PC fails to POST

RoyBatty · Aug 2, 2007, 09:21 AM

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, 01:23 PM

Did you change anything recently?

RoyBatty · Aug 2, 2007, 01:29 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, 08:07 AM

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, 01:21 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, 01:29 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, 01:42 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, 07:41 AM

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

(The X1600 is dead.)

mikehud851984 · Aug 10, 2007, 09:04 PM

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.