Computer wont boot

Neill_J · 17 Aug 2011 at 15:57

Hi after help if possible with a computer start-up issue - any ideas what is wrong or things I can check?

Equipment:

MB - Asus P5E
CPU - Intel E2160 (after market cooler - cant recall the type)
Mem - 4gb PC1000 (DDR2) (2 Dimms)
GPU - BFG GTS 8800 (512mb)
PSU - is a corsair 520 (or something close to that)
HDD 1 - Intel 80gb SSD SATA (previous gen)
HDD 2 - Samsung 500gb SATA
CD/DVD - SATA type
Case - Akasa elite

Issue:

Last week two times while using the PC it has locked up (black screen) when in use with a game - a reboot has solved this
Now this week when I switch it on the fans come on but no video output is detected - no error beeps or anything are heard
Previously the system has been reliable and stable
Sometimes when I boot the fans come on full speed and stay that way - other times they go back down to a lower level - always there is no video output

I have opened the case and checked all obvious things like fans are moving and no cables anywhere have come loose (including disk/power/motherboard connectors/USB)
Other things I have tried is to run with only 1 memory slot used (remove one then the other) this has not produced any change
Nothing has changed internally in terms of adding any new cards/disks etc or cables, in fact I have not been in the case for months
There is no build up of dust etc that I can see

What is the likely culprit here?

Thanks, Neill

Energizer Bunny · 17 Aug 2011 at 16:01

If there's no video output at all I'd guess your graphics card may have failed. Do you have an old one you can swap out to check?

Neill_J · 17 Aug 2011 at 16:16

hmm - will see if I can find an old one and check that out

Thanks

nydryl · 17 Aug 2011 at 16:26

I had the same problem and it was the mobo that was gone. Not to say it is definitely the case for you though.

postmanfw · 17 Aug 2011 at 16:43

If fans are dropping speed then pc must be booting those times...just no video.

GPU 1st suspect i would say.

Try booting with no ram in at all....should beep at you. If it doesnt then not a good sign. try same for gpu too. beeps will be different when thats missing.

Neill_J · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:09

Ok results just in….

Remove both RAM chips and power on (with GPU in)…… Fans go at full speed (never slow) and there are no beeps
Re-insert the RAM chips and power on (with GPU in)…….Fans go at full speed then slow but no video output - and there are no beeps

Remove GPU and power on (with RAM in)…...Fans go at full speed then slow - and there are no beeps

What can we deduce from this? Where do I need to spend my money to replace knackered kit

Thanks all for the help so far

postmanfw · 18 Aug 2011 at 12:36

Would have expected beeps with no ram in and also with no gpu in.

Cheapest solution is to get/borrow a cheap gpu and see what happens.

Are you able to test the ram at all in another pc?

Neill_J · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:01

Had a friend at work try the GPU out
it does not work in 2 different PC's so looks like this is the faulty part

Now the problem is to decide on the replacement!

do I go with an older GPU or upgrade to something new?
decisions decisions hmm

whats considered a good new GPU (value for money)?

Neill

postmanfw · 9 Sep 2011 at 18:20

How much are you looking to spend?

The 6950 is a good card and is roughly double the performance of the 8800 GTS

Or are you just looking to have the same performance as the 8800?