Hello all. Bit of a strange problem that's got me stumped. I wonder if anyone can help?
My main pc runs more-or-less 24/7 (and has done since I built it nearly 4 years ago) then last Wednesday when I came back in from work I found a blank(black) monitor screen but the rest of the pc seemed to be functioning as normal.
To cut a long story short, when I now switch on the pc, most of the time it seems to go through the full boot sequence as normal (complete with the beeps, windows opening "tune" and then my custom sounds etc. etc.), HDD light comes on as normal, everything whirrs and buzzes as normal but I'm not getting anything on the screen. The monitor light changes from amber (standby) to blue (working). Everything seems normal except for the lack of visuals. Note - I can't even see anything "pre-windows" (i.e. the POST screen or BIOS screen).
NB - I say "most of the time" as it does hang occasionally. The little mobo display shows "7F" which the manual says "Switch back to text mode if full screen logo is supported. If errors occur, report errors and wait for keys. If no errors occur or F1 key is pressed to continue: clear EPA or customization logo". If I press F1 it plods on with the boot up.
Here's what I've done so far...
Tried an old (working) monitor = same problem
Changed the graphics card (like for like) = same problem
Changed the motherboard (like for like) = same problem
Tried endless different combinations between the RAM chips = same problem
Disconnected all extra bits (CD&DVD drives, fans, USB stuff) = same problem
Cleared CMOS (including taking the battery out for 30 mins and unplugging ATX cables) = same problem
So, I assume that the only things left which could hide the fault are maybe the Processor?? or PSU?? or HDD??
Bearing in mind the rig runs more-or-less 24/7, would the PSU be the most likely to be failing and causing the problem (even though it still boots but without a display output)?
I don't have a spare PSU or Processor or SATA drive to do any further tests so what ever happens next will involve spending money :(
Would any kind soul have any ideas or thoughts?
Cheers.
Mark.
Mobo = Abit IN9 32X-max
CPU = Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz S775
RAM = Crucial 1GB 240DIMM PC2-6400 DDR2 CAS4 (x4)
HDD = WD Caviar RE2 500GB S300 16MB (x2)
Graphics = XFX GeForce 8800GTX 768MB PCIE DVI
PSU = Tagan 800W PSU - Dual Engine
Monitor = Viewsonic VG2230WM
OS = Windows XP Home (SP3)