Computer Dead AGAIN

My computer died about two and a half weeks ago and you can see this thread for more details:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=64556

I sent the mobo to Intel to have them replace it, and they did replace it with a refurbished one. I tried the refurb, but it was having the same problems. They sent me a SECOND refurb, and that too did not boot with the same side effects. Finally, they sent me a new in box mobo, and, just to make sure it wasn't another component, I bought a brand new Thermaltake Tsunami case and an Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU. So the only things from my original computer are my processor, memory, graphics card, hard drive, and dvd-rw drive. I hooked everything up the other day, and all was well starting up and everything. Today, I was just browsing the web when the computer shut off completely. Next thing I know, I've got the same problems from before. I am 100% positive I installed the mobo correctly, as I've installed plenty of these things before. This is driving me NUTS! Does anyone have a clue as to what my problem could be. I have a hard time believing Intel sent me three defective mobos in a row....so what could I have done wrong? I took a short video clip (~7mb) and put it on putfile.

http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=computerproblem

Or here's the direct download link:

http://x400.putfile.com/videos/17910003990.mpg

Please help! I am currently stuck using my old crappy computer! Any help would be much appreciated!

~corndog

 

Suspects are:

1. CPU
2. Memory
3. Video Card

I suspect the CPU is the culprit here, as in your previous thread you said there were problems with it overheating. Go ahead and run Memtest86+ just to make sure it's not the memory. If you have a spare Video Card laying around replace the one in the system just to rule out the card.

 

Okay, I have tested EVERYTHING else with a different mobo with no problems. The memory, cpu, and video card all work. Any other ideas? I didn't move the computer at all when this happened. It just suddenly quit working. This is so frustrating...I have tried everything I can think of. The board has the speaker on it and I'm getting no beep codes...as you can see from the video...

 

If the only things from the orginal computer are:

Then your problem is most likely one of those.

I find it hard to believe that you recieved 3 bad MoBo's from Intel. Just to rule eveything out double check all of your connections and jumpers on the board to make sure everything is connected properly. You may have even recieved a bad PSU, or something could be burning up your PSU.

 

So, where do you think I should go from here? Should I try to see if Intel will replace my processor too? I am totally perplexed on where to go from here. I can't just keep having Intel send me new motherboards. I am seriously about to flip out....

 

maybe the connection onto the mobo for reboot/on off etc are set wrong; causing a short.

 

I've checked all connections and jumpers, including those: no luck. Just the fact that the computer WAS up and running confuses me...I can understand something like this happening if I had been working on the computer and tried to boot it and it died, but this....this is just weird.

 

Ummm. indeed, one thing I noticed is you have the identical case to me a Tsunami Dream' and the Blue power light (to the right of small one) stays on constantly on mine ... Stupid question : I take it you used the extra power block ?? and it seems as if power is being earthed/sucked somewhere. Did you check the 'Pan' to see if any possibilty of an earth out there, and is the power unit 100%, as it seems as soon as you ask for power it surges and then halts..

 

I've got the PSU all hooked up right (with the extra 4-pin square connector, if that was what you were referring to...). I have tested the PSU on other systems, and it works fine.

 

Corndog I cant find your specs anywhere,could you post them please,or link me to them.

Have you tried resetting the cmos jumper or removing the battery whichever pertains to your mobo.your cpu is one of the later model intels,they have excellent heat protection its impossible for them to overheat,they just throttle down until they are cool.Check this vid out,you will have to enter your email address though

http://www17.tomshardware.com/site/download_submit.html?id=14

You need to strip your system down to the bare essentials- mobo,psu,one stick of Known good memory anything for now,vid card,no cdroms,no harddrive,no add in cards,no keyboard,no mouse.

If you want to do it properly remove your mobo and place on the anti static bag it came with,if your vid card requires power,try and use one you know works that doesnt require power.this what should be connected-

1.[psu]main mobo power-mobo
2.memory-mobo
3.vid card -mobo
4.[psu]12vatx-mobo
5.[psu]vid card power-vid card
6.monitor-vidcard
7.psu-wall socket
8.monitor-wall socket


Get a power switch from somewhere to turn it on,you could easily remove the one in the case,or one you have lying around,dont use while its still in the case though incase of a short and to keeps things simple.

Reset the cmos jumper and give it a whirl,If you try this I'll go from there or I'll be typing forever.

 

Sorry I didn't post all the specs earlier:

Intel D915PBL Desktop Board
Intel P4 630 Processor
1GB Corsair Value Select DDR2 Memory
ATI X700 Pro Video Card
200GB Western Digital IDE HDD
Pioneer DVD+/-RW Drive

I called Intel earlier today, and they also suggested that I try removing the CMOS battery for about an hour. I did so, but still keep having the same problem. I also had tried hooking the bare essentials up outside the chassis, but no luck there either. Since the Intel tech support guy couldn't figure this one out, they're gonna send me another motherboard. I'm just getting tired of having to do this. What if the next mobo fails too? When will the madness end!!!???

 

they keep sending you new boards do you have to keep sending them back? are they paying for the shipping back and forth? lol

 

Clutching at straws here... as brainstorming does work sometimes. How about we consider the actual Power cable from wall socket and also the socket itself...

 

Exactly...If you have a bad power supply, or if the wiring in you home/apartment is old...you might not be getting sufficient power and that will possibly give you symptoms as you are having!!

Just from what you were saying though...I would begin to assume that it is the video card!! When you tested the video card on another board...was it the exact same make/model of the board that is giving you problems??

Roger

 

I currently have my old computer plugged into the same power strip that the one with the dead mobo was plugged into...so I don't think the wiring in my house is messed up. I know it's not my video card...even with the video card out, the computer won't even POST. I've used the same model of mobo with that graphics card since December and haven't had any problems until recently.

 

When you installed your mobo did you install only the brass standoffs needed for your mobo or did you fit them all?

 

Do you have good surge protector?when you replace your mobo how are you removing the cpu?Are you cleaning the heatsink/cpu and reapplying thermal paste?

 

Are you sure the cpu fan isn't on backwards!!!

Roger

 

@Rikky
I installed only the brass standoffs needed for the mobo. I have installed several other motherboards before this problem, so I know what I am doing (although I can see your point in asking). Also, when I remove the processor, I also remove the thermal paste, clean with isopropyl alcohol, and apply a new thermal pad that Intel supplies. My surge protector is fine: as stated earlier, I currently have my old computer hooked into the same outlet.

@Roger
My cpu fan is installed correctly. I am positive.

 

I apologize if you have posted a question you have already answered,I'm just clutching at straws,I feel at the moment either your cpu or your vga card is kaput!

 

But Rikky, corndog said that all components worked fine with another Mobo, but when installed back onto the Intel D915PBL Desktop Board the problem starts again, so, are one of the components causing an issue with the mobo ??? So lets anaylise this again. Computer running fine until it decided to stop mid stream/ New Mobo/New Case/New PSU... All components work OK on another mobo.. bare essentials out of case, no joy, (so not a case issue,) so where does that leave us, dare I say the Mobo, a bad batch, seems unlikely, but, considering all that has been tried particularly all components working on another MB I cant think what else it could be, corndog says he has double checked CPU seating, (and I think shut off too quick for overheat as its instantaneous,) so forget that one, gets no joy without vid card, power socket Ok, The clue is in this instant multi second power on/off but what is it, power going to earth, and where ???. Have you another Mobo on the way corndog ???? Umm one last thought just came into me head, when you used the other mobo was it as power hungry as the Intel D915PBL Desktop Board, what i'm getting at is if that mobo required less power to run would all components have just enough to function ?? as I said just a thought ..

 

Dont want to be cynical here but are you 100% sure that Intel 'Replaced' and didn't return the same board, like they tested it at there end and found OK then returned it...