PC won't POST after power cut

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:21

Hey lads,

I was out last night when a power cut took place. When I got home I saw that my PC was sitting there with a blank screen. I turned it off then back on again and she wouldn't POST. I could only get her to POST when I removed the RAM and then I got the RAM error beep. I've tried booting with just one stick but she still won't POST (well she certainly doesn't output anything from the speaker). I've tried all four sticks by themselves but still no luck. Does this sound like a screwed motherboard to you lads or at least screwed DIMM slots? Surely if the RAM took a hit I would still get the RAM error beep? I think so but there is an error message for my BIOS for when the system board/PSU is screwed which would obviously be more appropriate. I'm just after some opinions really as I will just order a new rig if the motherboard is gone as it's an old rig now. I'm worried about other components being fried too (unfortunately I don't have another system to test them all in) so the cost may escalate.

Thanks

Nick644622 · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:25

Have you cleared the BIOS settings yet ? If not I'd try that ( the no RAM tests may have cleared it out anyway)

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:27

Sorry fella I should have mentioned that. Yes I reset CMOS and I left the battery out for about 12 hours.

Nick644622 · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:32

Try taking out/unplugging everything except the minimum of RAM, if it POSTs add back one at a time until it falls over. If it won't that means that any combination of RAM MOBO/CPU or PSU has passed on. (I'm sure you realise, but there may be noobs reading, adding back with the power off)

RJC · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:36

Is there any chances of testing your components in another machine.
Was your power cut due to the storms last night, you may of got a spike!

Greenlizard0 · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:43

Is it plugged straight into the mains? Or do you use a surge protector?

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:45

Nick644622 said:
Try taking out/unplugging everything except the minimum of RAM, if it POSTs add back one at a time until it falls over. If it won't that means that any combination of RAM MOBO/CPU or PSU has passed on. (I'm sure you realise, but there may be noobs reading, adding back with the power off)

I unplugged everything except the CPU then I powered up and got the RAM error beep. When I insert any of the RAM modules into any of the DIMM slots it refuses to post.

RJC said:
Is there any chances of testing your components in another machine.

Only one bloke comes to mind and he may let me have a play with his rig. Is there any risk that I will damage his components by putting my suspect components into his machine?

Was your power cut due to the storms last night, you may of got a spike!

It was mate! Does it normally mean the PC is screwed?

Greenlizard0 said:
Is it plugged straight into the mains? Or do you use a surge protector?

Straight into the mains unfortunately.

RJC · 7 Aug 2008 at 20:59

If you got a power spike then yes it can damage your pc components which means you could end up swopping everything out, trying parts in a friends will help identify which are the faulty items but will it damage his pc! That I can't answer

What's the spec of your pc.

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:01

She's an old girl now:

AMD 64 2.2GHz
Geil 4GB PC3200
MSI K8N Neo2
9600XT

RJC · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:18

It might be more cost effective to upgrade, as you could have multiple component failures and being older technology you might be be spending the same as if you were starting from scratch!

Sorry I can't be of any more help

Edit: not sure if this thread might be of any help if your considering upgrading:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17883751

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:25

RJC said:
It might be more cost effective to upgrade, as you could have multiple component failures and being older technology you might be be spending the same as if you were starting from scratch!

Exactly what I thought mate. I know it's an old rig but she done everything surprisingly well and I'd just kick myself if she just needs a new board. I can easily see the price escalating like you've mentioned though so I'm undecided

Edit: not sure if this thread might be of any help if your considering upgrading:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17883751

Thank you very much!

Strife212 · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:30

The Power Supply is whats most likely to be gone, if you are lucky it will be that and nothing else.

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:34

I'm not convinced it's just the PSU tbh. I can plug all components in and get it to POST; it's just when I introduce RAM it screws up. I've got a multimeter. Perhaps I can power it up and get some readings.

Just found a build in that thread: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11840938&postcount=3

What do you guys think?

RJC · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:57

Pretty good build, bare in mind to fully utilise 4gb you will need a 64bit operating system, unless you change to 2gig of ram like the Geil.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-058-GL&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=813&name=GeIL%202GB%20(2x1GB)%20PC2-6400C4%20800MHz%20Ultra%20Low%20Latency%20DDR2%20Dual%20Channel%20Kit%20(GX22GB6400UDC)

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 21:58

Cheers fella

RJC · 7 Aug 2008 at 22:09

sniffy said:
Cheers fella

No probs, If do go ahead, remember to post some pics!!

sniffy · 7 Aug 2008 at 22:32

I think I will order one up mate

I'm off to uni soon so getting £500 together for a PC when I'm there just won't happen

By the way I'm guessing that motherboard allows that duo to clock nicely?

Nick644622 · 7 Aug 2008 at 23:27

If you were happy with the performance & you don't fancy risking another's rig, I'd gamble & buy one cheap small RAM unit for it before chucking it all away. Say £15 & think of it as paying for a diagnoses.