computer won't start up

Rollingskies · 17 Sep 2009 at 19:38

First off the spec:

GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400C4 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX22GB6400UDC)
GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
Intel Core 2 Duo E2180 "LGA775 Conroe" 2.00GHz (800FSB) - Retail (overclocked)
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Intel P35 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard
Enermax 485W PSU

I came back from holiday and it had just stopped working. It starts when i press the power button and then dies a few seconds later. Sometimes it kicks into life again and then dies about 1 second later. There is nothing on the screen to see and there is nothing odd inside to note. The fan doesn't start immediately and it almost appears to have a problem staying on, but because the computer doesn't stay on for longer than 1-2 seconds I can't judge.

However, before this all happened for quite a period of time, when I did start the machine it would start up and 3 seconds later it would cut, then fire up again and would work normally. So basically all that has changed is a quicker cutting time and a failure to get going again.

Any help much appreicated, before I begin the expensive process of buy and trying new parts to find the issue.

My bet is either the processor or its fan and maybe the mobo.

Rollingskies · 17 Sep 2009 at 19:47

Well the PSU gives evidence of life. Initially it was what I suspected as it is about 5 years old, but it looks fine. I'll try moving the ram, but I don't believe it is that. I had a computer that had memory problems and the computer worked fine, but just wouldn't show anything on the screen. Any tests you could recommend?

Rollingskies · 17 Sep 2009 at 22:48

As I said I can't even get the computer to live for more than 3 seconds and no the screen does not come on in that time.

Rollingskies · 18 Sep 2009 at 00:22

I will try that tomorrow as it's gone midnight and will report back.

How did having a 300W PSU make the difference to blowing up your system?

Rollingskies · 18 Sep 2009 at 12:37

I took out the battery and put it back in and it made no difference.

I tried putting one of the two memory sticks in another of the 4 slots and then tried the other. No difference.

If the CPU is to blame, will there be any visible signs on it?

Rollingskies · 18 Sep 2009 at 22:06

Any further help guys? I'm pretty much at an end. Is it worth reposting this in the CPU forum?

Thanks

Rollingskies · 18 Sep 2009 at 23:53

thanks for that reply. That was helpful. My problem is that I don't have means to test anything. I could buy a £100 PSU today and install it and my computer might still not work. I could then buy a £120 processor and then it might still not work. Then a £50 mobo. I haven't long had an expensive upgrade to be honest and as a student shelling out all that hurts!

So before I go anywhere, could others comment?