1 Long Beep 2 Short Beeps

[Ben4000125]

I went away for around 30 minutes the other day and got back and realised that my PC had turned off, I tried to turn it back on and it wouldn't. I opened up my PC and realised there was a small bit of smoke coming from near the RAM.
I researched into the beeping problem and I've tried everything and it doesnt work, do I need a new Video Card or Motherboard?

What is the problem?
I've taken out the video card and placed it back in.
I've taken out the RAM and placed it back in.

Help please as I want to get my computer working and I dont know which one has broken.

 

[hubbardt]

What is the make and model of your PC?
Did you build it yourself or buy the whole thing?

Telling us the make and model of your motherboard also helps.

 

[Ben4000125]

What is the make and model of your PC?
Did you build it yourself or buy the whole thing?

Telling us the make and model of your motherboard also helps.

Its a computer built from CSL (Computer Company)
Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboard
Video Card - PowerColor - I'm struggling to find the specific one, it says R91KLT 1GB Version 1.2 if that helps
Windows 7
8GB RAM

 

[hubbardt]

http://support.asus.com/Troubleshooting/detail.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=1&m=M5A78L-M%20LX&s=24&hashedid=5YkHeMJXc3aijWxY&os=&no=978

1.4.2.1 Memory issue: Beep (1 long 2 short)

A Clean the Golden Finger of memory

B Clean the memory slots

C Leave only one memory stick to test

D If convenient, please change different memory to test again

 

[Ben4000125]

http://support.asus.com/Troubleshooting/detail.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=1&m=M5A78L-M%20LX&s=24&hashedid=5YkHeMJXc3aijWxY&os=&no=978

1.4.2.1 Memory issue: Beep (1 long 2 short)

A Clean the Golden Finger of memory

B Clean the memory slots

C Leave only one memory stick to test

D If convenient, please change different memory to test again

I have tried this however I only have one stick of 8GB RAM so I removed that and it still beeps, is that because the lack of RAM or the motherboard?

If it is the RAM then I can replace it easily and the same with the motherboard but preferably I only want to purchase one so is there a way to find out which one it is? (I have searched all the other computers in the house for RAM which fits in the computer but there is none so i cannot test it this way)


And I'm also slightly confused, if my RAM isnt working why is my monitor not being acknowleged by the computer? Is that still the RAM or is it the Motherboard?

 

[hubbardt]

If your RAM is bad then typically you won't be able to get into BIOS and just get a series of beeps.
Without a spare memory stick to test with it is hard to determine if it is the RAM or motherboard.

Do you know anyone who has a PC that you could test your RAM with?
Failing that you may need to take it to a repair shop. They will typically charge to diagnose the problem but will discount that cost if you then purchase something or chose to have them fix it.

 

[Ben4000125]

If your RAM is bad then typically you won't be able to get into BIOS and just get a series of beeps.
Without a spare memory stick to test with it is hard to determine if it is the RAM or motherboard.

Do you know anyone who has a PC that you could test your RAM with?
Failing that you may need to take it to a repair shop. They will typically charge to diagnose the problem but will discount that cost if you then purchase something or chose to have them fix it.

I have asked a friend and he's sending me a spare 1GB stick of RAM to see if it is my motherboard or my RAM, I'll reply on this when I have discovered the problem.

Thanks for the help up to this point