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Hardware problems I'm having

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:24:45

Firebrand

It's a kinda long story, but here it goes: I had an old motherboard that I gave to my uncle 3 years ago, it had an AMD Athlon XP processor and other junk I wasn't going to use anymore. Destiny acted itself and I've got that old motherboard again (only this time it's WAY older and I don't quite remember the technical specs anymore, heh! <!-- s;) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" title="Wink" /><!-- s;) -->). I decided to get to work this old junk on my vacations and I'm having a very strange problem with it, I've installed the processor and fans correctly, but once the computer starts and makes the post tests it sometimes won't start after that, I thought it could be the CMOS battery, so I bought a new one and installed it, I deleted the old CMOS config and started it from scratch, it now starts normally, but still stops after the post tests sometimes it passes that screen and enters Winblows, but it hangs on the starting screen. Another strange thing is that sometimes it shows garbage on screen when entering BIOS (strange characters, flashing stuff, etc.), I thought it could be the video card, I've tested another one, but it makes the same stuff. I'm lost here, I'm just posting this to tell my strange story and who knows, maybe someone here can give me a clue on what the damn problem could be! I'm stressed out! <!-- s:x --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_mad.gif" alt=":x" title="Mad" /><!-- s:x --> <!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /><!-- s:lol: --> Any help you can provide will be appreciated, thanks!
Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:57:04

RambOrc

I'd start with verifying memory modules and checking CPU temperature.
Wed, 04 Apr 2007 03:39:08

Firebrand

Well, I have double checked both, the temperature doesn't goes above 80°C, and the memory modules are properly inserted in their slots, I've done a complete memory post test and it passes succesfully, I've tried setting different speeds for memory too, but nothing seems to work, I've been reading some online documents and they suggest to check the main board for cracks, I've done that too and it looks fine, maybe my luck isn't enough <!-- s:( --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" title="Sad" /><!-- s:( -->.
Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:17:21

RambOrc

80 °C is way too high, you should open the case, start up the computer and visually check the fan for malfunctions (you could also hold your hand near to the fan to check for wind strength and temperature). Or it could be that the termal paste between CPU and cooler is partially gone, so you could take the thing apart and apply new thermal paste in there. Or you could simply downclock the CPU if it allows that.
Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:30:48

Firebrand

The thermal paste seems to be partially gone, I did got some more and replaced the CPU, the problem persists, the temperature did got down to 65°C, but that doesn't fixes the problems <!-- s:? --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_confused.gif" alt=":?" title="Confused" /><!-- s:? --> , I'm thinking that the mainboard could be damaged.
Sat, 14 Apr 2007 22:11:55

ShoX

[quote="Firebrand":2mc7vkn8]The thermal paste seems to be partially gone, I did got some more and replaced the CPU, the problem persists, the temperature did got down to 65°C, but that doesn't fixes the problems <!-- s:? --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_confused.gif" alt=":?" title="Confused" /><!-- s:? --> , I'm thinking that the mainboard could be damaged. Check the motherboard capacitors.
Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:22:01

Firebrand

Yes, that's apparently what's wrongs, I took the mainboard to a friend who knows how to test it electrically, it's all f****d up <!-- s:( --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" title="Sad" /><!-- s:( -->, so it's gone now, I guess it's normal with an old hardware like that. I wanted to use it to make some network tests with KA, but apparently I'll have to wait until I get enough money to get a new one, well, that's life, heh! Thanks for the help people, it was all a good advice <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->.
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:30:54

Crimson Wizard

BTW, Firebrand, remember we tried to connect to each other to play KA? Heh, I occasionally managed to make a dedicated server on my computer and then when I launched KA I saw my PC in the list of available servers. <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) --> So this way DOES work.
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:45:59

Firebrand

Those are good news my friend! We can try to connect again sometime <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->, we can arrange something, I'll send you a PM with the details <!-- s;) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" title="Wink" /><!-- s;) -->.

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