again, but this time it would not come on. I even left the computer running overnight, in hopes that it would activate, but it never did. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

SuperG03

 

[o1die]

It's possible one of the components on the motherboard or the power supply are overheating. You may want to change the power supply first. Newegg has a basic sparkle 300 watt for about $30 shipped, or I found a refurbished one for only $5 shipped 2 weeks ago that works great. The refurbs sometimes sell out in seconds, so if you see one, order it immediately. Register with them first before ordering to complete the process faster. I've literally lost some items in my basket by not completing the order quickly.

 

[Johneverd]

BE6-II motherboards have a tendancy of capacitors bulging and failing. Look at the row of capacitors right behind the Celeron to see if any are rounded on the top, bubbled on the bottom, or leaking at all. This can cause your symptoms, if it's not a power supply problem. Abit with repair the board for $25 if the capacitors are bad.

HERE is a picture of a bad capacitor. Most look worse then this when a board fails.

 

[TerryP]

The capacitor problem has been discussed previously in this forum. Here is another recent link on the issue:

MB Capacitors Leaking and Blowing


My 2 1/2 year old Soyo K7VIA motherboard w/800MHz Classic recently died because of this problem. I found 1 blown capacitor and several bulged caps - most of them 6.3v 1500uF. I ordered a replacement board (Shuttle AK32A). I will try changing all the caps to see if I can repair the Soyo board.

 

[SuperG03]

Thanks to all that replied.

Johneverd & TerryP,

I have taken a look at my capacitor's on my motherboard. NONE of them are leaking or are "blown" like the picture you posted. However, many are BULGING. Does that mean they are gone, or does that mean that they are still working, but towards the end of its life? However, I have not had time to get another PSU to try out. But I will go borrow one soon, so that I can test that, but I want to know about the capacitors. Because, if bulging means they are dead, then I won't even bother getting another PSU, and I will just send it back to ABIT and pay that $25. Thanks.

SuperG03

 

[SuperG03]

UPDATE:

I checked my power supply and just to be sure, I even took another power supply from a WORKING computer, and tested it on my mobo. But still the same condition, it just will not work. I also inspected my motherboard, and I found NO cracks or other noticable physical damage (other than the bulging capacitors which I asked about above). So I guess this means that it HAS to be the mother board? Any other suggestions would be appreciated, before I have to go buy another board 🙁 Thanks.

SuperG03