Video Card, Mobo or PSU?

[RabidBunny]

I have had my computer for about two years now with no real hardware problems (other than harddrive failure).
So last week I was playing Oblivion and decided to get one of my skills up by setting a stack of coins on the key to cast the spell -- over and over. I then left to go shopping. When I got back, my computer was off and wouldn't turn on at all. (The power button didn't do a thing)
I have opened it up and played around with it - this is what I have figured out, but am unsure what exactly is broken:

If I disconnect the PSU from power and then give it power again, the CPU and Videocard fan do one flop and then nothing - it still won't power up at all.

If I disconnect the video card from the mobo and hit the power button - it "boots up". I'm not sure exactly what it does (I have no video card in it) but the CPU fan spins, and you can hear the harddrive working -- it then gives a CMOS beep code (I think that's what it's called) probably indicating there is no video card.

I personally think it is a bad video card -- but would really like a second opinion before dropping over $100 on a new one. I have been trying all week to find a working videocard to try out to see if it works and haven't been able to get ahold of one.

Any comments would be -greatly- appreciated! Thanks!

Videocard: nVGA Geforce 6800 GS,
PSU: Antec 350W,
Motherboard: ASUS K8V.
If you need any other specs let me know.

 

[Atheus]

Are there any signs of damage on the video card? Bulging/leaking caps, burn marks, etc. Does it work in another machine? Don't try it in another machine if it does have physical damage though, you might break something...

/Edit: Also, what is your processor and how many hard drives do you have? Your PSU seems underpowered, and old Antecs have a reputation for exploding or failing randomly, maybe it failed partially and can no longer power the vid card along with everything else?

 

[RabidBunny]

I wasn't able to see any signs of damage on either the video card or the mobo (no marks or bulging caps). Everything LOOKS fine. Once again, I haven't been able to test it in another machine. It is an AGP card and all the machines I have access to don't have AGP ports.

Processor: AMX Athlon 64 3200 (I'm not 100% on the 3200 part, but it is around there)
Hard Drive: 1 Western Digital 200GB SATA (I'm not sure on the speed)

I had that thought about the PSU also -- I unplugged everything but the videocard and it still wasn't able to have any power at all.

I guess I am wondering: What other possibilities other than a bad videocard is there? Is it possible that my mobo is bad and have it still "boot up" like it does without the video card? Can my PSU be going weak and for some reason be unable to power the videocard anymore -- but still be able to give power to all other devices when "booting" without the video card? Also, are there any other possible failures I am overlooking?

Thanks for your replies!

 

[RabidBunny]

Oh yeah, I forgot another interesting troubleshooting case I tested.

If I have the video card seated in the AGP slot but have removed the extra (12v ?) power supply then both the CPU and video card fans spin while the computer sounds a continuous high pitched beep.

I don't know if that will be any help to anybody in figuring this thing out.

 

[statikuz]

If the beep code is BEEEEEEEEEEEEEP BEEP BEEP then that would indicate a bad video card on most motherboards.

 

[ChonChon]

hmm...

the thing is that power supply is quite weak. and you went for a while leaving that oblvion command on, and it might have just gave u the finger.

i would say your best option is to hook everything back up and buy a new powersupply and give it a go. i would recommend no less then 500W. check these out -- all in the $85-130 range and all amazing PSUs:

Recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341001
Best Buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817152016
Next Choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153032
Last Choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817152025

there you go man. that first one is amazing -- best one of the group which is why i recommended it (not only beacuse its 600W either).

good luck man hope i could help

 

[RabidBunny]

The beep code -is- a BEEEEEEEP BEEP BEEP -- but that would make sense because I didn't have the video card connected. It doesn't get far enough to give me a beep code when the video card is in the box.

Thanks for the PSU recommendations ChonChon -- I'm going to check those out for sure (even if my PSU isn't broken I might think of upgrading)

Could I get any recommendations on a good AGP card that doesn't cost too much. I have had my eye on this one: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814102002

Does that card look like a good replacement for my nVGA Geforce 6800 GS ? (Is it a step up or a step down?)

EDIT:
-------
Another question: When I first started this post -- I really thought it was a bad video card. Is there a possibility that the video card is still good and it is just a weak PSU?
(A side note on this question: I took the PSU into a computer shop and the hooked it up for me and said "it worked", I guess I already knew that because it starts up the motherboard when there is no video card, but could it be "weak" and that is causing it to not give power when the video card is in?)

 

[RabidBunny]

Just to keep you updated -- I really liked the looks of that OCZ GameXStream 600W PSU you recommended ChonChon, So I just bought one from newegg and will be seeing it sometime next week. I am crossing my fingers that it will magically fix all of my problems - but I still am prepared to have to buy a new video card -- oh well, I'm still in the *I just bought something* state and am really excited to see my new PSU

So when my PSU gets here and my computer still doesn't work -- any recommendations on a video card to get?
-- I'm looking for a replacement for my nVGA Geforce 6800 GS -- I really don't want to go down in quality, but don't want to break the bank on a new card. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!

(And thanks to ChonChon for pointing out that PSU, I'm sure I'll love it!)

 

[ChonChon]

if you want a step up on a video card, don't get that one, its definetely not an upgrade. get one of these:

Recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130274
Best Buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130046

that's (in my opinion) the best AGP card available on the market, and at a price like that how can you complain for what you're getting. those specs are beautiful.

 

[ZYFER]

You said you didn't have any access to other PCs with an AGP slot. But you can test the power supply on another system and test the power supply of another system on that motherboard.

Even if the power supply is too weak for your needs, it should be able to at least turn it on for a good period. Remember, if hardware is not being used to its full extent, it will not use as much power. During POST, your video card will not use anywhere near as much power as if it was in the middle of a game. Also, do you not at least have an old PCI video card to use on your computer? I find it hard even if you don't have one, that you don't know someone who does.

 

[RabidBunny]

That is true -- I -could- test my power supply on another system. I guess deep down I know the power supply is fine, my only thought on the power supply is that it wasn't enough power for my system - and all of the other systems I would test it on are really old and (should) power up just fine.
When I went looking around for AGP cards I didn't think about checking for PCI cards - I'll take a look at all of them again today to see what I can find. Thanks for the suggestion Zyfer!

Also are there any more recommendations on a replacement card for my eVGA (I kept calling it nVGA this whole post Geforce 6800 GS? ChonChon recommended some in the $200-$300 range. Would there be any around $150 that wouldn't be a huge upset for me? Thanks.

 

[ChonChon]

to be honest, nope.

if your video card is working perfect, there is aboslutely no reason for you to want to upgrade it if all you have for it is $150. it just does not make sense and isnt possible. there is no card that is that price retail that would be an upgrade. at the same time if you look for a 6800 ultra your card is known to so easily O/C to those speeds and beyond. so really what you're looking for is a 150-dollar upgrade to a card that costs more then that itself.

the last AGP upgrade you will need is that card i posted for you. from there its your call.

now. if your card is BROKEN and you have $150 to REPLACE it, thats a different story. check these out:

Best Buy (Tied for 3rd Place): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121216R (open box is still brand new)
Recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130036
2nd Choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131430
Tied for 3rd Place: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102002

keep in mind for the price range these cards are in, they are very good. but none of them are as good as yours, so remember that. the recommended card is great. a very very good young brother to the 7600GT (which is out of your range) and performs beautifully. not to mention has a good overclocking history, and will serve you extremely well.

if you decide to go with that 800GTO, unlock the pipes. try at least -- if you cant then it isnt worth it.

good luck

 

[RabidBunny]

Looking around for new video cards I have noticed PCI-E cards are a lot cheeper than their AGP counterparts -- Why is that?
Would it be much more expensive to just upgrade my motherboard now to one that has a PCI-E slot in it instead of getting a new AGP card now. (I'll have to upgrade to PCI-E sometime anyway right?)
What costs could I be overlooking that getting a new motherboard would include? -- Would I be forced to buy a new processor if I got a new motherboard?
Thanks.

 

[ZYFER]

That is because they are designed for PCI-E and have to then be made AGP compatible. RapidBunny, are you sure your video card is not in warranty? You should be able to send it back to the manufacturer for replacement if it is not functioning.

 

[RabidBunny]

Yeah I'm sure it isn't under warranty -- it is a little over two years old. I spoke with eVGA and they said their older cards have a "1 + 1 year warranty" One year when you buy the card, and one more year warranty when you register it (which I didn't do) So, unless I've overlooked something, I'm pretty sure my card isn't covered by the warranty.
So I am still curious -- Would it be a good idea to consider upgrading to a PCI-E motherboard now, or should I just stick with my AGP board for now?

 

[ChonChon]

of course not m8. check out this set-up...

Mobos:

Best Buy and Last Choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131530
First Choice and Recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131540
Next Choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131517

pair that with one of these video cards:

Recommended if you can get this for the extra money its an AMAZING deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130035
second choice (trust me dont be fooled by the 128-bit, it beats the next card): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150140
Last Choice (even though u've experienced it, the PCIe version is better): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150118

good luck man. if you have the funds, get a new board and a new video card.

NOW -- if its a serious enough upgrade for you and you want a "permanent" video card, shoot for one of these (dont be fooled, you dont need a 7900GTX, its not much different then the 7900GT and not worth the extra money especially in the position you're in right now. as you seem to like nVidia more, i put all the cards in the 7900GT range, with the exception of one):

for fun, if you do decide u must go with 7900GTX, this is the one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143062

now...

first choice, recommended, and best buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130015
second choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150139
last choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814195002

enjoy and let us know.

 

[RabidBunny]

Just to keep those that might be interested up-to-date. I bought a new PSU and it didn't fix it So I **FINALLY** got my hands on an old PCI video card and tried it out and my computer boots up (I'm writing this from -my- computer!) So I plan on buying a new video card sometime this week. Thanks for all of the help - I really appreciate it! I'll let you know if I have any other troubles when the video card comes - but from what it looks like, I had a bad video card the whole time and just need to get a new one.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: RabidBunny
Just to keep those that might be interested up-to-date. I bought a new PSU and it didn't fix it So I **FINALLY** got my hands on an old PCI video card and tried it out and my computer boots up (I'm writing this from -my- computer!) So I plan on buying a new video card sometime this week. Thanks for all of the help - I really appreciate it! I'll let you know if I have any other troubles when the video card comes - but from what it looks like, I had a bad video card the whole time and just need to get a new one.

thanks for an update ..sad tho about the vid card ...gl

 

[ChonChon]

yea BUT at least u found the problem and any new card you buy will utilise that new PSU so well, and it will run your whole computer better. basically, it wasnt a worthless purchase.

as for the video card, let us know which u buy. take a look at my list those are some good deals!

 

[RabidBunny]

Yeah -- I AM glad I bought the new PSU, it has plenty of room for me to grow!
I was split with the video cards -- I was really close to buying the Geforce 7800GS but decided I didn't want to buy a really good AGP card that would make me not want to upgrade my mobo to PCI-E when that time came around. So I went with a refurb Radeon X800 XL for $120. I'm sure it'll be fine for me -- I had to buy it from ATI instead of NewEgg - so I hope it doesn't take too long for them to ship it, I'm having withdrawals of not having my computer

 

[ChonChon]

keep us posted

 

[RabidBunny]

Final Update: I got my ATI Radeon X800 XL in the mail the other day and it works great. I have been using it for about a day now and it looks like that was what it needed.

Thanks everybody for all of your help with this - I really appreciate it!