Stupid computer problems :(

Oct 8, 2005 at 9:45 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 17
Thaddy

Thaddy

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Last Wednesdy I awoke to my computer not running...hmm, odd. After taking the panel off, I could instantly smell a problem, literally. After closer inspection, 5 capacitors had burst next to the MOSFETS and CPU. This was certainly not good
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Since I didn't want to go through the hassle of reinstalling Windows, as well as loosing my data, I decided to replace my Epox 8RDA+ with the newer 8RDA+3 model. It arrived yesterday, so after getting it all buttoned up, I held my breath and turned it on.

Fans spinned, hard drives clicked, and LED's shone bright...but nothing appeared on the screen. Even after a boot with nothing but the CPU, video card, and a stick of RAM (no hard drives), I was still getting the default message on my monitor, and no POST or BIOS showing.

This problem is killing me, as I really need some important stuff for classes. You guys think my CPU is dead? I hate to pour more money into my computer, I wasn't planning a rebuild until I graduated
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Oct 9, 2005 at 1:59 AM Post #3 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by AuroraProject
Have you tried clearing the CMOS?


that and did you install the PCI cards at their exact locations on your old mobo? I've never really tried this before, but I've read it should work with the same exact mobo(model) without having to reinstall windows.
 
Oct 9, 2005 at 2:21 AM Post #5 of 17
Not to long ago I had to replace several hundred Mobo's on IBM units for my customer. All had blown caps and a good percentage of them took out the Intel CPU as well.
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Oct 9, 2005 at 3:04 AM Post #6 of 17
I have only seen one bad CPU, and it was on a board with buldging capacitors (but not completely blown as in your case.)

The order for troubleshooting should be: Power supply, mainboard, CPU, RAM, video card. You can probably assume the mainboard is fine. Take out the RAM and video card; it should beep at you. Another possability is that the mainboard is being shorted by a metal riser (the stud holding the mobo above the case.)

I would probably just test the power supply and then replace the CPU.

But you can always start troubleshooting from the beginning: take the mainboard out of the case and set it on the anti-static bag it came in, with only the powersupply, case speaker and power switch connected. Should turn on and beep at you continuously. Install the CPU, turn it on, and again it should beep at you. Install the RAM, and again, it should beep. Install the video and hook up a monitor, it should now POST and give you a display.
 
Oct 9, 2005 at 5:19 AM Post #9 of 17
In the mean time you may wanna buy a $25 external usb/firewire hard drive enclosure to hook your drive up to a friends pc or lab computer. No need to lose data or productivity!
 
Oct 9, 2005 at 5:29 AM Post #10 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy
After closer inspection, 5 capacitors had burst next to the MOSFETS and CPU.


You have MOSFETs inside your computer? What on earth for?
 
Oct 9, 2005 at 9:07 PM Post #11 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLeader
CPU, definetly


Yup, it's definately fried
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Oh well, I guess I'll replace my good ole' 2100+ with a 2800+ Barton
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Seems fairly cheap on Newegg, and I can't spend a lot.
 
Oct 9, 2005 at 9:55 PM Post #13 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer
FWIW I had the caps start leaking on my 8RDA+ after about 2 years, and while I was limping along for a few weeks waiting for the cash to get an A64 rig running, they finally gave out, taking my 2500+ with them. So I would not be surprised if your situation is the same. Epox = never again for me!


Interesting, cause I've been using Epox for quite a while now and have never had any trouble. Hopefully these occurances are reserved to that board
 
Oct 9, 2005 at 10:36 PM Post #14 of 17
Quote:

Originally Posted by SptsNaz
Interesting, cause I've been using Epox for quite a while now and have never had any trouble. Hopefully these occurances are reserved to that board


From what I gatherd, it was their supplier of capacitors at the time. I guess they were only rated at 10,000 hours. The capacitors on my new 8RDA+3 are the same color, but look different in design, especially the tops. I didn't inspect them in detail though, just a quick glance.

Well I went ahead and ordered a 2800+ Barton, and the parents are going to help me in the finance department in leu of this tragedy, so it looks like I'm getting a decent upgrade
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I'm planning on getting 2 new SATA hard drivers later this year as well. Also, I found a loaner laptop to use in the time being, so I can resume my normal Head-Fi-browsing activities
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