PC fails to POST

RoyBatty · Aug 2, 2007, 03:21 PM

Well, it started to happen two days ago (suddenly - I didn't do anything hardware related with the computer).
What my computer does: Sometimes it reboots fine, but sometimes it simply stops working instead of POST and Windows start. The monitor turns off and that's all - even after rebooting using the case button. After turning it off (including PSU) and back on it's the same - all HDDs and fans spin up, CD/DVD drives work as usual even the Q-Fan slows down the CPU fan, but the monitor stays off and nothing is happening. It takes a few on/off cycles for the computer to succesfuly POST and start Windows.

Clearing the CMOS didn't help - it posted but after I saved the default BIOS settings and rebooted it was the same again.

I suspect that it is the motherboard problem, because I experienced a similar problem a few years ago with a 430TX mobo - I had to replace two capacitors on it (and it works fine since then). I didn't find any weird looking capacitors on my P4C800 though.

I'm afraid to reboot or turn off the computer because I don't know if it will start again. And I need it because I have a lot of work to do now.
...but I guess I'll have to turn it off anyway to try to reseat all components.

Any suggestions? I'll do some more investigation meanwhile...

ChaosMinionX · Aug 2, 2007, 07:23 PM

Did you change anything recently?

RoyBatty · Aug 2, 2007, 07:29 PM

So I found out that if I remove the graphic card the computer works normally. I wasn't able to get it working with the card plugged in, so I'm writing this from another computer. Now I'll have to find out what's broken - graphic card or the motherboard.

Edit: No i didn't change anything recently. The first time it happened I simply rebooted and it worked again. But it was getting worse and worse and now the computer can't boot at all with the card in.

RoyBatty · Aug 3, 2007, 02:07 PM

I have a ATI 3D Rage II+ 4MB PCI in my computer now (changed my profile too

). The Windows GUI is slow like hell because there are no XP drivers for this card. But I ordered a Sapphire X1950GT for a good price - it should arrive on Monday. I didn't test the AGP port because I don't have any AGP card, I hope it's still functional.

At least I can continue writing my diploma work now...

Edit: I have found the driver on XP CD. Much better now

RoyBatty · Aug 6, 2007, 07:21 PM

I just installed the new X1950GT. It was quite difficult to get that monster card into my small case, but it's done and working. I'm glad that it wasn't the motherboard failure

It's a very hot card, so I will install the VF900-Cu I was using on the old X1600 (another RMA

).

mikehud851984 · Aug 6, 2007, 07:29 PM

Hey ROYBATTY I had the exact same issue last week with my system i tried everything to get it to post aswell and also removed the gfx card and found it resolved the issue also thought the card was dead but decided to try it again and found that it was actually just a loose connection on the cards pci ex power cord replaced the cord as I have modular cabling psu and works fine again just thought that might be whats happening to yours as they are both sapphire cards

RoyBatty · Aug 6, 2007, 07:42 PM

The problem was getting worse gradually so I don't think it was loose connector. I have tried to install/remove the X1600 several times, it never worked. But I may try it one more time when I will put the VF900 on the X1950. Thanks for suggestion mike.

RoyBatty · Aug 10, 2007, 01:41 PM

The VF900 is on. Temps went down by ~20°C

(The X1600 is dead.)

mikehud851984 · Aug 11, 2007, 03:04 AM

Nice I deffinately need to get a new card this whole shader model 2.0 is getting to be frustrating I mean don't get me wrong this card has done well I must say best card I have owned and only paid $100 for it and been running strong for almost 2 years but still it's seen it's glory come and go now just to decide what to do to my system next I love everything in it it will be tough to start over to upgrade to AM2 DDR2 and DX10.

Aug 2, 2007, 03:21 PM	#1
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	PC fails to POST Well, it started to happen two days ago (suddenly - I didn't do anything hardware related with the computer). What my computer does: Sometimes it reboots fine, but sometimes it simply stops working instead of POST and Windows start. The monitor turns off and that's all - even after rebooting using the case button. After turning it off (including PSU) and back on it's the same - all HDDs and fans spin up, CD/DVD drives work as usual even the Q-Fan slows down the CPU fan, but the monitor stays off and nothing is happening. It takes a few on/off cycles for the computer to succesfuly POST and start Windows. Clearing the CMOS didn't help - it posted but after I saved the default BIOS settings and rebooted it was the same again. I suspect that it is the motherboard problem, because I experienced a similar problem a few years ago with a 430TX mobo - I had to replace two capacitors on it (and it works fine since then). I didn't find any weird looking capacitors on my P4C800 though. I'm afraid to reboot or turn off the computer because I don't know if it will start again. And I need it because I have a lot of work to do now. ...but I guess I'll have to turn it off anyway to try to reseat all components. Any suggestions? I'll do some more investigation meanwhile...

Aug 2, 2007, 07:23 PM	#2
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,911 Rep Power: 47 System Specs	Did you change anything recently? __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Aug 2, 2007, 07:29 PM	Thread Starter #3
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	So I found out that if I remove the graphic card the computer works normally. I wasn't able to get it working with the card plugged in, so I'm writing this from another computer. Now I'll have to find out what's broken - graphic card or the motherboard. Edit: No i didn't change anything recently. The first time it happened I simply rebooted and it worked again. But it was getting worse and worse and now the computer can't boot at all with the card in. Last edited by RoyBatty; Aug 2, 2007 at 07:38 PM.

Aug 3, 2007, 02:07 PM	Thread Starter #4
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	I have a ATI 3D Rage II+ 4MB PCI in my computer now (changed my profile too ). The Windows GUI is slow like hell because there are no XP drivers for this card. But I ordered a Sapphire X1950GT for a good price - it should arrive on Monday. I didn't test the AGP port because I don't have any AGP card, I hope it's still functional. At least I can continue writing my diploma work now... Edit: I have found the driver on XP CD. Much better now Last edited by RoyBatty; Aug 3, 2007 at 02:42 PM.

Aug 6, 2007, 07:29 PM	#6
mikehud851984 DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dover NH U.S.A Posts: 75 Rep Power: 0	Hey ROYBATTY I had the exact same issue last week with my system i tried everything to get it to post aswell and also removed the gfx card and found it resolved the issue also thought the card was dead but decided to try it again and found that it was actually just a loose connection on the cards pci ex power cord replaced the cord as I have modular cabling psu and works fine again just thought that might be whats happening to yours as they are both sapphire cards __________________ Mobo: ASUS M3A32 MVP Deluxe Wifi AM2+ Chipset:AMD 790FX/AMD SB600 Southbridge CPU: AMD Black Edition Phenom 9600 Agena 2.3Ghz Quad Core Video: Sapphire Ati HD3870X2 1GIG Dual GPU Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 906BW 2ms 2000:1 Ram: 2GB Crucial Ballistix 1066Mhz DDR2 Storage: Maxtor SATAII 300GB With Bonus 20GB. Power: Antec NEO 650Watt Cooling: CPU:Thermaltake Ruby Orb 120mm, Intake: Thermaltake Thunderblade 120mm, Exhaust:Thermaltake Thunderblade 120mm, Side Panel modded stock case 80mm, and Arctic Silver 5 on cpu heatsink.

Aug 6, 2007, 07:21 PM	Thread Starter #5
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	I just installed the new X1950GT. It was quite difficult to get that monster card into my small case, but it's done and working. I'm glad that it wasn't the motherboard failure It's a very hot card, so I will install the VF900-Cu I was using on the old X1600 (another RMA ).

Aug 6, 2007, 07:42 PM	Thread Starter #7
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	The problem was getting worse gradually so I don't think it was loose connector. I have tried to install/remove the X1600 several times, it never worked. But I may try it one more time when I will put the VF900 on the X1950. Thanks for suggestion mike.

Aug 10, 2007, 01:41 PM	Thread Starter #8
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	The VF900 is on. Temps went down by ~20°C (The X1600 is dead.)

Aug 11, 2007, 03:04 AM	#9
mikehud851984 DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dover NH U.S.A Posts: 75 Rep Power: 0	Nice I deffinately need to get a new card this whole shader model 2.0 is getting to be frustrating I mean don't get me wrong this card has done well I must say best card I have owned and only paid $100 for it and been running strong for almost 2 years but still it's seen it's glory come and go now just to decide what to do to my system next I love everything in it it will be tough to start over to upgrade to AM2 DDR2 and DX10. __________________ Mobo: ASUS M3A32 MVP Deluxe Wifi AM2+ Chipset:AMD 790FX/AMD SB600 Southbridge CPU: AMD Black Edition Phenom 9600 Agena 2.3Ghz Quad Core Video: Sapphire Ati HD3870X2 1GIG Dual GPU Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 906BW 2ms 2000:1 Ram: 2GB Crucial Ballistix 1066Mhz DDR2 Storage: Maxtor SATAII 300GB With Bonus 20GB. Power: Antec NEO 650Watt Cooling: CPU:Thermaltake Ruby Orb 120mm, Intake: Thermaltake Thunderblade 120mm, Exhaust:Thermaltake Thunderblade 120mm, Side Panel modded stock case 80mm, and Arctic Silver 5 on cpu heatsink.