TOTAL CATASTROPHE

[athelind]

The computer is a doorstop

Comments

[snobahr]

I have nothing helpful to contribute, aside from letting you know that your words have been read and there is some level of understanding and sympathy. I would offer a rawhide mallet if you were nearby.

[athelind]

Understanding and sympathy are, in cases like this, every bit as welcome as technical advice.

[reveille_d]

I have a hodgepodge of computer parts from my previous system, including a very good MB, very good RAM, very good heat sink and processor, and a known-good powersupply. I was saving them to run a new server on, but honestly, I'm sick to death of having a server in my kitchen, since it really servers no realistic purpose other than to say "I have a server!" I also have two other motherboards, and two other processors, not so recent, as well as some older RAM, if you wanted to try to swap out parts to get your old system up and running. I could bring over my box of stuff and you could paw through it and wheel and deal, if you like, rather than forking out for something brandbrandbrand new.

-Rev

[athelind]

This might be workable, especially if the mobo has an AGP slot so I can use my current video card (or, gasp, maybe that brand new AGP card that's just sitting in the box because it wouldn't work with the current mobo).

[reveille_d]

It is indeed AGP and should work with any of the more recently manufactured cards. It was running an x800 pro when I upgraded to a PCIE system.

[tombfyre]

Yeah, once the computer starts doing that there's obviously problems afoot. :p Most likely its the power supply, as thats exactly what prior computers I've serviced have done when said supply was blown. Next it could be the motherboard. Just make sure the big cable plugged into the motherboard is secure there. If its even a little bit loose, it won't start the computer.

You might wanna see about snatching up a spare power supply from somewhere and checking that out too.

[rustitobuck]

Probably the power supply. If it's a no-name power supply that came with the computer or case, it was probably pretty lame and underpowered.

One sign of the PSU going bad would be that you might catch a fan twitching when you hit the power button.

A good PSU for $50 or less would fix the problem. Aim for 400W or more; if you have an addon video card, it's drawing a lot of power too.

[athelind]

I actually don't remember if it came with the case or not, but it's a 500W model.

[doc_mystery]

Sounds like you built what the authorities call a Hoax Device. Something that looks like it will do something but does not.

Expect a prompt visit from your DHS.

::B::

[wy]

Hey, wait a sec .. I'm IN the DHS :P

[doc_mystery]

OMG, they're here!

::B::

[athelind]

FNORD!