thunderbird54321 Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 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) Quote
BeeCeeBee Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 I have one simple question. When you tested out the other monitors etc. did you use the same cable? I have seen and been guilty of lots of little simple solutions like that. But we just kick ourselves, wait till our faces get a little less read and then move on. Probably not the problem but it is worth mentioning Quote "Familiarity breeds contempt - and children." Mark Twain
KenB Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 Hi, would the PSU be the most likely When I read through your post I did think PSU. As this seems to be the only major piece of hardware that you have not tried swapping - I suggest that you try to borrow one / buy a cheap one. Just because there seems to be power there it doesn't indicate that the PSU is performing properly. Quote There is an email going around offering processed pork - gelatin - and salt in a can ......this is simply SPAM !! MiniToolBoxNetwork TestWireless Test
Dalo Harkin Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 If the PC is left on 24/7 then you have to take into account capacitor aging, basically if a PC is left on 24/7 for a year or more it can affect the wattage by upto 30% Have a look here and use this to see how much you are using eXtreme Power Supply Calculator I use it all the time when speccing new builds, while its not 100% it is accurate enough to give you an idea Quote Intel Q6600 @ 4Ghz (Watercooled)Asus P5K premium black pearl4GB OCZ Reaper 8500260GTX Join Free PC Help - Register here Donations are welcome - here PC Build We are all members helping other members.Please return here where you may be able to help someone else.After all, no one knows everything and you may have the answer that someone needs.
thunderbird54321 Posted January 25, 2011 Author Posted January 25, 2011 did you use the same cable? Hi BeeCeeBee. No, I used the cable already attached to each individual monitor so we can rule that one out too. I wish it was one of those "red face" moments. That would suit me down to the ground just now :D Quote
thunderbird54321 Posted January 25, 2011 Author Posted January 25, 2011 Hi KenB / Dalo Harkin Many thanks for having a look at this for me. It's looking like the PSU then. Ive just tried the Power Supply Calculator (VERY useful) and it shows my rig as needing 619w minimum (669w recommended) so I suppose there is a chance my 800w PSU (running 24/7 for nearly 4 years) could be running low on juice now. Time to get a new one ordered. Hopefully this will be the solution. I will keep you posted. Cheers. Mark. Always prepared to learn something new everyday :o Quote
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