My computer is dead yet again...

[naruto1988]

some history: i bought my computer last april. my computer kept dying, so i replaced the PSU. it had the same problems and i finally figured out it was the seagate SATA drive. i sent it back to the manufacturer and got a new one. after that, my computer ran mostly fine, except with a few random shutdowns.

problem: but last few days, it shut down so often. this morning, i woke up and it was shut down, no surprise. i did the usual routine, restart PSU, then boot the computer back on. the fans whirs up but my LCD doesn't turn on, which means it's not getting a signal from the video card. the power LED on my case does not turn on either. there is also no beeping sound that it makes when the computer turns on. i am now thinking it is my motherboard. anyone think i should try something before RMA'ing the motherboard?

edit: i cleaned my case of all the dust and reinstalled the processor. same problems.
edit 2: if i use the diagnostic tool that the mobo came with, the D-bracket, it tells me the processor is damaged or installed wrong. i highly doubt that because i checked the temperature last night and my processor was a cool 45 celsius, as it has been ever since i got my computer.

CPU: AMD64 3000+ Socket 754
Motherboard: MSI "K8T NEO-FSR"
Memory: 1024 of Geil PC-3200
Video Card: Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800 Pro Flashed to XT OC'ed to 450/744
Hard Drive: Seagate SATA 120 GB @ 7200 RPM
Monitor: KDS-USA 17-SX
PSU: Thermaltake Silent Purepower 420W
Case: Aspire X-Dreamer II Blue

 

[mwmorph]

more info. what are system specs and ps wattage and brand?

 

[naruto1988]

bump for the evening crowd

 

[Ike0069]

A ton of MSI boards seem to have this problem lately. It will hang with the D-bracket showing 4 LED's. There have been many theories about why this is happening, but nothing proven.
Now if you post this on the MSI forums, you will get many people tell you that your PSU is underpowered. 18A@+12V is marginal. You don't have one of the newer VC's sucking up juice, but it could still be part or maybe even all of the problem.
First, reset the CMOS, and remove the battery. Then try again with minimal hardware.
If this doesn't work, RMA the MB, as it is likely toast now. Then get a beefier PSU, one with at least 24A@+12V. I'm sure you don't want to just toss your fairly new PSU, but I'm also sure you don't want these problems to continue. Just realize that 420W doesn't mean a whole lot. It's all about the amps.

 

[naruto1988]

i resetted the CMOS, rebooted the system, and it didn't POST. after a minute, it turned off by itself. i will try removing the battery now.

edit: still dead, time for an RMA

 

[Ike0069]

This sounds very familar. It has happened to many people, including myself.
RMA the board, but also strongly consider a new PSU.

 

[naruto1988]

when i get a replacement, i just stick it in and everything should be back to normal? i don't want to have to reformat...

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I've swapped motherboards a few times, sometimes I had to reformat, sometimes I didn't.

 

[naruto1988]

i'm new to the RMA process because my bro did my last one for me. i'm at this page: http://www.msicomputer.com/msi_user/msi_rma/default.asp i filled out the information, but what should i put as the symptom?
after i file this RMA, i wait for confirmation and then i simply ship the motherboard back to MSI in a box with some cushion, right?

 

[cyberknight]

It's probably your mobo that is the problem. That MSI board in particular is known to have problems. I originally bought that board, and it was DOA. Tech guy at NCIX says he's seen more than his share of the K8T-Neo FSR in the repair shop.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: naruto1988
i'm new to the RMA process because my bro did my last one for me. i'm at this page: http://www.msicomputer.com/msi_user/msi_rma/default.asp i filled out the information, but what should i put as the symptom?
after i file this RMA, i wait for confirmation and then i simply ship the motherboard back to MSI in a box with some cushion, right?

They have an RMA form you fill out and email to them. They will cross ship also(send you a new MB now). You just have to give them your CC # and they will hold the money until they receive the MB you return.