Over the weekend, I built two computers with almost the exact same specs with
initially semi-successful results on the first computer and disastrous
results on the second computer.
Now, there is chaos.
Here goes the first computer:
1) CPU - Intel 2.66 GHZ
2) Motherboard - Gigabyte 8KNXP
3) Ram - 2 x 512 MB Kingston DDR PC3200 ECC DIMM 3-3-3
4) Video Card - ATI AIW Radeon 9700 Pro
5) Sound Card - Creative Labs Audigy 2
6) PSU - Antec True 430 ATX
7) Case - Cooler Master ATC-201B with Side Window, 2 Front Fans, 1 Rear Fan
With the first computer, I put everything together and it booted up without
a hitch. I installed Windows XP, the drivers for the video card and the drivers
for the the sound card with no problem. Then, I decided to install the
latest version of the Radeon 9700 Pro AIW driver. At this point, I start
having problems. On reboot, I have no video output but the computer seems like
it is rebooting. I opened up the case and tried powering up again. Seemed
to power up fine. Installed something else, rebooted and had the same problem.
At this point, I get an error that Windows XP is unstable and that I can boot
to the last stable install, which I choose. I reinstall the latest video
drivers without a problem and the system seems to be stable. I go to bed, my
husband uses the new computer over night and reports another
instance in which he installs something new, reboots, and then has no video
output. He opened up the case, reseated the card, and seemed to have no
problems (until of course, he needs to reseat the card again.)
On to the second computer:
1) CPU - Intel 2.66 GHZ
2) Motherboard - Gigabyte 8KNXP
3) Ram - 2 x 512 MB Kingston DDR PC3200 ECC DIMM 3-3-3
4) PSU - Antec True 430 ATX
5) Case - Cooler Master ATC-201 with 2 Front Fans, 1 Rear Fan, 1 Top Fan
6) Video Card - Gainward GeForce4 Ti 4200
I put the computer together. Boot up for the first time, hear a zap, and
smell some burning. I power it down. And, open up the case, and turn it back
on. The back fan which is connected to the motherboard is not turning. The
cpu fan is turning though, as is a Gigabyte Dual Power System fan that
came with the mobo. No beeps and no post. (Side note: the DPS fan and the
CPU are on one side of the mobo while the connector to the back fan is on the
opposite side of the mobo. So, perhaps one side of the mobo has been short-
circuited?)
At that point I was wondering, well, if my mobo is dead, is my cpu dead?
So, I swap my cpu/fan into the hubby's new computer. Boot up, nothing happens.
No post, not beeps. I swap his cpu/fan back in and now his darn computer
won't boot up either! (Although, his mobo seems to be functioning properly.)
So, what do you guys suggest I do next? I think my cpu/mobo is just screwed.
But, what about his computer? Should I try clearing the CMOS and see if that
does anything? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
initially semi-successful results on the first computer and disastrous
results on the second computer.
Now, there is chaos.
Here goes the first computer:
1) CPU - Intel 2.66 GHZ
2) Motherboard - Gigabyte 8KNXP
3) Ram - 2 x 512 MB Kingston DDR PC3200 ECC DIMM 3-3-3
4) Video Card - ATI AIW Radeon 9700 Pro
5) Sound Card - Creative Labs Audigy 2
6) PSU - Antec True 430 ATX
7) Case - Cooler Master ATC-201B with Side Window, 2 Front Fans, 1 Rear Fan
With the first computer, I put everything together and it booted up without
a hitch. I installed Windows XP, the drivers for the video card and the drivers
for the the sound card with no problem. Then, I decided to install the
latest version of the Radeon 9700 Pro AIW driver. At this point, I start
having problems. On reboot, I have no video output but the computer seems like
it is rebooting. I opened up the case and tried powering up again. Seemed
to power up fine. Installed something else, rebooted and had the same problem.
At this point, I get an error that Windows XP is unstable and that I can boot
to the last stable install, which I choose. I reinstall the latest video
drivers without a problem and the system seems to be stable. I go to bed, my
husband uses the new computer over night and reports another
instance in which he installs something new, reboots, and then has no video
output. He opened up the case, reseated the card, and seemed to have no
problems (until of course, he needs to reseat the card again.)
On to the second computer:
1) CPU - Intel 2.66 GHZ
2) Motherboard - Gigabyte 8KNXP
3) Ram - 2 x 512 MB Kingston DDR PC3200 ECC DIMM 3-3-3
4) PSU - Antec True 430 ATX
5) Case - Cooler Master ATC-201 with 2 Front Fans, 1 Rear Fan, 1 Top Fan
6) Video Card - Gainward GeForce4 Ti 4200
I put the computer together. Boot up for the first time, hear a zap, and
smell some burning. I power it down. And, open up the case, and turn it back
on. The back fan which is connected to the motherboard is not turning. The
cpu fan is turning though, as is a Gigabyte Dual Power System fan that
came with the mobo. No beeps and no post. (Side note: the DPS fan and the
CPU are on one side of the mobo while the connector to the back fan is on the
opposite side of the mobo. So, perhaps one side of the mobo has been short-
circuited?)
At that point I was wondering, well, if my mobo is dead, is my cpu dead?
So, I swap my cpu/fan into the hubby's new computer. Boot up, nothing happens.
No post, not beeps. I swap his cpu/fan back in and now his darn computer
won't boot up either! (Although, his mobo seems to be functioning properly.)
So, what do you guys suggest I do next? I think my cpu/mobo is just screwed.
But, what about his computer? Should I try clearing the CMOS and see if that
does anything? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!