Current hardware failed, replace or new build?

[DukeFan21]

My father turned off my computer over the weekend by holding in power rather than shutting down through Windows (ugh) and when I went to turn it back on when I got home, the computer refused to boot. He normally doesn't touch my computer, but he needed to turn off the breaker for the home electricity as he was working on some wiring in our garage. For all I know the problem is from either the method he shut it down or some other sort of power surge from when he would flip the electricity on and off to test whatever he was doing with our electrical. Regardless, hitting the power button does nothing and after I replaced the PSU today I still get nothing at all. For all I know the motherboard is fried, or even worse.

My dilemma is whether to replace the mobo or just replace the whole system. While I used to game on my PC years ago I haven't done too much of it since I graduated college, so a replacement system wouldn't need to be a fancy gaming rig. My current system is as follows:

E8400 processor
Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L mobo
XFX 9600GT vid card
4GB DDR2 (2x2gb)
Corsair Builder Series CX5200 PSU (replaced Antec Earthwatts 500)
Antec Freezer 7 Pro
2 SATA hard drives
Lite-on DVD-RW
Coolermaster ATX case

While it may not be a solid gaming rig by today's standards, it definitely was snappy for what I seem to be using my computer now for, which is the web, video encoding, and using my computer as a home file/media server. I've been out of the loop for a few years now, so I'm not up to speed as to components might fit what I am looking for. Should I simply look for a replacement mobo or would I be better off replacing the mobo and CPU together? If so, any suggestions? I'm looking to at least keep the performance of my system above while not breaking the bank ($300-400?), and am not particular as to Intel vs AMD or Nvidia vs ATI. I'll be buying from the US, most likely from the FS/FT forums if I can save a few bucks, if not Newegg has always been my go-to. Finally I am perfectly fine with re-using components such as the drivers, and even the video card. Any input is appreciated!

 

[DaveSimmons]

An i3-2100 sandy bridge system would be a bit faster. You could use the onboard HD2000 graphics if the video card is dead.

H61 chipset = $50-60
i3-2100 = $120
8 GB RAM = $50

... then try re-using everything else.

 

[Blain]

Check the case switch to see if it works correctly.
CoolerMaster isn't know for using the highest quality switches in the business.

If nothing else try jumping the power switch pins on the MB to start it.

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ good point. Also, in case it's the video card try removing it and see if the fans now spin up and you get a beep.

 

[mfenn]

If it turns out that your motherboard is dead, I'd go ahead and replace the CPU, mobo, and RAM. For a little over $200, you can get a substantial upgrade. For example:

i3 2120 $130
Biostar H61MGC $50
PNY DDR3 1333 8GB $32
Total: $212

 

[DukeFan21]

Check the case switch to see if it works correctly.
CoolerMaster isn't know for using the highest quality switches in the business.

If nothing else try jumping the power switch pins on the MB to start it.

Thanks for the suggestion...unfortunately I wasn't able to jump the system this way so it seems the motherboard is kaput.

Also thanks for the i3 system suggestions. Looks like I am going to take that route

 

[janas19]

I'm the cheap guy on the forums. I'll give you some frugality advice from a guy who knows about overspending.

So if your dad killed your motherboard, not a big deal. The way I see it, you buy a used, but verified working, s775 board that supports both your 45nm processor and memory sticks. If you can find one locally, you could have a fix looking at $40. I found a gently used Gigabyte p45 board for $20, but I was lucky.

Thats my 2 cents on the replacement option. Otherwise, yeah, what Mfenn said. You can pick up an 1155 mobo, Ram and speedy CPU for less than one fifty.

 

[janas19]

Really the rational for an upgrade should be what you want to do, not price. If you're current setup is not doing what you want and you want more, then it's time to upgrade ... on the other hand, if you are not dissatisfied with your current setup and it does what you need done, then it is better to wait.

Sorry for the lengthy reply, hope it helps.

 

[DukeFan21]

Alright, now I am really confused. For whatever reason I figured I'd try and jump it once more. It worked. I only had the PSU connected to the ATX power connections, the video card, and the heatsink fan. This had surprised me, and then what I did was connect the power switch pins back onto the mobo. To my surprise, THAT worked as well.

I re-connected my HDs and the DVD drive, along with the audio connections to the mobo and hooked the monitor connections up, thinking maybe this was working. No dice. I can't turn it back on with the power switch nor can I power it up by shorting the pins. Is it possible the SATA connections are causing this issue? I can't think of what else it would be

 

[Belegost]

Just go back to nothing but the motherboard and videocard, one at a time add connections until it fails to start. Ignore that piece of equipment and continue. You should be able to determine what connection kills things. Then you have to determine if its a motherboard issue, or with the part being connected, usually by plugging that into a second machine.

 

[janas19]

What you should do is connect the components one by one and test if the mobo powers on.

Sounds simple, but it'll help you pinpoint the problem.

 

[DukeFan21]

Very strange...right now I am on my computer with all peripherals attached and working as normal. I had to jump this time as the power switch wouldn't work, so I think I may have found my answer. Thanks again for everyone's help and suggestions

 

[mfenn]

Glad you were able to fix it. If your current machine is working well in terms of performance, getting it fixed for $0 is perfect.