Repair/Replace Decision

[Cacawcacaw]

A power outage in the neighborhood wrecked my computer and now I have a few options.

1) Build/Buy a complete new system
2) Repair the old computer
3) Build new, incorporating parts from the old system
4) Get a temporary desktop system and wait for Windows 8

Here's my old system:

Antec Case, Mini P180
Corsair 400W Power Supply CMPSU-400CX
Gigabyte MA785GMT-UDH2 Motherboard
AMD Athlon II X4 Quad-Core 2.6GHz
8GB (4x2GB) Ram, Patriot Viper PC3-12800 1600MHZ
128GB SSD, Kingston
1TB Western Digital Caviar Green
1.5TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.11
Diamond Radeon 5770 1GB PCI Express 2.0 x16
Plextor CD-DVD recorder
Windows 7 Professional on CD

Symptoms were simply no response to power switch but when I unplugged the power supply from the motherboard and jumped the switch leads, the power supply fan spun up. I thought that made it obvious that it was a motherboard problem but then someone said that it could still be a power supply, or even a switch problem.

My first thought was to rebuild the computer in a new case and, starting with the power supply, install and test one component at a time. I didn't like that idea because if I end up with a new motherboard and/or processor, perhaps I should just start from scratch and not build a new system around a couple of old components.

My old computer was adequate for what I do, mainly Lightroom/PhotoShop but if I'm going to invest in a new one I'd like to try to get a smaller case that will fit under a printer or on my desk. I use two 24" Gateway 1920x1200 PVA displays with DVI and like to have HDMI mirrored to my television.

So, what should I do? I figure that I can definitely use the hard drives but don't know if the ram and video card are better replaced by something more contemporary. Are there any tests I should do before assuming that the problem is with the mb or processor? This morning I even thought about having Fry's troubleshoot it for me (I really don't like that idea), so that I wouldn't have to buy and return a bunch of test parts.

I really appreciate any help. I'm basically sitting on my thumbs, not knowing what my first step should be.

Thanks,

KD

 

[Harvey]

If possible, start by determining what works and what has failed. Start with the easiest and least expensive steps. The very first thing to do would be to unplug and reseat your RAM and vid card.

The outage may have damaged your video card and/or RAM. They're the smallest and easiest parts to interchange so start there.

1. Disconnect everything not needed to start the machine from your motherboard, unplug all but one stick of RAM. If it doesn't start, try the others, one at a time. If it doesn't start, if possible, borrow a compatible stick, and try that.

2. If you have, or can borrow, another vid card, try it. You don't have to let it boot any further than the first POST screen to know if it's working.

3. Temporarily connect your PSU to another known working system. If it works, you'll know that's not the problem.

4. If you can borrow another power supply, try it with your system.

Once you get your system to start correctly, test your other components (hard drive, burner, etc.) one at a time.

Since your current system is/was powerful enough for your needs, once you've identified the failed component(s), whether to repair or replace gets down to a question of which will cost more, replacing the damaged parts or selling or trading the remaining good parts and using the money to offset the cost of all new gear.

Hope that helps. 🙂

 

[paul878]

Well if you have the money I think it would be wise to take this opportunity to upgrade to Ivy Bridge.

 

[Harvey]

Well if you have the money I think it would be wise to take this opportunity to upgrade to Ivy Bridge.

Maybe, but that's a decision he can make once he knows what he's got. Most or all of his stuff that still works will work just as well in a new system. After that, it gets down to a simple financial arithmetic problem.

 

[Cacawcacaw]

Harvey, thanks very much.

Since I don't have another system to test the power supply with, I'll start by removing everything except the mb and trying a different power supply.

I have a feeling that I'll find the problem is with the motherboard. Then I'm back to square one, deciding whether I should try to incorporate my $100 case, and discontinued processor, RAM, and video card into the new system. My likely next step is to start perusing new build specs.

This is when I need a sixteen year old geek to give my old system to!

Also, should I switch to something like this APC UPS 450 VA 257 Watts for $60 instead of relying on a surge protector? Or, what's your recommendation for the least expensive reasonable alternative?

Thanks again.

http://redirect.anandtech.com/r?url...0897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000687&user=u00000687

 

[Cacawcacaw]

...Most or all of his stuff that still works will work just as well in a new system....

Okay, that answers my most pressing question. My old system was certainly capable enough.

 

[Harvey]

Harvey, thanks very much.

Since I don't have another system to test the power supply with, I'll start by removing everything except the mb and trying a different power supply.

That's what friends and family are for. I hope you're not the only semi-geek in your circle. 😛

You can remove your PSU (four screws and a bunch of plugs) and test it in any other ATX system without installing it permanently in the other system. Just disconnect the other system's PSU leads, lay it on its side so all the connectors can reach where they connect securely, and hook it up. You only have to go as far as seeing if it starts before turning it off.

I have a feeling that I'll find the problem is with the motherboard. Then I'm back to square one, deciding whether I should try to incorporate my $100 case, and discontinued processor, RAM, and video card into the new system. My likely next step is to start perusing new build specs.

Your CPU is either socket AM2, AM3 or possibly AM3+. In any case, newer AM socket boards are backwards compatible with older versions. You can check the manufacturer's site of any board that interests you for CPU compatibility.

My main thought would be not to waste off your good components. If I had those parts, and I decided to go for a new system, I'd still want to use anything in that collection that still worked to rebuild a working second system or one to give or sell to someone. A whole, working system, even an old one, is worth more than the sum of its parts.

 

[Cacawcacaw]

Good advice. I'm just geeky enough to know I have an inexpensive unboxed power supply up in the attic. Just a matter of finding it!

I have my last two computers up there too. Maybe this would be a good time to troubleshoot them all and help out some poor students.

__________________
Nice song in your signature. Are you the same person as the guy in the credits? If so, good work. Mind if I post a link on Facebook? Seems relevant with the Assange extradition going on.

 

[Harvey]

Nice song in your signature. Are you the same person as the guy in the credits? If so, good work. Mind if I post a link on Facebook? Seems relevant with the Assange extradition going on.

Yes, that's me writing, singing and playing, and Hell, YES you can post a link to it! :thumbsup:

Whether or not you were looking for one, you just made a friend. YGPM with more info. 😎