Possible Motherboard Failure?

[David74]

Yesterday I installed a new fan and heatsink for my CPU (Zalman CNPS-7000 Cu) and also a new chassi fan (Enermax). The installment of the CPU fan went fine, everything worked perfectly and I was able to run the computer for quite awhile, testing it. But then I made the fatal mistake of fastening the chassi fan to the chassi while the computer was on and accidently dropped a screw (quite a long one) down onto the motherboard. I picked it up but the screw obviously touched a few of the components (like a condensator, housing for a network cable slot, smaller circuitry on the MB and possibly the CPU heatsink) and the computer shut down immediately. After that I have not been able to start it again. I can't even start the BIOS or any of the fans. It is dead quiet when I press the start button on my chassi, apart from a faint click sound (possibly coming from the PSU, but not sure). Did I just short-circuit and burn my MB beyond repair, or could any other components beside my MB cause the problem (ie. CPU, RAM, video card, ...) or do anyone have any ideas what could be wrong and if it is fixable?

Any help, ideas or viewpoints greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
David.


My system (selected parts):

2.53Ghz Intel CPU with 533 Mhz FSB
Zalman CNPS-7000 Cu CPU fan and heatsink
P4SDX MotherBoard
512 MB RAM
430W Antec PSU
ATI Radeon 9700 Pro VideoCard
Soundblaster 5.1 Live! SoundCard
2 x 180 Gb IBM/Hitachi HardDrive

 

[tlinden14]

David,
You said that the system did not make any noise, are there normally beep codes for this type of system?

 

[David74]

Yes, I have an Award BIOS that usually produces beep codes in cases of error. But that is during POST and I can't even get to that.

/David

 

[paparazi]

David74
I would certainly try a power supply first before going any further.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[DragonQ0105]

Rule learnt here: Don't install/uninstall any Hardware while PC is on!

I, too, would try a new PSU before a replacement Motherboard. Sounds like a short circuit, which could, unfortunately, mean that both are damaged...

 

[David74]

I have not had the time to troubleshoot my pc yet, I will bring it to my work tomorrow and see if the computer technicians here can help me out with supplying some replacement parts.

I doubt that it is the PSU that is causing the problem, though. Because the MB is receiving juice, the green LED indicating power supply to the board is lit when I turn on the PSU. But whether it is supplying enough juice or not I cannot tell of course. I will try a replacement PSU tomorrow and see what happens. I'll keep you posted. ;o) BTW. Thanx for your advice!

/Dave

 

[Lemon13]

i dont think its the psu, more likely mb or cpu.

 

[David74]

Yes or if I'm really lucky (hint: irony) maybe both of them. I can just hope and pray that the damages are limited to one component, the MB being the cheaper one.

/Dave