Dan Cowsill wrote:
On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 4:32 AM, Matt Harrison
<iwasinnamuk...@genestate.com> wrote:
Hi all,
A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when running
3d applications.
Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago) until I
got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the power cables
away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of interference.
Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a couple
of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I can't produce
now.
I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an hdd
cable a bit too hard or something.
Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the back
panel.
As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU INIT"
which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine yields
absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by moving a
cable an inch to one side.
If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to have to
return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
Thanks
Matt
Hi Matt,
My first guess would be that the audio interference would be a symptom
of a bigger problem with the hardware. It is possible that static
discharge or a loose connection could manifest these symptoms as well.
I would start by verifying that everything is properly and securely
plugged into the motherboard. After that, make a complete visual
inspection of the board looking for capacitors that are bubbling or
distorting outwards on the top (capacitors are the cylindrical
components on the board, usually with two leads anchoring it to the
PCB). From there, you should find some way of testing your power
supply. Either find another machine into which you can plug the PSU
to see if it posts the board, or take it to your local computer repair
shop, as they should have a device to test it. If your power supply
tests alright, begin removing components from the board to see if you
can get it to post. Remove PCI cards, sticks of RAM, IDE/SATA
connectors, front panel and USB connectors. Everything.
If you reach the end of this diagnostic process without a single post,
chances are your board is FUBAR and you should replace it.
Cheers,
D
Thanks for the detailed information. I have some news, but it requires
me to put on my embarrassed face. The machine wouldn't turn on
because...wait for it....I'd pulled out the front panel connector block
:P It was difficult to notice until I removed the graphics card because
it completely hides it. I know I should have thought to check it.
Now, on the subject of the audio problem, I am talking with Asus staff
who believe it's (wouldn't you believe it) interference. They're smart
cookies.
Anyway, thanks for all the tips, I will be examining the board closely
to find the source, but at least I can get my uni assignments in now :)
Cheers
Matt
