Alright diagnostics team...
So, I unplugged everything, and turned the computer on with the bare minimum (per Alpha and Kent's advice).
I haven't had problems turning the computer on at all, but rather problems with the peripherals not responding, so the whirring of fans and lack of beeping told me nothing new.
Powered down, waiting a minute, and plugged my monitor in. Heard a popping noise. No sparks, no smoke, no funny smells. Took out the video card and looked it over closely. Didn't notice any resistors blown. I have a screw loose in the box and the noise could've been the result of the the metal of the box and the card tapping against each other when I pushed in the mini sub connector.
Powered up again. Nothing from the monitor, and the computer sounded the same.
Added the second HD and I heard/saw the same result.
So, it doesn't seem to matter how much or little I have plugged in at this point: the computer sounds the same and lacks video no matter what.
Bad graphics card? If so, why did it work intermittently?
I haven't had problems turning the computer on at all, but rather problems with the peripherals not responding, so the whirring of fans and lack of beeping told me nothing new.
Powered down, waiting a minute, and plugged my monitor in. Heard a popping noise. No sparks, no smoke, no funny smells. Took out the video card and looked it over closely. Didn't notice any resistors blown. I have a screw loose in the box and the noise could've been the result of the the metal of the box and the card tapping against each other when I pushed in the mini sub connector.
Powered up again. Nothing from the monitor, and the computer sounded the same.
Added the second HD and I heard/saw the same result.
So, it doesn't seem to matter how much or little I have plugged in at this point: the computer sounds the same and lacks video no matter what.
Bad graphics card? If so, why did it work intermittently?