Computer Took a Poop...

JLM-AWP

OK, I am stumped on this one. I was having problems with my PC shutting down within 5 minutes of turning it on. Just OFF. Then I'd have to unplug it, plug it back in and start over. I decided to start testing some stuff. Seemed like a power supply issue at first, so I changed it out with another one I have. After I switched supplies back, I'm getting no video and 3 short beeps. I'm fairly certain this means there is something wrong with my main ram, of which I have two 1gig chips.

I've tried removing one, leaving the other, and vis versa. I've tried a friend's ram of the same kind. I've tried taking the adapter (for an LED) out from in between the main mobo power cord and mobo, all with the same result.

I seriously doubt both of my ram chips went bad at the exact same time. My PSU is testing ok, and my computer was booting to windows about an hour ago without a problem (besides the 5 min shutdown time).

Any ideas?

dispatch.o

Temperatures? Your PC is probably shutting down to avoid hardware damage.

JLM-AWP

Definitely not a heat issue. I've had the side off for 2 days, and the power supply is surprisingly cool.

Uncle Long

I'm assuming those three short beeps were post beeps. If this is the case remove the ram entirely and see if the post sequence changes.

JAEF

I had an issue recently where my computer would constantly crash and then eventually refused to boot up because the southbridge fan had completely stopped working. Make sure everything on the mobo's running properly.

JLM-AWP

Uncle Long wrote: »

I'm assuming those three short beeps were post beeps. If this is the case remove the ram entirely and see if the post sequence changes.

Post sequence doesnt change. I just realized that the backup PSU i tested with was 250w, where my normal one is 450w. I think, if the problem is the psu, that it may be hard to tell since 250w is rough for a higher end system. Maybe ill test using my friend's 450w tonight. Heres hoping.

brandotheninjamaster

what kind of mobo do u have?

JLM-AWP

brandotheninjamaster wrote: »

what kind of mobo do u have?

It's an ASRock....don't know the model number, I'm at work atm.

I've had it for about a year and a half.

JLM-AWP

OK, so I am making a list for myself of things to try.

So far I have:

- Try 400+ watt PSU
- Unplug all other power except for mobo/vid card.
- take out CMOS battery and reset mobo
- Take everything apart and put it back together, just for re-seating purposes.
- Check fans, heat syncs, and dust blockage.
- Check jumpers to make sure they weren't moved while fiddling with PSU initially.


Any other suggestions for my all-out geek-a-thon tonight?

brandotheninjamaster

Your computer has memory problems. First check video. If video is working, you'll see an error message. If not, you have a parity error in your first 64K of memory. First check your RAM's. Reseat them and reboot. If this doesn't do it, the memory chips may be bad. You can try switching the first and second banks memory chips. First banks are the memory banks that your CPU finds its first 64K of base memory in. You'll need to consult your manual to see which bank is first. If all your memory tests good, you probably need to buy another motherboard.

Found this. Seems to be a generic standard among mobos. With my mobo (DFI LAN Party rev I had 2 shorts beeps and had to replace both sticks of RAM it sucks. Beware though sometimes when PSUs go out they can take other hardware with it, so memory may not be your only problem. Best of luck.

JLM-AWP

Alright, well after my ram tested fine in another computer, I get the error regardless of what video card is in my machine, and my power supply tested fine, I've come to the conclusion that my motherboard is shot. Unfortunately, since I had an AGP card and didn't want to spend a whole lot of money before when building this current computer, I bought a board that accepts both PCI-Express and AGP cards. If I replace this board, it will be with a new chipset, and I might s well buld a new computer altogethe (outdated ram, video card). Thanks to those who helped, but I've found my self in a convenient decision to build a new rig. It's not all bad.

Thanks again.