No Video Output - Windows XP

[nickoo1]

Hey everyone. Here is a rundown of my computer and hardware from what I can remember (haven't had video for a while now).

AMD Athlon 3200+ Processor
ATI Radeon 9600 128mb Video Card
2GB RAM
Asus Motherboard (Not sure the model).
Computer is custom built and it has an integrated video card but i have not been using it since I purchased the computer. Computer is about 3 years old. I installed a 120 GB Hard Drive about 10 months ago.

Computer has worked without a flaw since i have bought it. One day I was playing a game (World of Warcraft-not very stressful on the computer) and the comp froze up. After 5 minutes of nothing, I shut off using front power switch. The next time I powered on I get no video output whatsoever (no startup, no BIOS).

When I power on, fans and lights go on as usual (computer doesnt sound any different), only no beeps. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[BadBigBen]

Kinda sounds like a PSU failure there...

even though the lights and fans work, does not mean that the PSU works correctly...

get a hold of a replacement PSU (known to work) with at least 350w and replace...

other avenues to check:

PWR Switch, Reset Switch sticking or malfunctioning...
reseat RAM, GFX card, all power connectors (corrosion) ...
Clean out HS-FAN...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[goombawaho]

You could also pull all the memory out before you replace the power supply. First, turn on the PC as it is and note what beeps it makes, if any. Turn off the PC and pull ALL the RAM. Then turn on the PC. It should give you a beep code (which you can look up specific to your BIOS) complaining that all the memory has been removed. If it doesn't beep, it could be motherboard or power supply. The next and easiest troubleshooting step would be to replace the power supply and try the above test again.

 

[PHHeisel]

You can test a PSU by using a multimeter set to 20 V. Turn on your computer and take a molex connector that goes into your PSU(molex is the hard drive like connector). Then you put the black end of the multimeter in one of the black pins of the molex connector, then put the red one in the yellow power pin on the connector, the voltage should be 12.

 

[BadBigBen]

@PHHEISEL - that only covers the +12v rail, what about the others (i.e. +5v, +3.3v, -12v)...

that is like checking the left rear tire if it is inflated, while one of the others is flat, to say that the car is in working order...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[ceh4702]

Sounds like a power supply failure. Although I have seen the AMD XP processors die also. I have 2 dead processors at home, maybe 3. I feel for you. Just pull out the power supply and put in a new one and see if it works. there is a chance it will not ever work again. Those processors are hard to replace and it is questionable whether spending money on your current system is worth it or not.

One drawback is new computers use Different RAM, Different Video Cards and Different types of Power supplies. Even the power supply has a different number of pins. You might want a local repair shop look at it.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[theo1881]

not being sarcastic just checking, is there power on the monitor ?

have you tried an alternative video card ?

Laters, phat, headshape