My system froze up and the only way to power down was to flip switch on power strip. Now, the computer won't turn on. I brought to the local repair shop and had the power supply replaced. That didn't fix the problem, now they recommend replacing the motherboard. Does that make sense and should I try to buy it myself online to save some $$? If so, do I need to get the motherboard, CPU and cooling fan/heatsink? Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks

Hello jakey515,

Welcom to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!

Sorry to hear about your problem! ARGH! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif

Did the repair shop ensure that power was making it past the switch to the Motherboard? If power is making it to the MotherBoard, are there any internal fans....CPU or Intake/Exhaust case fans turning?

What happened with the "Freeze-up?" Were there any error messages?

------------------
May all your dealings in life be win/win!


Whyzman
----------------------
Reserved for Punishing Humor...A Pessimist's blood is always B-negative!


[This message has been edited by Whyzman (edited 05-28-2002).]

Hi Whyzman,

I didn't get that kind of detail from the repair person at Best Buy. At this point, I'm having doubts about their experience level. I noticed that you live in Fridley, MN. I'm located in Brooklyn Center, do you know of a qualified repair center that you could recommend?

The "freeze-up" occurred during shut down and the message "it's safe to power down your system" (or something like that) was displayed.

Thanks for your help! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hey Jakey:

They could be right could be wrong

generally(never always) - ask them to measure the 12V on the P1 connector -if you have 11 to 15 Volts problem most likely on mother board

If there is no voltage present - probably one of the devices drives et al is causing a short - track down by unplugging all and rebooting - if ok - then start adding one device at a time until the culprit found

If low voltage - Power supply likely faulty

If they can't tell you this - they can't do basic diagnostics - run out the door - chances are all they are able to do is replace the part most likely the prob and if that doesn't work, the next most likely part - and so on and so on - and this is assuming that it is a power prob in the first place


------------------
Old dogs CAN learn new tricks

Yep Jakey, we're neighbors!

Unfortunately, I don't know of any good computer repair places in our neck of the woods. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif I would say the best place around to get assistance with one's computer repair...is right here on PC GUIDE Forums! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Main PSU power switch on? Let me get this straight...after the replacement of the PSU when you press the power switch (front of computer) zip, zero, nada?

What did this PSU replacement and install set you back at BestBuy? How did they determine that the PSU was bad? If it did nothing...I would take my computer back there and tell them to take it out, and demand a full refund! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif Sheesh, they could have bench tested with one of their PSUs and determined that replacing the PSU was a bogus move.

The ON/OFF switch could be faulty! I would get ahold of a voltage meter (pretty inexpensive these days and handy for lots of things). With one, you could have checked out voltages from your PSU) and checked continuity on the switch.

If power "is" being delivered to the MB and no fans spin up when you power up...it could be your MB is toast! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

Ask whatever questions you need to here...if you've never done a continutity test and don't understand after reading the instructions...just ask! The expertise you seek can be found from someone here on the PC Guide Forums. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
May all your dealings in life be win/win!


Whyzman
----------------------
Reserved for Punishing Humor...A Pessimist's blood is always B-negative!

Please don’t take this wrong. But
Have you checked the On/Off switch on the power supply itself?
Many of the ATX power supplies still incorporate a rocker type power switch on the power supply. marked with a - and 0.
Rock the switch from one setting to the other and press the power button on the front of the case.

Try it with the switch in both positions