Soyo SY-K7ADA Motherboard Troubles

[kxb177]

Last year my brothers computer would not "boot up". By "boot up" I mean that it would turn on but the monitor would not click on. I figured that it obviously there was a problem with the video card, even though the motherboard/speaker was not giving any beeps to indicate that this was the problem. I went an got a new video card, and put it in the system. The system still did the same thing. I removed everything from the case and set it up on my desk. I had the processor, ram, motherboard, video card, and power supply hooked up on my desk. This let the computer to start intermittantly (sp?). After several days of considering my options, I decided to replace the motherboard. I went out and bought the exact same motherboard. It seemed to cure the problem. The computer would boot up every time. There was no longer an issue. I put everything back in the case and all was well.

Fast forward one year....

The same thing is happening. This is what I have done so far:
1. Tried to boot it up. -- FAILED
2. Reset the CMOS & Tried to boot -- FAILED
3. New (AGP) video card (that is known to work from another system)-- FAILED
4. Removing everything from the case (set it on the table) video card (new and old), motherboard, ram, processor on the table. -- FAILED
5. Tried old PCI video card (out of case) -- WORKED ONE TIME
6. Removed motherboard battery -- WORKED ONE TIME, put battery back -- FAILED
7. Bought new battery put new one in motherboard -- FAILED
8. Removed new battery (no battery in motherboard) -- FAILED
9. ????

I would really appriecate any suggestions that you guys could offer. I am having trouble buying the fact that SOYO motherboards only last a year. They seem to have a pretty good rep around here. I am at a loss for what else it could be.

So...thanks in advance for any help that you can offer

-Ken

 

[mechBgon]

What power supply is being used with it? Do you have any quality-brand 300W+ power supplies available that you could test with?

 

[kxb177]

I will test that first thing tomorrow. I have an Antec one that I can test it with. Any other suggestions if that doesn't work?

Also, just for my own knowledge, why would it work for a year or so and then all of the sudden crap out??

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: kxb177
I will test that first thing tomorrow. I have an Antec one that I can test it with. Any other suggestions if that doesn't work?

Also, just for my own knowledge, why would it work for a year or so and then all of the sudden crap out??

One thing that bit a bunch of mobo manufacturers was some bad capacitors that bulged/leaked as time went by. If you have a chance, you might take a really good look and see if any of the capacitors are bulging (capacitors look like this if you're not familiar with them on sight).

 

[kxb177]

As someone that didn't major in engineering, or anything like that (finance acutally)...a probably stupid question.

If I use a bigger power supply, and it is a capacitor that is the problem, will the larger power supply compensate for the capacitor, and it will work? If that is the case, is there the potential to cause further damage to other components because more juice it getting to the parts??

Again, appologies if this is a dumb question.

Thanks

 

[mechBgon]

The beefier power supply probably wouldn't help counteract leaky capacitors. They contain an electrolytic liquid solution, so if that starts leaking onto the motherboard or other parts of the system, like the video card... well, we all know circuitry and conductive liquids are a bad mix Even if the beefier power supply did help, you'd still be wanting to get the faulty board out of there as soon as possible.

If the capacitors don't show any evidence of bulging or leaking, then you might pony up $46 for one of these Enlight 420W units: newegg. That's a good-quality brand with lots of power, and you can re-use it with your next systems. If it doesn't help with the root problem, at least you have a good foundation for whatever other parts you end up needing.

I'm really fond of the Asus A7N266-VM motherboards, if you need a suggested replacement board. I posted my full pros/cons in a Hot Deals thread.