No POST but able to detect unexistance memory module

[mslinux]

Hi,

I have an Intel DG43NB mainboard ( onboard video ) with an Intel Core2 Duo processor ( I'm sorry I can't remember the detail specification of the processor ) and a pair of DDR2 RAM from Apacher ( 4 GB )

Yesterday, while in use, the system suddenly freeze while copying files from the network.
I thought it was just a problem with the operating system but then I was wrong. Since there was no chance to shutdown the computer properly, I turned off the computer by pressing the power button for a few seconds.
I waited for about 5 minutes before trying to turn it on but unexpectedly the computer booted but gave me nothing but blank screen.

No POST screen, no beeps, no blinks on keyboard leds but the CPU was up ( power led on, internal mainboard's led on, CPU's fan running and so the PSU's fan )

Assuming it was a static electrical issue, I unplugged the power cable from the PSU for about an hour then pushed the power button for some seconds before plugging it back. Stil the same result.

I started to think I've got a bigger problem. So, I removed everything off the mainboard. Pull off the mainboard from the case and put it on a thick dry and non conductive base.
I tried to connect as minimum as possible any other peripherals from the mainboard.
So, there is nothing connected to the mainboard, but the processor, PSU, a stick of memory module.

Checking on memory issues :
- Replacing the memory module with other one ( identical and working well ) from another computer. Same result.
- Turning it on without any memory module. The mainboard beeps 3 times indicating that it's still able to detect that there is no memory installed.
Checking PSU issues :
- Replacing the PSU with other working PSU from different computer. Same result.
Checking physical mainboard issue :
- No bad capasitors found. No bad joints. It does look ok.
Checking BIOS issue :
- Pulling off the jumper and the battery. Same result.

At this point, I think it's narrowed down to either processor or mainboard issue.
I had tried checking it by removing the heatsinks fan and cleaning it up and applying some thermal paste. I also can't seem to find any physical defects on the processor and the socket.
But seeing that the mainboard is able to detect that there is no memory module installed, could it be that the processor is the source of the problem??
Or should I check other factors such as CMOS too? I haven't tried removing the chip yet because I doubt it will be useful. But I might be wrong here.

Any advices and opinions will be very much appreciated.

TIA

 

[o1die]

I would first request an rma from Intel for the board. Give then 24 hours to respond. If you can't wait for them to send a replacement board (2-3 weeks) I would get a low priced board like this: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=G31-MPLUS&cat=MBB. If your system is non oem (not dell, hp, etc) and you have a retail or oem copy of windows, consider a complete upgrade like this, and sell the Intel replacement board when you receive it on craigslist:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138332
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116409
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220480

 

[mslinux]

So in your opinion, the board is dead but the processor itself probably fine?

 

[o1die]

Yes, unless the heatsink came loose or you set the cpu voltage over spec. But I always upgrade the cpu/board/ram at the same time. You can always sell the old cpu on craigslist or test it first on the rma replacement board. The upgrade I recommend is modest, but probably will at least match your old core2 duo cpu performance wise.

 

[mslinux]

Best answer selected by mslinux.

 

[mslinux]

Thank you.

I brought the board along with the processor to some kind of computer workshop here this morning.
They told me the board is dying and will tell me further info regarding the processor tomorrow.

Still curious to why the board became toasted tho as it was working quite fine with mild cpu load and good temperature, but I guess I have to say it, it's a bad luck

 

[o1die]

Could also be the power supply is getting old and weak. Most newer ps have built in safeguards to prevent board damage, but some cheaper ones don't.