Computer issue...

[xellos88330]

My friends computer had recently stopped working. He claims the electricity shut off while he was out and then he turned it on and the LED's come on, but the computer doesn't even get into post check.

He said he has it plugged in to a surge protector. Any help will be appreciated. We got some gaming to do.

[PM5K]

It's fried.

Cover it in powdered sugar and call it a funnel cake.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

What all comes on?

[Frenzy]

Lights turn on but doesn't fully boot? Sounds like a power source problem. Switch it out,worth a try.

[PM5K]

I'd probably try unplugging it and removing the CMOS battery, then reverse, maybe give it a few minutes first.

[jman3000]

Is the monitor even recognizing the computer? If the everything turns on and the monitor isn't reading the board, it could be bad RAM. Had the same issue happen with my mom's computer not too long ago.

[ElNono]

Could be the power supply, RAM, motherboard or faulty video card. If you have another PC you can borrow components from, start swapping and see if you can identify what it is.

[Creepn]

I know you said it doesn't get to POST, but just to be sure, are you SURE he didn't hear any beeps? I ask this because since he has no video, the beep errors comes before the video comes on.

If no beeps are heard, then it's probably a electrical issue whether it be components of the motherboard, the motherboard itself or the power supply. Do the easy stuff first. If you hear any whirring sounds, that is most likely the culprit. Open the case and smell if you can detect any odors from a certain part. Check if fans are spinning or not.

Sorry I'm not a big help on this but electrical issues are a bitch.

[TDMVPDPOY]

mobo friend man...

[xellos88330]

From what he explained to me, the lights and fans come on, but doesn't get any post beeps. Nothing comes on his screen.

I doubt that it is the PSU just because of that. I am leaning towards motherboard issues. Is it still possible that the motherboard fried even though it was on a surge protector? Could it have been a heat issue? I kind of wonder if he didn't put enough fans in the box.

[jman3000]

If the fans come on the motherboard is mostly likely not fried. The fans are usually plugged into the 3 or 4 pin sysfan plugs on the mobo. Unless you have an independent fan controller inside the case like mine.

Most modern motherboards have LED status indicators somewhere. If that's functioning normally then I'm almost positive it's a RAM issue. If he has another non gaming computer and the memory is compatible tell him to switch out the RAM and see if the other computer boots up fine.

[leemajors]

Can he hear/feel the HDD spinning?

[Nathan Explosion]

His symptoms sound a lot like the ones I described a few weeks back. Mine turned out to be a motherboard problem, so I would venture to say that he's probably got the same problem.

[ChumpDumper]

A surge can overcome the capacity of a surge protector and damage components; it could also be a heat issue you alluded to. It does sound like the motherboard was damaged. I would check to see if there were any blown or bulging capacitors.

http://www.auroracomputer.ca/images/bad_cap.jpg

That would easily signal a motherboard change is in order.

If not, switching components would be a decent idea though you should probably be getting at least an error beep if one of those main components isn't working.

[xellos88330]

Thanks for your help everyone. I will relay the info. :toast

[TDMVPDPOY]

has he tried deleting his gay porn folder? defag the fag drive?