Computer Hardware? Problem

[100_Percent_Juice]

So when I was gone for Vegas my computer got really sick. Somehow it picked up a "spyware Protector 2009" virus that was probably the biggest bitch I have ever come across and it was on my computer probably for several days. It disabled all my virus programs(AVG, malwarebytes, spybot S&D) and also blocked me from using any internet. I couldn't even use any of those programs in safe mode.

I got on my laptop and started searching the web trying to find out how to fix it. Finally after several hours I was making some headway and getting it cleaned up. Then during a restart, the computer didn't turn back on. So I figured that my 350w power supply finally gave up the ghost.

I could turn the power supply off, wait several minutes and then flip the power back on and the computer would start to run(the fans started to spin). It would only run for about 3 seconds and then just power down again without ever displaying anything on the screen.

I ordered a new power supply from Newegg, a 600w this time because the 350w was to small. I just installed it and plugged it in. I flipped the on button on the back of the power supply and the computer started to run but again it only lasted for a few seconds and then died.

I don't think the virus could have killed my computer but I guess its possible. Any advice or tips would be awesome.

[Dean]

Have you and Bob been watching Dolphin porn together?

Unplug the power cables from everything but the MB and video card and see if it will post.

Unplug every card, RAM stick, processor and cable and then put back just CPU, Video card and 1 RAM stick and try...

Give me a call if you need help.

[100_Percent_Juice]

Ok, I unplugged everything except for the 20+4 motherboard and then a 4 plug that was also on the motherboard. It did the same thing. I then removed 1 RAM stick and tried it again. Still the same.

[Dean]

So, do the second suggestion.

If you take it completely apart and put back just CPU, 1 stick of RAM, and Video and it won't post, try a different stick of RAM in a different slot. If no go, try different video card. If it still doesn't work, MB or CPU is dead.

Bad PS often take MB with them. Especially true of cheapo factory PS. 250-350W.

Capacitors fail and send ugly power to MB.

[100_Percent_Juice]

Honestly I don't know if the other power supply actually failed. It was a Rosewill 350w, is there a way to test the power supply by itself?

[cody]

Easisest way to test the PS would be to hook it up to a working computer. But it might kill that computer to so don't listen to me.

[cody]

You might try resetting the Bios by removing the CMOS battery (I think for an hour or so after unplugging the computer from power and holding down the power button for a few seconds) or using the reset jumper. You'd have to refer to your Mobo manu for reset instructions using jumpers if they exist.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by cody

You might try resetting the Bios by removing the CMOS battery (I think for an hour or so after unplugging the computer from power and holding down the power button for a few seconds) or using the reset jumper. You'd have to refer to your Mobo manu for reset instructions using jumpers if they exist.

You don't have to wait an hour if after disconnecting the battery you step on the brake pedal for a few seconds.




....wait, what?

[100_Percent_Juice]

I don't have another card to swap in place of my current video card. It just seems like something is giving the order to stop everything. I have an asus motherboard and there is a green light on it when the power is on. I unplug the power and the green light stays on for a few seconds and then as soon as it goes off, I can flip the power back on and it will run again for a few seconds but, I have to wait until that light goes out before it will try to start again. All of the fans turn on(video card, CPU, Power supply), I can even hear the HDD turn on for a second. If it is the motherboard, is there anything that I would visibly be able to see?

[Dean]

If the MB never chirps the on-board noisemaker/speaker if it has one, it is likely the MB or CPU, most likely the MB.

CMOS reset is a good thing to try, but not too hopeful.

I may have a LED gizmo that does voltage testing of PSs somewhere. I have no idea where though and it may only have the main 20 pin? connector, not the +4 or ++4...

What CPU/MB?

Pull the video card, it should startup the CPU, RAM and MB without it and stay running.

[100_Percent_Juice]

I have this MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131022
I have an AMD dual core processor that I think is like a 2.4GHz?

[100_Percent_Juice]

I tried to call you yesterday Dean but your phone was busy. I think it must be either the motherboard or the CPU like you said. However I don't want to spend more money on a part that I don't really need to replace. Do you know of a way to test which one could be at fault? If you have time later today it might be easier for me to bring it to you?

[Dean]

I'm a popular guy...

I don't have a spare, much less own a dual core MB or CPU, so will not be able to help much. I loaned my PS tester to a friend and should have it back tomorrow or Sun.

The MB has it's own power regulation for the CPU, so they seldom fail unless being overclocked ov overheated.

Do all the fans spin easily, especially the CPU one?

[100_Percent_Juice]

Yeah, all the fans spin easy and everything visually looks normal. The computer does the same thing with either power supply so I think I bought that in vain.

[100_Percent_Juice]

I am almost convinced that its the MB after reading all the negative reviews on Newegg. I am pretty stumped on which manufacturer's MB I should get to replace it. I think ASUS has been reputable in the past but as I look at the reviews of most of their current lineup, there are a bunch of the same complaints. Any suggestions?

[cody]

I thought Asus were good too, Juicy, but I don't have any idea. You might ask on a forum like Hardforum.com

Hijack: I have a computer that freezes randomly, like once a day. I also changed out the powersupply in vain. I also vaccumed and blew out all of the dust from in the case but it didn't help. I think the next thing I'll try is replacing the CPU fan or at least reseat the sync. There are no errors in the Event Viewer and no new software or hardware.

[Dean]

Reseat everything, RAM, CPU, cards, cables...

Drop a clean OS and some benchmark testing SW on it to generate load and see if it is reproducible.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by cody

I thought Asus were good too, Juicy, but I don't have any idea. You might ask on a forum like Hardforum.com

Hijack: I have a computer that freezes randomly, like once a day. I also changed out the powersupply in vain. I also vaccumed and blew out all of the dust from in the case but it didn't help. I think the next thing I'll try is replacing the CPU fan or at least reseat the sync. There are no errors in the Event Viewer and no new software or hardware.

It's your RAM.

[ScottyS]

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

I am almost convinced that its the MB after reading all the negative reviews on Newegg. I am pretty stumped on which manufacturer's MB I should get to replace it. I think ASUS has been reputable in the past but as I look at the reviews of most of their current lineup, there are a bunch of the same complaints. Any suggestions?

Every manufacturer has runs of bad hardware. With so many options coming out all the time, and the relative inexpensive nature of electronics, this should not be a surprise. Some company's have had longer runs of crap than others, ASUS is not known for this. Their CS for a foreign computer hardware manufacturer is top-notch.

I would run whatever fits your budget/specs and has 100's of Newegg reviews to the positive. That means staying 6mo+ behind the curve, but these days that means nothing in terms of performance.

Personally, I have been running ASUS MB's and laptops for a while, and will continue to do so until their overall quality or CS takes a dump.

[100_Percent_Juice]

This was my 3rd Asus board and the only one I have had a problem with. From all the negative reviews that I have read, most came from people who also said "I have always used Asus but I guess the rumors of them putting out crap are true. I will never buy from them again."

One thing I did notice though is that Asus responded to most of those reviews trying to resolve the problem.

I went ahead and bought a Gigabyte MB for $109. I will update after I install it probably on monday.

[cody]

One of my servers, the one that doesn't piss me off, has a Gigabyte board and it's been rock solid for 5 years. That means they're all good.

[100_Percent_Juice]

Very true.

[100_Percent_Juice]

So I replaced the motherboard with this one.
It does act differently than it did with the other MB but it still will not post. There is no onboard speaker on the MB and the one on my case was never hooked up to the last board so I don't even know if it works. I can't really think of anything else than the CPU which I don't want to have to buy. I guess the only way to test it is to stick it into another computer? I am 99% sure that its an am2 socket so if anyone wants to stick my CPU in their socket... I am going to keep trying stuff tonight but if it doesn't work then I think I will just buy a new CPU.

[van]

just buy a mac and not deal with this shit






.......runs away with flailing nerd arms

[Dean]

You could probably have the CPU tested at some shop if nobody on the board wants to test it for you.

Call around... Smaller shops are more likely to be flexible with something that might take them 5 minutes for cash.

I'd do it if I had a MB that matched.