03-02-2009, 05:26 PM | #1 | ||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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computer just stopped working, need some help
Playing some FM and my computer just went dead. Hadn't been playing long and, no matches and only a couple of continues to do a transfer offer and move up a day to prepare for a mach. So there wasn't a lot of number crunching going on.
The light on the on\off switch is blinking like the computer is on standby. Nothing else seems to be getting power. IE the speakers are hooked up to usb port and show no power to them, lights for num-lock on keyboard went off, usb attached optical mouse light went off. I do keep the inside clean so it's not dust build up. I also opened the case and it nothing feels hot, not sure how it would normally feel any other day as I've never really had any reason to check. Power supply? But then why would standby light be on? Motherboard die? Any ideas would be appreciated. emachine approx 3 years old amd 64 3500+ bfg 8500gt card 2 gig ram |
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03-02-2009, 06:07 PM | #2 |
Pro Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Oakland, CA
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Have you tried plugging the computer into a different power outlet?
And what color is the blinking light? |
03-02-2009, 06:23 PM | #3 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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the monitor is plugged into the same power box with battery backup and has power. the blinking light is around the power on\off button on the tower, solid blue when running, blinking blue when on standby.
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03-02-2009, 06:42 PM | #4 |
Coordinator
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Sydney, Australia
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It's going to be something pretty basic. Sounds like a power supply issue to me maybe?
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03-02-2009, 06:50 PM | #5 |
High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Because there may be enough power to the PS to light the standby light but the other PC components may be drawing too much power from a failed PS. You could disconnect everything from the MB, and also the power connector to the MB. See if the power light is steady rather than blinking. Because there are less components attached there might be enough power to take it out of standby mode. Then, you can be pretty confident that it's a PS problem.
Otherwise, I am thinking motherboard. |
03-02-2009, 08:06 PM | #6 |
H.S. Freshman Team
Join Date: Nov 2004
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It may also be one of the power connectors to your MB may have loosened. Check all your connections first.
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03-02-2009, 08:47 PM | #7 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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A little update. I am currently typing on the computer that went down.
I pulled the graphics card and plugged in the computer and it fired right up. Moved my cable to the onboard graphics connection and now have picture. If I scroll though I get a "rolling" picture like a wave through it. My plan is to order a new power supply from newegg and then put back in the card. This should get things back to normal, yes? Current power supply is 300w. I plan on something larger. Computer specs emachine T6532 MB: MB, MS-7207 MBEM105551MS CPU: CPU,AMD ATH64 3500 2.2 2000FSB 512K 939P CPU Fan Type: FAN,H/S 939FAN HDD: HDD,200GB 7200RPM Memory: MEM, DDR-RAM 1GB (2x512MB) Dual Channel Max. 4GB ODD1: DVDRW,MF N3LC DLYR 16X DVEM100686RW Modem: MODEM,FAX CONX RSLG V.92 56K 56PRC CCOM Power Supply: PS,300 WATT 100929 LAN: LAN, 10/100 100372 Multimedia Reader: MEDIA READER,9IN1 ASEM105453RD Mouse: MOUSE, SILVER WHEEL, BLACK GLOSS 1689 Keyboard: KB,STD BLACK KB-0108 KEY - PS/2 PORT Speaker: SPEAKER, 5375U 2.0 USB Powered Video: Video, integrated Chassis: Chassis,Nexgen 3 MAIN FRAME Bezel Assembly: BEZEL,NEXGEN3LC COMPLETE FRAME ASSBY ASEM101152BZ plus bfg 8500gt card (I added) has a fan but doesn't need to be plugged into the MB How large can I\ should I go? Like to stay reasonable but see prices on newegg for 500w anywhere from $39.99 on up. Any suggestions are welcome as far as size or compatibility. Thanks again. Last edited by Sweed : 03-02-2009 at 08:55 PM. Reason: copied my specs from emachine site |
03-02-2009, 09:09 PM | #8 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Troy, Mo
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Yes, ps makes sense and 500W should be perfect - but there is a chance your video card is bad. Of course replacing the ps is the cheapest way to go.
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03-02-2009, 09:19 PM | #9 | |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Quote:
Thanks MR. Hopefully my last questions. Are all ps equal? Are there compatibility issues or will any 500w do? I wrote down all of the info on the label on the ps, do I need to match some of this up (yeah I know the 300w max won't apply ) with the one I buy? |
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03-02-2009, 09:23 PM | #10 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Colorado
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300W?????? Yikes. You have more specs than I do when I built my PC 2 years ago and even at that time, I had to go with 500W, minimum. When I build another PC later this year, it'll be 900-1000W. It is very easy to undersize the power supply.
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03-02-2009, 09:25 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Sep 2002
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It's been a LONG time since I built a pc and all the ones I work on at work are warranty replacements.. but I would say with today's ps's, they come with all the connectors and converters for smaller motherboard plugs that you'll need.
If you have a SATA HD, make sure you have those connectors, but I think you'll be covered on the rest. |
03-02-2009, 09:26 PM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Sep 2002
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Quote:
Yeah, I had a Packard Bell tower years.. years.. ago and it had a 300W ps. That caught my eye too. 500W will outlast his pc.. plenty of power there. For a new pc, yes maybe 750W. |
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03-02-2009, 09:32 PM | #13 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Thanks to all that helped me out here, fofc comes through again.
Before you guys stepped in to help I was browsing online for a new tower. Hey, like anyone else, I like getting a new rig but only when I've planned for it not to replace one out of the blue. 500w it is, and the nice thing is there's enough room in the case to work that even I can do it. |
03-02-2009, 10:03 PM | #14 |
High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Just because I am cautious, eMachines don't have any proprietary components or connectors? I hate to have Sweed buy a PS just to find out that it won't work.
And before you make the purchase, do you know someone with a spare working PS? You might want to try it if you can in case the PS is not the problem. |
03-02-2009, 10:34 PM | #15 | |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Quote:
Thanks for your concern but my order is already in. At least with newegg I can always return it I guess. I do have one concern now that you posted. Looking closely at my machine the main power connection for my current ps is 20 pin, however the MB has the 24 pin receiver. The ps I ordered is this one... Newegg.com - Antec earthwatts EA500 500W ATX12V v2.0 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies which has the 24 pin plug. I would assume since the mb has the 24 pin receiver this will be ok? If not there is a cheap looking brand I can get with the 20 pin from NE if I have to cancel or return the one I already ordered. I'd rather keep the one I ordered as it's energy efficient and has hundreds of good reviews but at this point I'll take whatever fixes my rig |
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03-02-2009, 11:33 PM | #16 |
College Starter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Houston, or there about
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A lot of PS's have a change-able motherboard connection to make it 20 or 24. At least the last 3 I've bought have had this. YMMV though, so be prepared for a return.
Oh and a second on the dead video card possibility as well. However, with the size of your old PS, you'd need to get a new one to go with a new video card anyway.
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03-04-2009, 12:51 AM | #17 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Troy, Mo
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Yep.. most have changeabel connectors...
Good luck! |
03-05-2009, 06:44 PM | #18 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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New power supply arrived from newegg this afternoon. Stuck it in and now up and running with 500w of power 24 pin connector worked fine, also had the option of removing 4 pins if the MB required only 20.
Thanks to everyone that helped me out. My wife even thanks you more than I. $79 and free shipping with two day arrival vs $500 plus for a new rig, yeah she's a happy girl |
03-05-2009, 06:56 PM | #19 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Colorado
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Good work, glad we could be of help since many of us had been there.
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03-05-2009, 09:11 PM | #20 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Troy, Mo
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That's great news Sweed!!!
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03-09-2009, 05:41 AM | #21 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Well, damn looking more like a graphics card problem. Did it again twice with World Wide Soccer Manager running. Funny thing is I've never reached a 3d match it's only happened while moving through player, news screens etc.
As a test I loaded up Rome Total War and tried to do a battle. Computer went to sleep as the battle was loading. Only other thing to add is I can restart the computer if I unplug it and let it sit for about 30 seconds and plug back in. If I don't unplug it just stays locked in sleep mode. So, I've got a new power supply and that is a good thing. Now I guess I'll try a new card to see if that does the trick. Not real expensive for me (probably get in around $50-$60 for a 9400GT) as I tend to be at the end of the tech cycle as I only need to run games like WWSM, OOTP, and the occasional 3d game like Rome. If that doesn't do it I guess I'll go for a new tower and move my new peripherals into it. lol |
03-09-2009, 07:37 AM | #22 |
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Location: Massachusetts
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d'oh!
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03-09-2009, 01:29 PM | #23 |
Hall Of Famer
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Location: Troy, Mo
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I bet the video card fixes it.
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03-09-2009, 02:19 PM | #24 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Yeah, I'm thinking it will do the trick especially after trying to run "Rome" and getting the crash while loading the 3d battle. It isn't getting any better either. The computer went down, with only firefox running, while I was ordering a new card from newegg. |
03-09-2009, 03:31 PM | #25 |
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Let me know what you get as I think I'm almost at the point where I need to upgrade my video card.
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03-09-2009, 03:44 PM | #26 | |
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Join Date: Oct 2003
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Quote:
Well it's nothing too fancy. As I said earlier it's mostly WWSM and OOTP that I play. I went out on a limb and ordered this one even though there are no reviews.. Newegg.com - XFX PVT94GYHH2 GeForce 9400 GT 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards Lifetime warranty that is transferable to the second owner. Also direct x10 so can migrate to whatever rig I get next. There's also some good deals there where you can get a 9600gt in the low $60-$70 range if you want to deal with rebates. I was tempted but those cards are about 9 inches long. While the length isn't a problem in my case the card would overhang a lot of the MB and there a couple of things sticking up off my MB that I"m not sure the card would clear when fully seated. |
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03-10-2009, 12:39 PM | #27 |
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Thanks Sweed!
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03-10-2009, 01:31 PM | #28 | |
Hall Of Famer
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Quote:
so you're saying your mother(board) has a fat ass?
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03-11-2009, 09:57 PM | #29 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Hey, goddamn it!.... Actually came here to post neither PS or graphics card have fixed my problem, at least you made me laugh I just can't live with this going on so I'm going to break down for a new rig. Dell actually has a real good deal, that ends at 6:00am tomorrow, and I'm going there now to order. $499 with monitor, $539 if I upgrade to 20" widescreen. I'll also be sticking in my new graphics card and PS, so it's not all bad. Thanks again to all that helped. I'll be back later and post the specs of my new machine |
03-11-2009, 11:03 PM | #30 |
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Damn Sweed.. wonder if your MB or a memory DIMM is bad?
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03-11-2009, 11:21 PM | #31 | |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Yeah MR I was also wondering if it was something with memory or MB. No computer training, only know what I learn on the fly, but in my mind I'm running out of possible causes. Anyway rather than chasing the invisible man I'm just going to move on.
I think (and maybe I'm naive) that I got a pretty good deal. Tower and 20" monitor for $559 with free 3-5 day shipping (my wife wanted the card reader adding $20). It will certainly run WWSM and OOTP. Also puts be above specs to run Empire Total War though, since I'm in no hurry, I think I'll wait on that 'til it hits the bargain bin. Anyway here's the specs of my new machine. Quote:
Nice thing I was able to turn down the 30 day trial for McAfee and some games they want to push with the system. I hate those things. I'm hoping since it comes direct from Dell that it won't be loaded with bloatware, time will tell. Last edited by Sweed : 03-11-2009 at 11:54 PM. Reason: miss type |
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03-11-2009, 11:29 PM | #32 | |
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Join Date: Oct 2003
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Quote:
Is this different than previous Intel onboard graphics? There are user reviews of the system on the Dell site that comment they have added a graphics card as well as larger power supplies. I assumed you could disable the x3100 like any other onboard graphics. Am I missing something here? They do offer an option to add a Raedon card for $60. I prefer nvidia and if I wanted the Raedon I could get the same thing at newegg for around $40. And there is a PCIe slot on the MB. I hope you are wrong, I can't imagine Dell making a box that you couldn't update. Again maybe I'm naive |
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03-12-2009, 09:25 AM | #33 |
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I would have went with a Dell refurbed quad core pc and Vista x64.
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03-12-2009, 10:25 AM | #34 | |
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Quote:
I wouldn't see a reason that you could not disable the onboard graphics card
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04-23-2009, 07:33 PM | #35 |
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My 7 year old Dell desktop pc finally bit the dust - it's the kids as I have a 2yr old Dell desktop. Ran like a champ for 7 good years... kids were upset since they play the Sims a few hours a night.
System board went bad so I hopped online and bought them a new Dell for about $475 (that's with shipping) - can't believe I paid around $1000 for that 7 year old pc. The sims should run great as they had a free memory upgrade to take it to 3GB and the only thing I upgraded was the video card. |
04-23-2009, 08:26 PM | #36 | |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Quote:
Yeah, they've had quite a few good deals on there since I bought mine. Real happy with it, I'm sure your kids will love the upgrade. |
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04-23-2009, 09:53 PM | #37 |
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Join Date: Sep 2002
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Yeah, with the Sims 3 coming out in a bit.. it should handle it quite well.
HP has been coming out with some good pc's too.. I just like working on Dell's more than HP. |
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