PC problem diagnosis

Overload · 1 Oct 2006 at 16:43

Hi there,

Been given a PC to fix and just wanted to run it by you guys. Story goes is that the power switched off whilst the machine was being used and now won't boot up.

Upon further inspection the RAM LED on the motherboard (GA-8S661FXM) is flashing and only fans are spinning round. No HDD spinning or CD drive open. Also when i hold the on/off switch the machine does not switch off.

I have replaced the PSU and no improvment.

Tested the HDD in another machine and spins up and is detected in BIOS - so that is ok.

Initial thoughts are that the motherboard has gone. I can test all the cards and RAM in another machine.

So, is my theory right suggesting that the motherboard is dead and everthing is ok?
And is there any way of testing a P4 chip as I do not have any P4 motherboards available or will it be ok?

Thanks.

firewallblocked · 1 Oct 2006 at 17:10

When I get what looks like total motherboard failure I remove ALL unnecessary cards including cd/dvd drives, do a bios reset and look to see for any sign of damage to capacitors etc on the board. It sounds like the m/b may be dead if all drives have been tested in other systems. Dead PSU normally is the cause of this but you have already tested it. I'm sure someone else can post some ideas.

Overload · 1 Oct 2006 at 18:51

Welll the graphics card, cd-drives and the RAM work in a different machine. Therefore I shall make the bold assumption that the CPU and wireless network card work as well (wise?).

If you can think of any other tests that I can try then please tell me.

Thanks

YoungBlood · 1 Oct 2006 at 19:37

You say the RAM LED is flashing, is this not pointing to the RAM being the problem?, I know you say you can test it but have you tested it yet? Do you get any beeps that might point to a certain area also

ops nevermind I see u tested the ram now

Overload · 1 Oct 2006 at 20:24

Just tried it again in the dodgy motherboard and the RAM LED does not turn on at all now - only when I press the short the reset pins. I admit that I cleared the CMOS.

I assume that no light means the board is completely fubared now?

Am I right to assume that the CPU should be OK?