Hardware problem on my computer (with updates)

[rob_bailey191]

Hey everyone. I don't know if this is the right forum for this (if not I apologize). Am looking for some help diagnosing a hardware problem on my computer.

So heres my story. Had this comp for about four years, and as of recently was being stored at my parents house. Was working fine last time I used it about 6 months ago. Decided I wanted it with me, so last time I visit (about a month ago) I take the parts out, pack them (carefully) in my carry on and bring them home and install in a new case. Now its not working.

Here's what I get. Power definitely comes on, and CPU and case fans are spinning/lights are on. But I get no image on my monitor and I don't hear any beeps.

What could be wrong? I know its not the monitor, as it works fine connected to my laptop. Can't be the PSU as I'm getting power. I disconnected hard drives/cd drive and that doesn't do anything. At first I thought it might be my video card, but I recently bought a used one (cheapo for about 15 bucks, PCI) to test and I don't get a picture with that either (although I haven't tested either video card on another machine to check if they actually work there). I tried cutting back to one stick of ram (only have two pieces, no others to test) and that didn't help any. I'm hesitant to think its the motherboard as it does have power - its lights come on and it is able to power the fans. Maybe its the CPU? That would be a bummer because I don't really have extra parts to test my other components on, and I don't really want to buy a new CPU and find out thats not the problem.

I'm now wondering if something got damaged when I was transporting the parts, but I don't know what it could be. I have no idea what to test next, so I am here for advice.

Oh, before I forget, here are the specs:

ASRock 890FX Deluxe4
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T
G Skill Ripjaw 8gb Ram (2x4gb)
Antect TP-750 PSU
XFX Radeon 5850 Black Edition 1Gb


Update: So I got installed a new mobo (GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 AM3+), and the problem persists. Any thoughts at this point? If I have to replace the CPU, I feel like I might as well just upgrade and it will almost be a whole new computer at that point.

 

[CreationP]

If you did all that the most obvious reason is the PCI slot. Use the cards in another mobo and check. If they give picture most probably the mobo is ruined in the PCI slot of your card.

 

[rob_bailey191]

I've already tried the video cards in different PCI/PCI-E slots on the mobo. But what you're saying is that probably all the PCI/PCI-e slots on the mobo are damaged? I didn't know this could happen if its still getting power.

 

[CreationP]

That's the only thing I can think of. If you do not check in another PC my answer could be pretty much nulled. Maybe the PCI export of the mobo or CPU is damaged.

 

[fudgecakes99]

Process of elimination. It would be ideal if you tested these parts, in a seperate pc. Maybe an older one i know it'll be hard to check the cpu, but it'll give you a definitive answer on all the other parts hdd/gpu/ram. If it does come down to it it might just be the cpu that said, if you want you could probably buy another motherboard, test it out on that, then rma it, maybe get money back. I do believe buying a motherboard is a heck of a lot cheaper then buying a new cpu. Just make sure whomever you buy your motherboard from does to full refunds. There will probably be a restocking few but a small price to pay to find out whats wrong. Maybe try asking to burrow a friends pc?

 

[rob_bailey191]

Thanks for the answer. I don't really know anyone else in the area with a PC, so it looks like I will have to buy a new mobo. I may try doing what you said fudge, thanks for that advice.

Also, just to clear something up in my mind, if I have no HD connected of any sort, the computer should still turn on and I should be able to get into the bios, right?

 

[fudgecakes99]

I do believe that the bios screen should show up still as it is a located on a separate chip on the moba i believe.

 

[CreationP]

If you have no HD Drive the Bios screen comes up but it wouldn't boot into windows.

 

[rob_bailey191]

So I installed a new motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 AM3+) and the problem persists.

Any thoughts at this point? I guess I will try new ram and then a new CPU next.

 

[fudgecakes99]

When you turn it on do you get a single red light anywhere? If so tell us where. Is it by the cpu? The ram, or gpu? Did you put the ram back in the exact same order you put them in the first time? Did you put them one space apart if it's two sticks? Yes, it matters.