help for newb with supposed graphics card problem

[criscoih]

Please help

My friend recently experienced problems with his computer. He returned from classes one day and his screen had an odd message on it (something to the extent of "monitor power on- check signal from pc"). He checked his monitor connection and it was fine. He then proceeded to inspect his graphics card thinking it was malfunctioning. He took out his old GeForce 2 MX and then bought a new Ati 9800 pro thinking it would solve the problem. I helped him install the card and when we tried to boot up the pc, the same message was displayed on his screen. We heard that PCI cards might interfere with the installation so we removed the NIC card and the modem and tried to boot it to no avail. I don't even know where to begin to fix this problem with his machine. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Chris

 

[solacedagony]

Ok, this could be a MULTITUDE of problems. First of all, do you hear/see the power supply fan buzz up and the CPU fan? If not, you probably need a new power supply. If you're not getting a signal from your computer, that maybe a problem with a few things (As your post was very vague). You could try a new monitor. Obviously your video card is good since you just replaced it. Also, your mobo could be dead. Just some things to think about. Also, if a stick of RAM went dead, it could cause your system to not boot up.
Good luck.

Jake

 

[criscoih]

Thank you for your reply. I will try to provide some more details:

The power supply is good as all fans (cpu,video card) were spinning and a green led glowed on the mother board when the computer was started. It might be his RAM (he has one stick of 256 pc2100)

I don't think it is a monitor problem. We tried 2 different monitors (we know the second one is a good unit) and the same message was displayed on both. I hope his mobo isn't kaputt. That would just suck.

 

[davemar14]

When you turn the comp on, what happens. Does it POST or give you beeps? Does your monitor LED turn from a orange color to green when the comp is turned on? Also, did you remember the power connector for the 9800 Pro?