Where to begin?

My machine just died…sort of. In a nutshell, I assembled this computer about 2.5 years ago using many online guides as a reference (mainly MySuperPC.com). It has an Epox 8RDA+ mb and a Barton XP 2500+ processor with a Chaintech G-Force FX 5200 video card and Windows XP Pro.

Here’s the situation…the computer has been very stable and reliable. By far the best running machine I’ve ever used. This afternoon, I left the apartment with the computer running. A few hours later, I returned home and while I could hear the fans, etc running, the monitor was blank and the amber light on the monitor was illuminated (the same as if the computer were shut down). I could not get a response by moving the mouse or with CTRL+ALT+DEL, so I hit the reboot switch (something I’ve had to do maybe once or twice with this computer). It came back to life on the reboot.

A little later, I moved the mouse and it was frozen on the screen. No response from CTRL+ALT+DEL. Same as before, I had to hit the reboot button, only this time the screen never came to life. It sounds as if it’s booting (though I can’t be certain) but I get nothing on the screen at all and the indicator stays amber as if the computer were powered down.

Although I did assemble this computer, I’m essentially a newbie. I’m not an advanced user. The only place I can even think to begin would be replacing the video card. Does this sound plausible?

Any and all help is appreciated.

TIA.

Tipsy

 

I would suggest trying to reseat the Memory and Video Card first. Also make sure the Fan on the CPU is working and the Heat Sink is not compacted with dust. Be sure you are properly grounded while working inside the computer.

If that doesn't work, try a different Power Supply if you have one available.

 

the only thing i can think of is that your video card is dead, but it is almost definitely a video card problem. See if you can borrow another card to try.

 

Not neccesarily a video card problem. I have had this problem before it turned out to be the RAM.

Try booting with 1 stick of RAM. If it doesn't work, try another RAM slot.

Try another video card if you have one.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Unfortunately, I don't have any spare components lying around. But I received a suggestion elsewhere that the Epox board was prone to failing capacitors. Supposedly under warranty for 3 years.

I'm going to pull the cover off in a little while and see what it looks like.

I'll report back.

Tipsy

 

Just pulled the cover off. At least 10 burst, bulging and leaking capacitors that I can see from just a cursory look!

Now to see if Epox honors the warranty!

Tipsy

 

Damn, I'm sure they'll refund/replace.

Obviously refund is the better of the 2 options.