S.O.S. To All Susim Members Help

[FIREWALL]

I hope one of you great members can help me figure what went wrong with my rig.

I'll start with specs then what started to happen and then what i've attempted and results as it stands now.

Intel P4 2.4oa GHz 1mb L2 Cach 533 Mhz PGA-478
Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000-G
2GB DDR 400 RAM
NiVidia GeFORCE 7600GT 512 mb ddr2 8x
m
MAXTOR 320 sata hdd x2
ULTRA X-CONNECT2 550 watt
ULTRA XG Quantum case
Septre 22" widescreen 1200:1 2ms 1680x1050

Was doing same thing i'm doing now and clicked sumit and it locked up.
Lostall control over comp.Wouldn't let END PROGRAM and cursor was locked. Had to hit restart button. It rebooted and still locked up.
Hit start button and at first rebooted then finally wouldn't reboot and just black screen. Had to manualy shut down. In the end it would start to reboot but would shtdown on it;s own in about 5 seconds.

Have swapped out vid card with 6600gt that was in my working shop rig so I know it's good. No luck. Then swapped in same CPU still no luck.

CPU fan that gets power from MB is spinning so I'm figureing MB is OK.

I've done all I can think of and need any and all help I can get.

I'm at the moment useing a borrowed laptop so I'll be awhile checking back.

Thank You to all in advance.

FIREWALL :cry:

[Peto]

Check the hard drive... If your files are being corrupted, it can cause this kind of behavior...

[Seth8530]

Is your MOBO shorting out? If there is enough dust on your MOBO it could assorb moistore and cause it to short out making it reboot like that. Try reformating your drive.

[lesrae]

How about software/virus or a driver issue?

If you reboot into safe mode, does the same thing happen?

[darius359au]

I had very similar behaviour when my C: drive went boom , If it is your Boot HDD then theres only one thing you can do , buy a new HDD and startover :cry:

[3Jane]

From similar experiences with my own machine, I think it might be an idea to replace all the data cables to your hard drives. SATA cables are very susceptible to damage. That would be my place to look before you spend money on new drives. As SATA data cables are fairly cheap, buy at least two sets to try incase of batch errors in production. As others have said, one of the drives could be the source of the problem.

[Skybird]

Remove one item at a time and see if rebooting functions: RAM bars (if you have several), soundcard, graphics card, USB-connected items, i short: remove everything that is not vital for windows booting. If any of these items is damaged, it could interrupt the booting sequence.

[TarJak]

It does sound like either a MB or HDD hardware problem. If you've installed a new card or RAM or anything that is likely to flex the MB, then it may be a fracture. If no hardware has been recently changed it's most likely HDD related.

[FIREWALL]

Hi Guys :) Thx for responding in my time of need.

I have some new info. I can only hope it further helps in solveing my problem.

This morning I tried a bootup and got a yellow triangle in center of monitor. Inside this triangle is an icon of a computer case on left to the right a red ! mark in center, below it a red X and to the right of the red ! mark a icon of a monitor.

My friend brought over his LCD and 7800 GS vid card and got same image.
He has no idea either whats going wrong on my rig.

I hope this can narrow things a bit maybe.

Sorry I haven't posted sooner. I used a borrowed laptop to post thread yesterday. Good God it had white keys with black letters.

It was blinding me to use it.

I bought a new laptop last nite so I can look and reply to all posts.
First thing I saw was pic and link to post #128 about Leo\Dave and I just couldn't bring myself to come to this thread.

Will post on new thread with specs if anyones interested.


Thanks Again for all help and replys.

[SUBMAN1]

That sounds like a 90% chance your Power Supply just went south for the winter - permanently.

Try a new PSU.

BIOS or some other thing like the Northbridge could also be going bad, but I'd seriously suspect your PSU (based on the info you have provided - this is my best guess).

-S

[FIREWALL]

Thx SUBMAN1 But it's not PS. Have a 600watt backup that has been never used that came with case and no difference.

Just to be on the safe side my buddy figured since most of his rig was already here he, went and got the rest of it and with a working puter we step by step swapped everthing out one by one testing as we went along and had same responce. :damn: :damn: :damn:

[sonar732]

Since you swapped out everything, the only thing left is your mobo.

[SUBMAN1]

Since you swapped out everything, the only thing left is your mobo.Yep.

[FIREWALL]

I'm worried that might be the case. :damn:

I have another friend bringing over a 3.0 478 socket cpu in about an hour that is currently working in his spare rig.

This is about the only thing left but the mobo.:cry:

Please everybody find something else " cheap " that I can test. :D

Thx Again Everybody and keep the ideas comming. :yep:

[SUBMAN1]

I'm worried that might be the case. :damn:

I have another friend bringing over a 3.0 478 socket cpu in about an hour that is currently working in his spare rig.

This is about the only thing left but the mobo.:cry:

Please everybody find something else " cheap " that I can test. :D

Thx Again Everybody and keep the ideas comming. :yep:Look at it as a learning experience. You are probably pretty good at troublshooting by now, no? Sounds like you've tried everything!

[FIREWALL]

Looks that way SUBMAN1 . I guess I'll head over to TigerDirect and see about getting screwed on a 2 1/2 yo mobo & cpu. :rotfl:


Will be back in a few to post what I came up with.

[TarJak]

You might find it cheaper to upgrade to a newer mobo and CPU. Problem is that will probably drive other upgrades and end up costing a bit.:hmm: I had a similar experience about 14 months ago and ended up biting the bullet and going for the upgrades.

[Bort]

My friend was recently having a problem with like this and it turned out some of the prongs on his motherboard were touching a part of the metal case, causing it to short out. That could be the case. (Pun intended) Hope it helps. :up:

[Reaves]

If you don't even get the memory test of GFX init it's your ram mate. You can still start a PC without having a HDD in it. If it's your HDD you will know about it.


AS they say, BUY MORE RAM!

[FIREWALL]

If you don't even get the memory test of GFX init it's your ram mate. You can still start a PC without having a HDD in it. If it's your HDD you will know about it.


AS they say, BUY MORE RAM!


Thx Reaves But both sticks tested fine in another working computer today.

[Reaves]

If you don't even get the memory test of GFX init it's your ram mate. You can still start a PC without having a HDD in it. If it's your HDD you will know about it.


AS they say, BUY MORE RAM!

Thx Reaves But both sticks tested fine in another working computer today.

Does it do the GFX card initialisation and then the memory test? If it doesn't I doubt it's HDD. Fault will be CPU, MOBO, GFX card or RAM but you've tested each of those seperately.

This is a perfect examply of why I hate PC's. Somethings wrong but what!!?

[FIREWALL]

My friend was recently having a problem with like this and it turned out some of the prongs on his motherboard were touching a part of the metal case, causing it to short out. That could be the case. (Pun intended) Hope it helps. :up:

Thx Bort That might be a possibility but I should give you an idea of the size of my case.

36ibs empty
19" H X 8"W X22"D


This may also help.



http://www.amazon.com/Black-Quantum-Mid-Atx-Case/dp/B000B5KXL0


Nothing seems to be touching. BTW as for cooling the case alone has 7 controlable fans with settable temp alarms. You can see why I don't move it around much.:D

[FIREWALL]

If you don't even get the memory test of GFX init it's your ram mate. You can still start a PC without having a HDD in it. If it's your HDD you will know about it.


AS they say, BUY MORE RAM!

Thx Reaves But both sticks tested fine in another working computer today.

Does it do the GFX card initialisation and then the memory test? If it doesn't I doubt it's HDD. Fault will be CPU, MOBO, GFX card or RAM but you've tested each of those seperately.

This is a perfect examply of why I hate PC's. Somethings wrong but what!!? Your so right :rotfl:

It doe's nothing but light up all my fans and I can feel the HDD running.

[SUBMAN1]

Look at the bright side, your machine is 2.5 years old so it needed an upgrade anyway!

And as for something touching the motherboard - not likely since it has been operating fine for 2.5 years.

Buy a new MB/CPU. I'll see if I can see a deal.

-S

[SUBMAN1]

Check this page - http://www.pricewatch.com/motherboard_combos_with_memory/

Those are combo prices that include CPU/RAM/MB

-S

[sonar732]

Pricewatch.com and Newegg are the only two places I look for computer stuff. I especially like pricewatch's system of rating vendors as it gives you a heads up on their "customer service" abilities.

[FIREWALL]

Thx SUBMAN1 and sonar732 :up:

I really don't want to upgrade for just a mobo. If it turns out to be that I'll go to Gigabyte or search for same or equal mobo.

My reasoning is my rig played SHIII GWX20 & SH4 TM1.75 & RSRDC 1.75 + extra mods both at 100% realism and settings fairly high and most all boxes checked. FPS 20+ in harbor & convoy attack 90 to 100+ at sea.

No stutter,lock or CTD. Both just play great imho. As do these.

The only other games I play are IL2 1946, JANES WWII FIGHTERS, & some raceing games like GTR, GT Legends, RACE07 and my favorite F-1 2002. And once in awhile 688i H/K. And I was just about to get Shells of Fury when this happened. :damn:

So I don't really want or need to upgrade unless SH5 turns out to be a Game Rig Killer. :rotfl:


So I still have the 3.0 cpu to try out,btw he said I could keep it if it works and we'll work something out. " I'm crossing my fingers "

If it doesn't, The search is on for same or close mobo for above ststed reasons.


I'll post back after testing cpu. If my rig doesn't fire up then the search is on for same mobo.


At this time I want to Thank All for responding to this thread.


Your All #1 In My Book :up: :up: :up: :88)

FIREWALL

[SUBMAN1]

Well if you change your mind, here is a killer deal - Intel Quad Core Q6600, w/ Motherboard, & 2 GB RAM - $379.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=MCM-680ILT-Q6600A&AffiliateID=Es5Ekr9eEBk-qbRddZ21ulcYdjTEI_NFGA

http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/XFX-GeForce-680i-LT-SLI-2.jpg

-S

[FIREWALL]

Well if you change your mind, here is a killer deal - Intel Quad Core Q6600, w/ Motherboard, & 2 GB RAM - $379.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=MCM-680ILT-Q6600A&AffiliateID=Es5Ekr9eEBk-qbRddZ21ulcYdjTEI_NFGA

http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/XFX-GeForce-680i-LT-SLI-2.jpg

-S

Thx SUBMAN1 That is a sweet deal. TD emailed me something like that yesterday. How did THEY know ??? :shifty: (look's around for hidden cameras)

[Reaves]

See if you can get Vista with your new mobo!


-runs from Subman. :rotfl:

[sonar732]

Just make sure there aren't any rebates involved. I've had bad dealings with them when it came to rebates as it either took forever to receive them or not at all.

[FIREWALL]

Just make sure there aren't any rebates involved. I've had bad dealings with them when it came to rebates as it either took forever to receive them or not at all.


Hi sonar732 :)

Yes those rebates never seem to happen. I don't buy stuff with rebates because if the stuff was that good they would just give lower price in the first imho.


As stated in earlier post I won't build a new rig for reasons I stated.

I just got this new laptop so I can talk to all of you and have gotten a little lazy :oops: in putting in a working cpu to see if it fixes things or finally narrows it down to the mobo.

If it turns out to be mobo I'll search for same or equivilent.

I know this sounds hard headed especially after spending $600.00 on laptop but I'm happy with past performance and will spend up to $150.00 for replacement mobo if I or anyone on SUBSIM can find it.

Again THX to you and all SS members for all help and ideas.

Please keep them comeing. There all gratefully appreciated.

FIREWALL

[SUBMAN1]

Yeah, rebates are a hassile. I've never not been paid except when Buy.com (I almost refuse to buy from them over this) screwed me by delivring so late, I couldn't claim one. They take forever too - like 3 months. They eventually all pay though.

-S

[MothBalls]

I hope one of you great members can help me figure what went wrong with my rig.

It's broken. Throw it away and get a new one.

[FIREWALL]

I hope one of you great members can help me figure what went wrong with my rig.

It's broken. Throw it away and get a new one. :nope:


Please read post #27 :yep:

[FIREWALL]

Anyone ever heard of onlinepcdeals.com ?

They have my identical mobo for $57.60 with 3 different warranty plans available up to 3yrs.

I figure the best way to find out if this company is legit is to ask you guys. :yep: :D

I would like to hear your imput on these guys before I buy.


Thx FIREWALL

[Bort]

I myself have not had any dealings with OnlinePCDeals but the people at ResellerRatings (http://www.resellerratings.com/store/OnlinePCDeals) seem to think that you should definitely stay away from them.

[FIREWALL]

I myself have not had any dealings with OnlinePCDeals but the people at ResellerRatings (http://www.resellerratings.com/store/OnlinePCDeals) seem to think that you should definitely stay away from them.


Thx Bort I did have concerns in the back of my mind. I couldn't put my finger on it but I was getting a little desperate.

i'm going to have to Google some more I guess but, I can't be searching forever.

I want to go back on PATROL! ! ! :damn: