Help with computer problem

frutter on 06/11/2013 - 18:45

Hi guys, i require some assistance with a recent computer problem. I thought maybe i should come here first before going to the local computer shop.

Computer problem: blank screen

computer Specs:

  • Motherboard: P8H61-M LE ASUS Rev. 3.0
  • Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 firmware 3.01
  • Graphics card: Inno 3D geforce 210 512MB DDR2
  • PSU: 430W Thermaltake
  • RAM: g.skill Ripjaw ddr3 1600 memory, 2 sticks of 2Gb

I've checked the monitor and Graphics card by switching them and its still the same problem (blank screen)

I think it may be the motherboard, now this might be completely noob but it makes beeping noises [see youtube link] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzLwCEUjevA
(may need to turn the volume up to listen for the beeps)

I can't tell if it is P.O.S.T.ing right or not OR whether it is giving a beep code

If no one knows whats wrong maybe someone can suggest a cheapish computer repair shop in sydney.
Thanks guys, much appeciated

Computing

Comments

  • BarginHunter on 06/11/2013 - 18:59

    Have you tried using a different cable to connect your monitor to your computer?

  • scrimshaw on 06/11/2013 - 19:00
    +3

    Its RAM. Remove one module of RAM and see if it boots. Then try with the other.

    If no one knows whats wrong maybe someone can suggest a cheapish computer repair shop in sydney.

    You don't have to go to a repair shop. this is fairly easy to fix… you just need to know which part is not working.

    • altomic on 07/11/2013 - 00:13
      +1

      as Scrimshaw says -if it is still beeping/not booting then try putting the ram in to the alternate slot.

      1. remove ram 1 from slot 1 leaving slot 2 full with ram 2
      2. remove ram 2 from slot 2 leaving slot 1 full with ram 1
      3. remove ram 2 from slot 2 and place ram 2 full into slot 1
      4. remove ram 2 from slot 2 and place ram 1 full into slot 2

      this just double checks that you don't have a defective ram module AND ram slot

      • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 12:37

        tried and still dint work
        also removed all ram

        • [Deactivated] on 07/11/2013 - 19:38
          +1

          Did you get a different beep code with all RAM out or not?
          Also try moving your Clear CMOS jumper, sometimes it can get corrupted and needs to be restored from default/backup CMOS.

        • frutter on 08/11/2013 - 12:53

          same beep codes with all ram out,
          i shall try clearing the cmos with the jumper, thanks for the suggestion

  • _Bruce_ on 06/11/2013 - 19:19

    For your information if the computer beeps it is an error code from the motherboard. Look up your motherboard manual to see what the problem is.

  • mikeymike on 06/11/2013 - 19:26
    -3

    Newbie here,

    As scrimshaw has said looks like it is your RAM module, you could check by running this program on boot up:

    http://www.memtest86.com/

    Will throw up errors if any issues so maybe do one stick at a time.

    Cheers :o)

    • scrimshaw on 06/11/2013 - 20:51
      +8

      If the computer does not boot and doesn't show an image on screen, you can't run Memtest86.. you need to be able to boot first!

    • altomic on 07/11/2013 - 00:09
      +2

      Newbie here,

      yeah

  • phunkyfeelone on 06/11/2013 - 21:10
    +3

    As Bruce suggested, the beeps are an error code (short and long or a pattern of short)? Take a note of the beeps, look your motherboard up on Google, that will tell you the problem.

    PC's are like really basic Lego kits, just follow the instructions in the Motherboard manual, buy the parts, plug it in. They are idiot-proof.

    • OBone on 06/11/2013 - 22:01

      I think idiot proof may be going a little bit too far.
      Does everyone know or care about static safe procedures when handling PC internals?
      Static can and does cause damage to sensitive electronic components and can cause immediate or delayed problems.

      • phunkyfeelone on 07/11/2013 - 15:13
        +1

        I've never used static straps or anything, just not worn shoes and touched the case before I do anything. Built and repaired dozens of PC's without an issue.

        The motherboard manual tells you plug cable A into plug A etc. RAM can and will only go in one way, and with sata drives, just find the slot and plug it in. It will work, may not be optimised (ie. put primary drive in wrong socket), but will work. It's really not hard…

        • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 15:17

          :(

          well from how things are going, this is turning out to become a trainwreck.
          Any suggestions for how i should proceed next?

        • [Deactivated] on 08/11/2013 - 08:17

          I've never done so either, but I read it depends where you live, as to how much static is a problem - apparently.

      • OBone on 09/11/2013 - 00:32

        All I am saying is static can be an issue. Make sure you're discharged before handling components and you should be OK. Touching the case will work as long as it's earthed. Try not to touch exposed pins regardless.
        I know most people don't worry about static, but it's usually stated in the manuals for a reason, just follow the instructions.
        I've also built many PC's over the years and I have also had brand new and working RAM destroyed by my brother in law swanning across the carpet and pick it up to look at it!
        That was in the days when RAM was really expensive and he wouldn't believe he'd just blown it. And as I said previously, static damage may not show up right away.
        Cables are virtually idiot proof as long as you look and don't force, they only go in one way.
        Well, the important ones do. Sometimes minor ones such as indicator LED's can be reversed, but if it doesn't work just turn it round.
        The main thing that governs the amount of static is the humidity … low humidity means more static.

  • 0xFFFF on 06/11/2013 - 21:51
    +2

    I would suggest removing the video card and HDD (including power the the HDD). Try again using the on-board graphics.

    Some motherboards will boot without any RAM installed. You could try that. Chances are you might get a different POST beep code.

    FYI -
    Memory issue: Beep (1 long 2 short)
    Graphics card issue: Beep (1 long 3 short)
    CPU issue: Beep (5 short)

    Check this and this out.

    • _Bruce_ on 07/11/2013 - 07:27

      The beep codes vary with BIOS used, so there isn't a fixed rule.

      • 0xFFFF on 07/11/2013 - 09:37
        +1

        You're right. The beep codes I listed are for the P8H61-M LE ASUS Rev. 3.0 MB.

  • altomic on 07/11/2013 - 00:15

    motherboard battery

    take out the motherboard battery as well. see if that makes any difference. try booting with out it.
    if you have a spare MB batt cr2032 then whack that in and see.

  • subywagon on 07/11/2013 - 03:40
    +7

    Did you try turning it off and then on again?

    • pfpozbargain on 07/11/2013 - 05:52
      -1

      He should try clicking refresh first.

    • phunkyfeelone on 07/11/2013 - 15:16
      +1

      LOL used to work at a mobile call centre in Dublin, when I had an idiot on the phone, used to just ask "Is it the phone you're on now?" (Answer Yes), "You need to turn it off, wait 5 minutes, then turn it on again" (Answer, "OK, just a second") - phone goes dead…

    • randomuser645 on 10/11/2013 - 14:05

      Are you definitely sure it's plugged in?

  • nvox on 07/11/2013 - 07:19

    Is it a newly built computer it could be incompatible CPU check on ASUS website for supported CPUs and bios version needed, a friend just had similar problem with a P8H61-M LX board (4-5 beeps on powering on) he needed to source a older compatible CPU and flash/update the bios then reinstall new CPU.

    If it constantly beeps it could be faulty or incompatible ram, if 3-4 quicker beeps on start up could be faulty Video card.

    • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 11:23

      it was working before then it stopped booting.
      Theres 2 beeps during startup but i cant tell if its a long or short one, have a look at the youtube link , u may need to up the volume

  • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 11:26

    alright time to get cracking; going to try everything again starting from
    change monitor cable,
    change monitor
    change graphics card, remove graphics card + power cable
    remove one RAM , 2 , switch them , remove all

    by the way The manual didnt provide any beep codes

  • onlyletters on 07/11/2013 - 12:06
    +1

    I've had this same problem, I've got the same motherboard, disconnect the sound and usb cable that connects to the motherboard for the case, you've probably got it connected incorrectly, don't try and correct it, just disconnect it for now and sort it out later when you've got the system working.

    If that doesn't work, you've got an onboard video port, so disconnect your graphics card and try use that, this will tell you if the graphics card is your problem, maybe its not seated correctly.

    If that doesn't work, its worth doing an isolation test, disconnect all hard drives, all cd rom drives, all.

    Good luck!

    • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 12:27

      alright i noted some things different this time;
      change graphics card to xfx geforce 9600GT 512MB and the 2 beeps during start up dissappeared and i could hear the hard drive working like the computer was starting to boot however the monitor was still blank.

      • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 12:29

        by the way is the motherboard suppose to beep during start up to say it is P.O.S.Ting correctly?

      • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 14:31

        edit: 2 beeps still there when using geforce 9600 graphics card

    • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 12:54

      http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8H61M_LE/#gallery
      Where is the onboard video port :/

      im guessing you need a different cable to connect the monitor into the onboard video port

      • _Bruce_ on 07/11/2013 - 13:29
        +1

        The large white and blue connectors are both video (DVI and VGA respectively). If you aren't using one of these you must be using HDMI or Display Port. HDMI is compatible with DVI, you just need an adapter plug, many video cards come with these so you might have one lying around.

        • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 14:10

          ahhh i see it now, how could i have missed that

        • onlyletters on 07/11/2013 - 16:15

          if you live near liverpool im happy to come past and help you out :)

  • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 14:23

    GRRrrrr, connected monitor to onboard graphics card and still blank screen and 2 beeps during startup. so it cant be the graphics card, but its weird i change the graphics card to the xfx geforce 9600 and the 2 beeps are gone but still blank screen!!! and the harddrive makes noises as if it is saying i am booting up

    Edit:: i listened to it closely and the 2 beeps are still there when i changed the graphics card (the fan speed for some reason increased, masking the beep sounds)

    • scrimshaw on 07/11/2013 - 17:25

      What else have you checked so far.

      I assume you have tried
      Ram swap
      Monitor cables swap
      On board video and graphics card swap
      Disconnected superfluous hardware (e.g all drives and pci cards)
      Tested power supply on another desktop or used a Psu tester.

      If the above does not fall into your check list, do those now.

      The remainder is of course the motherboard. It is exceedingly rare for CPU failures to occur (unless the system got struck by lightning which pretty much also destroys the power supply). If you have isolated everything else then the next biggest culprit is the mobo.

  • Peace Maker on 07/11/2013 - 18:50

    What cables are you using to connect the onboard graphics to the monitor? I had an issue with a HDMI cable. I couldn't see any BIOS info or Windows loading screen, the screen only lit up when it was time to log in. Changed to a DVI and was working fine from then.

    Try a DVI or VGA cable without an adapter.

    • frutter on 07/11/2013 - 19:08

      i used a vga cable without an adapter

  • Geekomatic on 07/11/2013 - 19:37
    +3

    Page 1-20, of your manual (1.9) shows how to clear your CMOS. Unplug the tower & move that jumper to the other two pins- wait a few seconds, then move it back.

    Now, plug in the screen & RAM only (& keyboard, obviously- no graphics card yet, use onboard).

    Plug in the power cord & hit the power button- are we on yet?

    Cheers!

    • [Deactivated] on 07/11/2013 - 19:44
      +3

      Yeah I don't want to sound obvious but make sure that GPU is actually detached from the motherboard when trying to use onboard.

    • frutter on 08/11/2013 - 13:50

      HOLY SHEEET there is a screen display! there are still 2 beeps at the start but i think that just means it POSTed successfully
      Many thanks
      ……………
      now its telling me to reenter my bios settings, errr what should i enter

      • Geekomatic on 08/11/2013 - 14:01
        +1

        Always load the "default" or "failsafe" BIOS settings when you recover using the CMOS jumpers.

        Once you have a successful boot, then you can make fine-tuned adjustments, as you see fit (ie: over-clocking, etc).

        Your new card may be trying to suck down more than your old PSU can provide. I'd personally look at 650- 850wt.

        I don't know your location, but in WA I frequent Netplus, MSY, & Mwave.

        Good luck & glad it's sorted!

        :)

        • frutter on 08/11/2013 - 15:59

          i have left the computer as it is and waiting for my brother to sort out the rest now
          which includes switching psu to a modular 500 watt one from my old computer and doing the bios config.

  • mirovich on 08/11/2013 - 01:40

    Have you tried hard reset the bios?

  • frewer on 08/11/2013 - 13:41

    -What is the light's color on the monitor ? red/yellow or blue ?
    -Make sure no use is connected to the pc
    -I have the similar thing ( as now )but no peep for me thou, turn out the PSU is fail to deliver the wattage its promise.

    • frutter on 08/11/2013 - 13:52

      so how do u know how many watts is required for the PC (cos im going the switch the GPU to a much stronger one which requires its own power source,

      (see my specs)

      Motherboard: P8H61-M LE ASUS Rev. 3.0
      Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 firmware 3.01
      Graphics card: Inno 3D geforce 210 512MB DDR2 SWITCHED to Geforce 9600 GT XFX
      PSU: 430W Thermaltake
      RAM: g.skill Ripjaw ddr3 1600 memory, 2 sticks of 2Gb

      • frewer on 08/11/2013 - 16:15

        -Use this page to calculate your wattage.
        -In my case i know it fail because it's a XFX 850W pro which claims to withstand TWO GPU yet fails to powered one GPU
        -Another reason is my wife PC has the similar PSU yet it runs the GPU smoothly.
        -Does it turn on with your old GPU ? What is the monitor light's color ?
        -Is there a way ( friends/family's pc )you can test it on another PC ?

        Edit: Reset the BIOS does worked for me too, but then the PSU is just fail again.

        • frutter on 08/11/2013 - 16:43

          before i had this problem the 430w psu i had could run the 9600 geforce alright but it was probably pushing it as i noticed all of my fans were spinning faster
          hence why i am going to switch it with a 500W PSU as i will be using this computer now and not the older one.

          the minimum calculated wattage required is about 400-450W ( i cant remember what CPU; intel chipset i have though so i just experimented with the calculator)

        • frewer on 08/11/2013 - 17:19

          Your PSU is rated at 500W, and the "minimum" is 400W-450W which is 80%-90% of your PSU ratting. Now some PSU might ( only might ) delivers up to it rating wattage ( or like mine ..just fail lol ), even thou it has the 80 silver rating on it. It also depend on branch too.

          But you got the screen on which is good, see how you go with that GPU on that PSU.

  • Elitethem on 08/11/2013 - 15:27
    -4

    Computer problem and you come here?

    Ozbargain: Serving everyone is just what happens.

    Kpeepsigottamovequick

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