I think I fried my computer

[kyoshi59]

64-bit processor with AMD64 technology
(2.4GHz, 512KB L2 cache, 2000MHz system bus)
Operating System : Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Display : eMachines® 17" Widescreen LCD Display (E17T6W)
1440×900 (native and maximum)
Chipset : NVIDIA® GeForce® 6100
Memory : 1024MB 667MHz DDR2 dual-channel memory (2 × 512MB)
Expandable to 2GB
2 DDR2 slots (total), 0 DDR2 slots (available)
Hard Drive : 250GB SATA II (7200rpm, 8MB cache)1
Optical Drive : 16x DVD±R/RW Supermulti drive
Up to 8.5GB with dual-layer media
Write max: 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL, 8x DVD±RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 48x CD-R, 40x CD-RW
Read max: 16x DVD-ROM, 48x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM DL
Video : NVIDIA® GeForce® 6100 integrated graphics
Up to 128MB shared video memory
PCI Express (PCIe x8) slot available for upgrade
Sound : 6-channel (5.1) high-definition audio
Communications : 56K ITU v.92-ready fax/modem (RJ-11 port)
10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
Peripherals : Standard multifunction keyboard
2-button wheel mouse (PS/2)
Amplified stereo speakers (USB powered)
Ports/Other : 6 - USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 4 rear)
1 - VGA
1 - Parallel port
1 - Serial port
2 - PS/2 ports (keyboard and mouse)
3 - Audio (rear): line-in/side (stereo), front/headphone (stereo), microphone
2 - Audio (front): microphone, front/headphone (stereo)
1 - RJ-45 Ethernet port
1 - RJ-11 modem port
Dimensions : 14.5"H x 7.2"W x 16.1"D2
Weight : 21.5 lbs.3 (system unit only)


Emachines® W5243 motherboard

I powered on my desktop and heard a pop. The power module is functioning, the fan still runs but no monitor and no post.

 

[Guest]

Swap the monitor for another one (or test monitor on another computer).

If the monitor is fine and still nothing from computer, it's time to look for the component which went pop !

 

[kyoshi59]

I swapped out monitors and I still get the same result. Everything powers on except for the monitor and I get no post "beep"? Heck if I know.

 

[Guest]

Just keep swapping components -- next I'd guess power supply and memory modules, video card, processor.

Have a close look at the motherboard -- a pop is sometimes a chip exploding. My favourite suspects are the capacitors around the processor -- they often bulge or leak when they fail.

 

[kyoshi59]

Power supply Video (on board) no discoloration, caps are fine, power was taken out and taken apart, fine, Processor fine. Discoloration found on the back USB module, looks as if something flashed (lint maybe?) Still the same results. I have a jpeg of the rear where this occured, I can send it to You if it will help clarify anything. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

So far only the USB -- did the failure coincide with plugging something in ?

I doubt if lint would be a problem with only 5 volts.

I have seen a computer which had failed where the pins on the front panel USB had been damaged (presumably by someone forcing a plug into the socket). Possibly USB was the cause -- I disconnected the USB socket and replaced the power supply and that fixed it.

 

[kyoshi59]

Nothing was plugged in, I just turned the unit on. The USB on the rear panel sits next to the On-Board Video plug-in if that has any relevance?

 

[Guest]

Nothing was plugged in, I just turned the unit on. The USB on the rear panel sits next to the On-Board Video plug-in if that has any relevance?

I don't see how it could be relevant.

I would now look at taking out the memory modules and see if the machine comes to life with only one (or two if paired is needed) testing each in turn that way.

Then take out any PCI etc boards and see what happens. If that fixes it, reinsert boards until it fails again (then you can see which one is causing the prob).

Then disconnect CD/DVD drive or extra hard drives.

If none of that helps it looks like the motherboard doesn't it ?

 

[kyoshi59]

Tested every component utilizing every variation and still no positive results. Tested power, PC Chip, memory, modem, dvd drive on another machine, they all work. Purchasing another Mother Board. Thanks.

 

[kyoshi59]

Best answer selected by kyoshi59.