system does not POST

[jugem]

The computer was fine until one day, it suddenly stopped working. When turning the computer on, the fans turn for a second, then stops. The power LED stays on. Nothing else seems to happen. No beeps, no display...

I disconnected everything except the MB, CPU, video, and RAM, and it's still the same problem. Cleared CMOS, still the same. I thought it was a PSU issue, so I tested with another PSU that I had, but still the same problem.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

MB: Chaintech VNF3-250
CPU: AMD Athlon64 3000+
RAM: mushkin basic PC3200 512MB
Video: Sapphire ATI Radeon 9600XT
PSU: Antec True 430W

[pullmyfoot]

try one ram stick at a time. if not try ram from antoher system. and also take out the graphics card and try the onboard video or another card

[jugem]

Thanks for the reply.

Tried using one RAM stick, still the same. Same when I tried a video card from another system.

[pullmyfoot]

then maybe its just your motherboard. you can try all your parts with another board if you bother to check. if not jsut send it to the shop

[KarmaKiller]

Test a different Power Supply. PSU's can cause the most weird random issues, that are hard to diagnose.
See if that yields any joy..

[pullmyfoot]

he already tried a new PSU

[KarmaKiller]

Well, if you've tried a new PSU, then I would do this.
Pull everything out of your case. Set the motherboard on something non conductive, and hook up one stick of RAM, Video, and obviously the Power Supply. Short out the on/off pins to make the system power up. If nothing happens, try the other stick of RAM, see if that yields anything. If still no joy, I'd say it's probably the Motherboard. But it's hard to tell.
Does the system give out any beeps when it fails to power up? That's a code, telling you what's wrong. If it's a long single beep, the more then likely it's your RAM. If there is no beeps at all, then I'd say it's your PSU. If you KNOW your PSU is good, then I'd say it's your motherboard.
Good luck!

[clearbluereason]

I've recently had several computers I work on have an issue like this.

1. I'd say retest the PSU -- I know you've already done it, but many ppl I know (including me) can get so frustrated or overexcited they forget the 4-pin cpu (DON'T FORGET THE 4-PIN) power connector which would be a problem in and of itself. If you have a P/S tester that makes that part of the process simple, I got one about a year ago for days like these.

2. I recently also came across two boards that would not post without a CPU, specifically I was at the point that KarmaKiller suggested, with my motherboard on a nonconductive surface (elevated of course, so the vid card will fit).

3. Usually at that point, I'll also reset CMOS just to be on the safe side.

4.You're in a tough spot. I'd say go ahead and look over the capacitors (little cylinders standing up on your board) on the motherboard, if any of the tops are ruptured, or popping up (they should be flat) you know the culprit.

GL HTH.

[jugem]

Both of the PSUs that I have right now work fine on a different system.

I tried taking out the MB and placing it on the edge of an table, no luck. There's no beep or anything at all. The fans turn off after a second, but the power LED is still on, and the system doesn't respond to anything. To turn it off, I have to switch off the PSU.

I was also thinking that my MB is the problem, though I can't find any busted capacitors.

[Xeroid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clearbluereason

4.You're in a tough spot. I'd say go ahead and look over the capacitors (little cylinders standing up on your board) on the motherboard, if any of the tops are ruptured, or popping up (they should be flat) you know the culprit.

Check these links and you can see what he's talking about. Click on the thumbnails in the upper right. I had this happen a couple of years ago to my EpOX mobo.

http://www.badcaps.net/

http://www.badcaps.net/pages.php?vid=5