Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

  1. #1
    Registered+
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    28
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts
    • Glyndo's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z77-D3H
      • CPU:
      • i5 3570k
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair Vengeance
      • Storage:
      • 8TB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 4GB ASUS 970
      • PSU:
      • Corsair 650W
      • Case:
      • CoolerMaster CM-690
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10
      • Monitor(s):
      • 2 x Samsung 24"
      • Internet:
      • BT Infinity

    Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    My PC failed to boot this morning. I turned it on and it booted for two seconds before turning off. It then restarted and lasted six seconds before failing again...once again it restarted and this time it stayed on, however it didn't get past the BIOS splash screen. I tried to get into the BIOS, thinking my SSD had failed but that wouldn't work.

    I took it apart, leaving just one stick of RAM installed and the keyboard connected. It followed the 2/6 seconds cycle before lasting a bit longer on the third - long enough for me to press DEL to enter the BIOS but it didn't manage to load the BIOS screen before shutting down. I timed it at 15 seconds. Now, that's all that happens...if I start it up it'll boot for 2/6/15 before failing, unless I have the gfx card connected, in which case it'll do the 2/6 part and then stay on! But, it won't get past the BIOS screen and the keyboard shortcuts don't work so can't get into the BIOS at all.

    I was thinking it was the motherboard failing/failed but the gfx card part has confused me. At the moment, the PC has been on for 20 minutes and seems to be running fine, except for the fact it can't get past the BIOS!
    Last edited by Glyndo; 29-03-2017 at 12:23 PM.

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Jonj1611's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    5,842
    Thanks
    1,881
    Thanked
    1,024 times in 784 posts

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    Something you could try is resetting the bios, should be a motherboard jumper for that or even a button if your lucky.

    Failing that I would have a look at the power supply. I know its not easy but maybe see if you can borrow one or even buy a dirt cheap one just for testing purposes.
    Jon

  3. #3
    Registered+
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    28
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts
    • Glyndo's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z77-D3H
      • CPU:
      • i5 3570k
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair Vengeance
      • Storage:
      • 8TB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 4GB ASUS 970
      • PSU:
      • Corsair 650W
      • Case:
      • CoolerMaster CM-690
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10
      • Monitor(s):
      • 2 x Samsung 24"
      • Internet:
      • BT Infinity

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    Sorry, I should have said I'd already tried resetting the BIOS - I wasn't lucky enough to have a button to do it so used a screwdriver to join the two jumpers.

    I'll see if I can borrow my dad's one (it was my old 430W one) to test with a reduced load.

    I'm just completely confused by how it seems to be stable when the gfx card is installed but not getting past the splash screen, yet consistently fails to boot if it isn't connected!

  4. #4
    Super Moderator Jonj1611's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    5,842
    Thanks
    1,881
    Thanked
    1,024 times in 784 posts

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    what cpu/mainboard do you have?
    Jon

  5. #5
    Registered+
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    28
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts
    • Glyndo's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z77-D3H
      • CPU:
      • i5 3570k
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair Vengeance
      • Storage:
      • 8TB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 4GB ASUS 970
      • PSU:
      • Corsair 650W
      • Case:
      • CoolerMaster CM-690
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10
      • Monitor(s):
      • 2 x Samsung 24"
      • Internet:
      • BT Infinity

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    CPU is an i5-3570k with no overclock
    MB is a Gigabyte Z77-D3H

  6. #6
    Super Moderator Jonj1611's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    5,842
    Thanks
    1,881
    Thanked
    1,024 times in 784 posts

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    The graphics card is a bit odd but I would definitely try a new PSU.

    Also closely look for any damaged caps on the board
    Jon

  7. #7
    Registered+
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    28
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts
    • Glyndo's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z77-D3H
      • CPU:
      • i5 3570k
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair Vengeance
      • Storage:
      • 8TB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 4GB ASUS 970
      • PSU:
      • Corsair 650W
      • Case:
      • CoolerMaster CM-690
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10
      • Monitor(s):
      • 2 x Samsung 24"
      • Internet:
      • BT Infinity

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    Just to update this...tried a second PSU and still had the same issue.

    Purchased a new motherboard and everything is working. Couldn't see any damage on the old one so not sure of the cause but I'm back up and running now so I'm happy enough!

  8. #8
    Super Moderator Jonj1611's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    5,842
    Thanks
    1,881
    Thanked
    1,024 times in 784 posts

    Re: Help me identify what's broken in my PC!

    Thats a good result. Always worth checking things like PSU etc before shelling out on new parts as its a lot easier to check with a PSU than pulling everything apart and installing it in a new board.

    Glad its all sorted
    Jon

  9. Received thanks from:

    Glyndo (29-03-2017)

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •