My self built computer, which had been running fine for couple of years, started random restarting a week ago. I assumed it was software related issue and updated all the various drivers, patches etc. I also updated the motherboard BIOS. None of this improved matters, and the restarting continued.
Then a few days later my computer stopped working all together. It would not turn on at all. No fans, lights, hard drive noises, nothing. I assumed it must be a problem with either the PSU, motherboard, or the power switch.
I have a:
MSI K8N Neo2 Motherboard
AMD 3500+
Cosair Value Ram
Antec 480 Watt PSU
First, I checked all connections, on/off switches, jumpers, etc. Replugging everything. They were all fine.
I also reset the CMOS jumper, and then I checked for the mobo for bloated, leaking, or broken capacitors. Nothing there either.
Secondly I used an old computer and tested each suspect part. All three parts seem to work fine when they are used in conjunction with the old computer's parts. The PSU powers the other computer just fine, the on/off switch of my case works perfectly, and my motherboard receives power and begins to POST when it is connected to the old computer's PSU.
Thirdly, I have tried removing everything from the case and running just the mobo, CPU, 1 slot of ram, and graphics card. I also tested the PSU by jumping the green and black wires, and it ran fine.
None of these techniques has succeeded in pointing to the problem piece of hardware. Everything I try seems to indicate that the hardware is fine. Each item appears to function perfectly every time except when they are put together in their original configuration.
I've run out of ideas. Any ideas on what to do next? I don't want to buy a bunch of new parts until I know what the problem was with this these ones. Any other tests to try and single out bad hardware?
Thanks for your help.
Then a few days later my computer stopped working all together. It would not turn on at all. No fans, lights, hard drive noises, nothing. I assumed it must be a problem with either the PSU, motherboard, or the power switch.
I have a:
MSI K8N Neo2 Motherboard
AMD 3500+
Cosair Value Ram
Antec 480 Watt PSU
First, I checked all connections, on/off switches, jumpers, etc. Replugging everything. They were all fine.
I also reset the CMOS jumper, and then I checked for the mobo for bloated, leaking, or broken capacitors. Nothing there either.
Secondly I used an old computer and tested each suspect part. All three parts seem to work fine when they are used in conjunction with the old computer's parts. The PSU powers the other computer just fine, the on/off switch of my case works perfectly, and my motherboard receives power and begins to POST when it is connected to the old computer's PSU.
Thirdly, I have tried removing everything from the case and running just the mobo, CPU, 1 slot of ram, and graphics card. I also tested the PSU by jumping the green and black wires, and it ran fine.
None of these techniques has succeeded in pointing to the problem piece of hardware. Everything I try seems to indicate that the hardware is fine. Each item appears to function perfectly every time except when they are put together in their original configuration.
I've run out of ideas. Any ideas on what to do next? I don't want to buy a bunch of new parts until I know what the problem was with this these ones. Any other tests to try and single out bad hardware?
Thanks for your help.
