Motherboard failing i guess...

YnHDaRkMaN · Jun 29, 2009, 07:33 PM

well, a client's PC doesn't boot at all, no POST, no nothing, as soon as the power button is pressed, fans power up and LEDs flash for a sec and then, no power at all...

tried replacing PSU (my first guess) and nope, same problem...
so it must be the motherboard right? or am i missing something here?

the client reports that there were BSODs before the no-boot problem...

thanks in advance

Neshi · Jun 29, 2009, 07:50 PM

I've had the same problem once, the problem was that the cpu only had 1 of the 2 connectors connected to the motherboard. The connector where the cpu draws it's power from...

on the powercables they are noted as cpu1 and cpu2. I only had connected 1, but both were needed..

so maybe this is a similar problem..

**kris23** · Jun 29, 2009, 07:57 PM

possible but unlikely....

if the OP changed the PSU and that was the cause.... that means the OP doesnt know how to properly install one which i highly doubt

i say its either the mobo or possible RAM failing

YnHDaRkMaN · Jun 29, 2009, 07:58 PM

well, i guess not since all of the connectors were connected when i tried the other PSU, double-checked that to be sure...

**kris23** · Jun 29, 2009, 08:02 PM

try checking the RAM first before attempting to change the mobo

Neshi · Jun 29, 2009, 08:29 PM

hmm I guess it was some kind of no-brainer.. but thought I'd mention it anyway

It happened to me a couple of times where I thought I'd gone through all possibilities and it turned out it was some kind of small detail which you do correct all the times before..

YnHDaRkMaN · Jun 29, 2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

try checking the RAM first before attempting to change the mobo

since i lack experience, how can i check the RAM? changing slots? removing 1 stick (he's got 2)?

thanks again

Tyrsonswood · Jun 29, 2009, 08:45 PM

This doesn't check the ram, but if you pull all the ram and try to power it up you should get beep codes from the mobo..... if it's good that is.

**kris23** · Jun 29, 2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YnHDaRkMaN

since i lack experience, how can i check the RAM? changing slots? removing 1 stick (he's got 2)?

thanks again

thats pretty much it... also if the computer has an onboard buzzer try removing them all after and see if it beeps

OldBuzzard · Jun 30, 2009, 01:12 AM

Another thing to check is the 20/24 pin connector. Make sure that it's seated all the way, as that can make a difference.

Don't ask me how I know about that

Actually, it would be a good idea to re-seat EVERY connection in the system, just to make sure.

Mac Daddy · Jun 30, 2009, 02:12 AM

The BIOS checks CPU / Memory / PCI-E (video) in that order on boot. If it doesn't recognize those things its the mobo.

YnHDaRkMaN · Jun 30, 2009, 07:37 AM

thanks a lot for all the help, i'll let you all know how it turns out when i check it again (maybe on wednesday)

nicnik · Jun 30, 2009, 01:00 PM

I would recommend going through the motherboards built in diagnostics (beeps) and just take it from there. Unplug anything that's unnecessary and work with the minimum.

Tipstaff · Jun 30, 2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrsonswood

This doesn't check the ram, but if you pull all the ram and try to power it up you should get beep codes from the mobo..... if it's good that is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicnik

.... Unplug anything that's unnecessary and work with the minimum.

Along with this:

- unplug the power, remove the bios battery, and do a bios reset
- reseat the CPU (sometimes CPUs, specifically CPUs that have their pins on the CPU itself, can do what we call "chip creep", and come out of their socket, so the idea is to make sure that the CPU is fully in the socket)
- if the motherboard has onboard video, and you are using a video card, remove the video card. If you've been using the onboard video, and the board has an unused graphics slot, try the reverse, and put in a video card.

Quite a coincidence that this thread got started as I had a machine come into the store with this exact same problem. The difference is that the owner said they couldn't shut the machine down, so they pulled the plug, and haven't been able to boot the system back up since. Once you've done everything suggest in this thread it's a no brainer that the board is the issue.

BTW, another culprit could be the bios itself. If the bios is corrupt, or has been erased (I've seen this happen on few Asus boards) you may be able to recover it if the board has the ability to do so. With Intel I can remove the bios jumper which makes the board try to recover the bios from an external device, like a floppy. It takes a long time, and you may not notice anything, but sooner or later it starts accessing the floppy, pulling in the bios. If you can post some information on the motherboard I can look into it.

YnHDaRkMaN · Jun 30, 2009, 07:22 PM

well, i can't remember what model, but it's a VIA with a P4 processor and DDR400 RAM (sorry for the lack of info...)

Mac Daddy · Jul 1, 2009, 02:54 AM

No worries Bro post the info as you can some great advise above .. keep us posted

YnHDaRkMaN · Jul 1, 2009, 08:47 PM

UPDATE:
well, checked it once again... and i've never thought that such thing as "chip creep" existed...

i tried first removing the RAM, and nope, no boot... so i checked the processor, removed it (pinless 2.66GHz P4HT) and placed it again, placed HS/F, powered it up... i heard beeps! (no RAM)

so i quickly placed the RAM back, and voila! been running XP for about 15 mins. now, no BSODs yet...

well, nothing more to say but, thanks a lot for all your help guys!

Tyrsonswood · Jul 1, 2009, 09:27 PM

Good you got it running, let us know how it goes.....

Tipstaff · Jul 1, 2009, 09:39 PM

I have never heard of chip creep with a socket 775 processor. It should never happen as the pins are on the board. Plus, the retention bracket keeps the CPU snug against the pins, and the socket itself is design so that between the inner plastic mounting, and the metal bracket itself that there's no way for the CPU to move in any direction. Mind you, if the retention bracket wasn't snug against the top of the CPU (if it's bent, or poorly attached to the board) then it is possible.

Well, I'll say this, it's one for the books. Glad you got it sorted.

Mac Daddy · Jul 1, 2009, 10:12 PM

Odd on the chip creep thing but just glad ya got it sorted man

Jun 29, 2009, 07:33 PM	#1
YnHDaRkMaN Image of the invisible... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 147 Rep Power: 14 System Specs	Motherboard failing i guess... well, a client's PC doesn't boot at all, no POST, no nothing, as soon as the power button is pressed, fans power up and LEDs flash for a sec and then, no power at all... tried replacing PSU (my first guess) and nope, same problem... so it must be the motherboard right? or am i missing something here? the client reports that there were BSODs before the no-boot problem... thanks in advance __________________ My very old desktop's specs: Intel D865GBF Pentium IV 3.0Ghz HT 4x512Mb 400Mhz in Dual-Channel Sapphire Radeon X1650PRO AGP DDR2 512Mb (Dead fan, not using it right now...) Antec Basiq 500W Acer LCD 19'' Widescreen 250Gb HDD (2 partitions)

Jun 29, 2009, 07:50 PM	#2
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 2,053 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... I've had the same problem once, the problem was that the cpu only had 1 of the 2 connectors connected to the motherboard. The connector where the cpu draws it's power from... on the powercables they are noted as cpu1 and cpu2. I only had connected 1, but both were needed.. so maybe this is a similar problem.. __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Jun 29, 2009, 07:57 PM	#3
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,374 Rep Power: 75 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... possible but unlikely.... if the OP changed the PSU and that was the cause.... that means the OP doesnt know how to properly install one which i highly doubt i say its either the mobo or possible RAM failing __________________ Driverheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (9/4/09) New i5 systems with more to come! Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jun 29, 2009, 07:58 PM	#4
YnHDaRkMaN Image of the invisible... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 147 Rep Power: 14 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... well, i guess not since all of the connectors were connected when i tried the other PSU, double-checked that to be sure... __________________ My very old desktop's specs: Intel D865GBF Pentium IV 3.0Ghz HT 4x512Mb 400Mhz in Dual-Channel Sapphire Radeon X1650PRO AGP DDR2 512Mb (Dead fan, not using it right now...) Antec Basiq 500W Acer LCD 19'' Widescreen 250Gb HDD (2 partitions)

Jun 29, 2009, 08:02 PM	#5
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,374 Rep Power: 75 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... try checking the RAM first before attempting to change the mobo __________________ Driverheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (9/4/09) New i5 systems with more to come! Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jun 29, 2009, 08:29 PM	#6
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 2,053 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... hmm I guess it was some kind of no-brainer.. but thought I'd mention it anyway It happened to me a couple of times where I thought I'd gone through all possibilities and it turned out it was some kind of small detail which you do correct all the times before.. __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Jun 30, 2009, 01:12 AM	#10
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek? Join Date: May 2003 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 2,330 Rep Power: 91 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... Another thing to check is the 20/24 pin connector. Make sure that it's seated all the way, as that can make a difference. Don't ask me how I know about that Actually, it would be a good idea to re-seat EVERY connection in the system, just to make sure. __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY

Jun 30, 2009, 02:12 AM	#11
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 65 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... The BIOS checks CPU / Memory / PCI-E (video) in that order on boot. If it doesn't recognize those things its the mobo. __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Jun 30, 2009, 07:37 AM	#12
YnHDaRkMaN Image of the invisible... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 147 Rep Power: 14 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... thanks a lot for all the help, i'll let you all know how it turns out when i check it again (maybe on wednesday) __________________ My very old desktop's specs: Intel D865GBF Pentium IV 3.0Ghz HT 4x512Mb 400Mhz in Dual-Channel Sapphire Radeon X1650PRO AGP DDR2 512Mb (Dead fan, not using it right now...) Antec Basiq 500W Acer LCD 19'' Widescreen 250Gb HDD (2 partitions)

Jun 30, 2009, 01:00 PM	#13
nicnik Oink™ Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 469 Rep Power: 31 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... I would recommend going through the motherboards built in diagnostics (beeps) and just take it from there. Unplug anything that's unnecessary and work with the minimum. __________________ xbox tag: nicnik

Jun 30, 2009, 07:22 PM	#15
YnHDaRkMaN Image of the invisible... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 147 Rep Power: 14 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... well, i can't remember what model, but it's a VIA with a P4 processor and DDR400 RAM (sorry for the lack of info...) __________________ My very old desktop's specs: Intel D865GBF Pentium IV 3.0Ghz HT 4x512Mb 400Mhz in Dual-Channel Sapphire Radeon X1650PRO AGP DDR2 512Mb (Dead fan, not using it right now...) Antec Basiq 500W Acer LCD 19'' Widescreen 250Gb HDD (2 partitions)

Jul 1, 2009, 02:54 AM	#16
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 65 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... No worries Bro post the info as you can some great advise above .. keep us posted __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Jul 1, 2009, 08:47 PM	#17
YnHDaRkMaN Image of the invisible... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 147 Rep Power: 14 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... UPDATE: well, checked it once again... and i've never thought that such thing as "chip creep" existed... i tried first removing the RAM, and nope, no boot... so i checked the processor, removed it (pinless 2.66GHz P4HT) and placed it again, placed HS/F, powered it up... i heard beeps! (no RAM) so i quickly placed the RAM back, and voila! been running XP for about 15 mins. now, no BSODs yet... well, nothing more to say but, thanks a lot for all your help guys! __________________ My very old desktop's specs: Intel D865GBF Pentium IV 3.0Ghz HT 4x512Mb 400Mhz in Dual-Channel Sapphire Radeon X1650PRO AGP DDR2 512Mb (Dead fan, not using it right now...) Antec Basiq 500W Acer LCD 19'' Widescreen 250Gb HDD (2 partitions)

Jul 1, 2009, 09:39 PM	#19
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Toronto Posts: 5,610 Rep Power: 113 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... I have never heard of chip creep with a socket 775 processor. It should never happen as the pins are on the board. Plus, the retention bracket keeps the CPU snug against the pins, and the socket itself is design so that between the inner plastic mounting, and the metal bracket itself that there's no way for the CPU to move in any direction. Mind you, if the retention bracket wasn't snug against the top of the CPU (if it's bent, or poorly attached to the board) then it is possible. Well, I'll say this, it's one for the books. Glad you got it sorted. __________________ >><<

Jul 1, 2009, 10:12 PM	#20
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 65 System Specs	Re: Motherboard failing i guess... Odd on the chip creep thing but just glad ya got it sorted man __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen