My Computer Only Works Sideways

[yosuke188]

Cliffs:
1. Computer does not post anything, just fans spinning
2. I turn it sideways to open up the case and it starts working again.
3. I put it back upright, and it doesn't work
4. Repeat 2 and 3
So I wake up yesterday morning and turn my computer on, and it doesn't do anything. Monitor is blank, and all I hear is fans spinning. So I open up the computer, sees no unplugged cables or anything, and I try to turn it on while the case is still open and on its side. It turns on, boots up fine and everything. So I think "just a glitch..." and put the case back on, turn it upright, and turn it on. It doesn't work. At this point I tried this several times and I hae concluded that my compuer only works on its side. I do not like it, and would appreciate some help.

As long as the computer is on its side, it works. I tried with the casae cover on and off, I tried tightening the CPU heatsink, and still it only works on its side. I have never heard of computers only working on its side, so maybe some of you will have some suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[George Powell]

I would check all the cable connections on the computer. It sounds very much like a loose connection to me. Even if a cable appears to be plugged in it is not nesesarily making good contact.

This should solve your problem.

 

[Mavrick007]

I would pull all the cables and then reseat them. If that doesn't work, pull all cards and reseat them as well.
I agree, something is making a bad connection.

 

[yosuke188]

Well, in the process of tightening up the CPU fan, I basically removed all the cables and cards, and put them all back. I still don't see why my computer works only on its side. What could be the logically explanation??? This is seriously so frustrating.

 

[stevty2889]

Sounds like either a loose connection, or there could be something behind the motherboard thats causing it to short when standing upright.

 

[SparkyJJO]

For the same reason why some mobos hate certain hardware - this one mobo my dad's computer had did not like this one stick of PNY memory even though the memory was fine - it would crash, bluescreen, and whatever else. This other mobo wouldn't even POST with this one radeon in it, but would work fine with any other radeon.

Short of it is, computers do strange things sometimes which seem to make no sense.

 

[yosuke188]

I really don't think it is a case of loose wires because it was working fine for the past 3 months at least.

I forgot to mention, the night before it stopped working, I accidently stepped on my surge protector's power and turned it off. Could that cause it to work only on its side?

 

[porcorosso]

If I'm reading you correctly this I'm-okay-on-my-side-but-not-standing-upright bit is too consistent to be likely to be due to a loose connector. This seems more like a malfunction in a position switch or interlock. Is that system equipped with a power-interrupt interlock, or perhaps an intrusion detection switch? I wouldn't expect such a switch to malfunction in this manner, but it's the only thing I can think of that might behave so consistently while malfunctioning.

 

[TeeJay1952]

Screw loose in case? Shorting motherboard when in upright position.

 

[Crescent13]

Heatsink seated properly? If it's not on tightly then it could be bending to the side when the comp is upright, and it might make good contact when lying flat, because gravity is pulling it toward the cpu and not off of it. If you're using a stock cooler this probably is not the case but if you are using something like a Zalman CNPS9500 or a Scythe Ninja, then this could very well be the problem.

 

[yosuke188]

Originally posted by: Crescent13
Heatsink seated properly? If it's not on tightly then it could be bending to the side when the comp is upright, and it might make good contact when lying flat, because gravity is pulling it toward the cpu and not off of it. If you're using a stock cooler this probably is not the case but if you are using something like a Zalman CNPS9500 or a Scythe Ninja, then this could very well be the problem.

I actually think that might be the problem since I use the scyth ninja. I will try to install it again to see it anything happens.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Once found a faulty fuse in a psu. Psu would not work upright (even on the bench), but would work on its side. One end of the fuse element was centered in the cap, the other end arched down. Replaced the fuse and it worked.

 

[yosuke188]

Ok, so it was the heatsink. When I held it down to the motherboard with the case open, it worked fine.

But the solution was harder than just simply reseating the heatsink. I tried it 2 times, and it just wouldn't start unless it is on its side. So I resulted in having the case on a slight angle by placing a book under the case. I might look for another heatsink, but as far as the scyth ninja goes, I gave up.

 

[bX510]

Do you think it has something to do with the case power button ? Maybe something lose there? when you put it on its side maybe the connection touches? Just a guess

 

[Lerkby]

:tf:

 

[VirtualLarry]

LOL.

Ghetto-modding FTW!

(Or at least until you can afford another heatsink.)

 

[mindless1]

heatsink too big, only deal with it while the board is out of the case.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I moreso wonder if your PCI-E slot for your GPU is loose, or the card isn't secured properly. (PCI-E retainer broken? That's happened to me on a few boards.)