Is my PC kaput?

FraserGJ · 28 Mar 2014 at 20:55

I've been looking into replacement components (motherboard bundles) but before going down that route I thought I'd ask whether you guys had any suggestions which may be able to resurrect my PC.

My current desktop has the following main specs:
- Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600
- Asus motherboard (P5N32SLI-E Plus)
- 2Gb RAM (2x1Gb Corsair sticks)

Originally purchased way back in 2007 with 2 Geforce 8800GTS cards in an SLI configuration. Since then both graphics cards have failed as well as the PSU. The latest failure seems to be the killer though.

Here's what happened: I booted it up but it locked up while starting the OS (black screen with frozen mouse pointer). Rebooted and it froze again, this time during the POST (after displaying CPU details but before RAM info). A further reboot seemed to cause a reboot loop (I could hear the hardware rebooting as if the reset button was pressed). Powered it down and back up again but now only the fans spin up and nothing else.

I've removed all components from the case and reinstalled the basics (motherboard, CPU, memory etc only) but no luck.

It sounds to me like some sort of major hardware failure (old age) but if anyone else has any suggestions. If not, I've got my eye on a nice looking motherboard bundle in the store

Grimley · 28 Mar 2014 at 21:03

I would say the RAM has failed. DDR2 is expensive to replace unless there is a lifetime warranty on it. EDIT; you could try RMA'ing direct to Corsair.

4T5 · 28 Mar 2014 at 21:08

Have you removed the CMOS battery counted to 31 & replaced it ?

mkelbie · 29 Mar 2014 at 11:28

Battery remove and try with 1 stick of ram. Do you have 4 slots?

I had a 8 year old CPU post 1st time after being stored for 3 years+ so have faith

I don't think all is lost just yet.

dacads · 29 Mar 2014 at 13:56

Which PSU do you have now?

FraserGJ · 29 Mar 2014 at 14:22

Grimley said:
I would say the RAM has failed. DDR2 is expensive to replace unless there is a lifetime warranty on it. EDIT; you could try RMA'ing direct to Corsair.

I've tried each stick on it's own but I'll have a fish around here to see if I've got a spare I can try.

FraserGJ · 29 Mar 2014 at 14:28

4T5 said:
Have you removed the CMOS battery counted to 31 & replaced it ?

Good idea, I'll try that now and let you know.

FraserGJ · 29 Mar 2014 at 14:31

dacads said:
Which PSU do you have now?

Started out with a 1100W Tagan PSU but that was because of the dual graphics cards and wide range of USB devices running from it.

When that PSU failed I was down to using a single lower power graphics card and most of the USB devices were no longer in use so the PSU needed was not as powerful.

Replacement was a Corsair CX600 (600W) which seems to be running fine.