Help! My PC is down!

lithos · 12-31-2008, 10:59 PM

After transporting my PC from Brisbane to Tamworth, I turned it on and it froze. Opening it up revealed that the heatsink had fallen off the CPU (because Intel's HSF clip design is crap).

Anyway, after that, it occasionally would reboot, but would freeze when any load other than sitting on the Windows desktop was put on it.

Other times, it would fail to boot at all, with the BIOS giving off the following beep code"

BEEEEP

*pause*

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP

*much longer pause*

BEEP.

I'm running an Asus P5KPL-C/1600 motherboard, Intel Core 2 Duo E7300.

Apparently, it runs AMIBIOS, and these are indeed two codes - the one long, three short means a memory test failure, and the one short means a DRAM test failure.

I'm guessing I need to replace either the RAM or the Motherboard...but which one? Or both?

*graphicgr8s* · 12-31-2008, 11:11 PM

Try removing and replacing the ram. Maybe it was just jarred loose.

*tybeck* · 01-01-2009, 01:21 AM

I'd check the RAM as well. Did you put Most thermal grease or tape when replacing the heatsink? CPUs over heating can cause as well.

lithos · 01-01-2009, 01:29 AM

Done that a dozen times. Rebuilt the sucker about a half a dozen times. I think I've narrowed it down to being the Mobo (not that expensive to replace, but if I'm getting a new one...I'll want to get a better one).

Tried swapping sticks in sockets. Nada. Zilch. Zip.

Do you know if the programmable interrupt controller is on the mobo or somewhere else? Apparently, that's what's wrong with it.

lithos · 01-01-2009, 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by tybeck

I'd check the RAM as well. Did you put Most thermal grease or tape when replacing the heatsink? CPUs over heating can cause as well.

Arctic Silver 5. All I ever use.

So, yeah.

Frogroast · 01-01-2009, 02:00 AM

When you say the heatsink fell off, I can easily imagine that big hunk of metal smacking something on the board, possibly ripping off a component and causing all your problems.

Based on what your post says, it could very well be the memory chip closest to the CPU got hit. Also possible the motherboard. If you're up to it, grab a magnifying glass or your camera + macro lens and scan the board. You might just see something broken off.

Also, check the case for "debris" - maybe invert the case onto a table, see if anything falls out.

cupic · 01-01-2009, 02:06 AM

I heard a beep a while back on my older comp and found it was a warning of CPU temp.Being a Intel you can adjust this up to 90C.Go into BIOS and check what its set to and adjust safetly to perhaps 80C

cheers

*graphicgr8s* · 01-01-2009, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by lithos

Done that a dozen times. Rebuilt the sucker about a half a dozen times. I think I've narrowed it down to being the Mobo (not that expensive to replace, but if I'm getting a new one...I'll want to get a better one).

Tried swapping sticks in sockets. Nada. Zilch. Zip.

Do you know if the programmable interrupt controller is on the mobo or somewhere else? Apparently, that's what's wrong with it.

On mobo. My main computer lost it's mobo also. A Dell replacement is $350 US since it's a proprietary design. But I have an ATX case and a new power supply soooooo me thinks a different mobo but using the rest of the hardware may be on the horizon. But it will need to have RAID with SATA capability.

lithos · 01-01-2009, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by Frogroast

When you say the heatsink fell off, I can easily imagine that big hunk of metal smacking something on the board, possibly ripping off a component and causing all your problems.

Aye. I think you're probably right. The non-stock heatsink I used weighed 2 pounds. Yep. 0.9 kilos. But like fish and babies, heatsink weight is better measured in pounds.

This time, I think I'll stick with the standard Intel heatsink, as I'm not overclocking it or anything, and apparently it's a good 'sink in its own right,

Originally Posted by cupic

I heard a beep a while back on my older comp and found it was a warning of CPU temp.Being a Intel you can adjust this up to 90C.Go into BIOS and check what its set to and adjust safetly to perhaps 80C

cheers

Should've mentioned, I can't even access the BIOS. Just a blank screen. I'm hoping that means you just need a functioning mobo to get to, not that my graphics card is stuff (oh gods, please let it be OK...)

Originally Posted by graphicgr8s

On mobo. My main computer lost it's mobo also. A Dell replacement is $350 US since it's a proprietary design. But I have an ATX case and a new power supply soooooo me thinks a different mobo but using the rest of the hardware may be on the horizon. But it will need to have RAID with SATA capability.

I can't stand proprietary anything in computers. But $350 should get you something top-of-the-line (or near it) from Gigabyte or Asus or whoever.

Incidentally, I've bitten the bullet, said "Shag it" and am gonna get a new mobo. Probably something from Gigabyte's "Ultra Durable 2" range, as those motherboards are meant to be thicker and therefore more resilient.

I'm now trying to decide whether it would be better to get a new GPU, or simply get another 8600GTS and go SLI.

lithos · 01-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Oh, and I'm sorry if I sounded surly or short with anyone. This whole PC is frustrating...I can't process any pics...

*graphicgr8s* · 01-02-2009, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by lithos

Oh, and I'm sorry if I sounded surly or short with anyone. This whole PC is frustrating...I can't process any pics...

I don't think you were short. (Sorry, Vertically challenged

)

I feel your pain.

I am NOT going to spend $350 on a mobo. Gonna see what I can get in Asus or GByte that will meet my requirements. I got the Dell because it was easier (actually just didn't feel like building it. Got lazy) than putting my own together and it came with a legit OS. My only problem will most likely be that the OS will give me problems since it won't be a Dell bios anymore.