Hi guys,

I've recently upgraded my computer, with a new..
optical drive
550w PSU
ATI Radeon HD5750,
and a couple of fans. Following installation, the computer worked fine, with no noticeable problems.

I was then using the system to test an old optical drive, by turning it off at the back, plugging the molex into the back of the drive, and turning the computer on, so I had power to the drive, I then tried to unplug the drive while the computer was running, and as I accidentally jerked it out (I don't think I moved the computer) the system shut down instantly, and did not turn on at the power button for about 10 minutes.

Since then it gets no signal to the monitors, if I shut down the system, and immediately restart it. However, I found that waiting a few hours gets the signal back upon startup.

So far I have tried another graphics card, with the same 'no signal' orange lights on the monitors effect, and have tried unplugging the computer, and holding the power button for a couple of minutes (I thought it was unlikely, but worth a try).

I'm not sure if its useful information, but prior to the upgrade, my sound has been quite glitchy on internet videos such as youtube, and occasionally on some games, but no effect when playing videos or music on windows media player, gom player etc. Since the upgrade this has gotten worse, but is still isolated to only internet sound playback and some games.
I have also had a few issues with a low spec game, whereby the computer freezes solid for about a minute, and then continues working. This has been happening since before the upgrade.

My Spec:

Intel pentium D dual core 3ghz 'presler' model (stock heatsink/fan)
OcUK 550w PSU
M-Audio Audiophile 2496 soundcard (used for my mixer studio recording (works fine on Cubase)
XFX Ati Radeon HD5750 PCI-E
Xilence fan at back of case, original fan moved to space in front, akasa exhaust blower
under the graphics card to remove heat (I dare say it's not a heat problem)
New OcUK DVD writer (SATAII connection)

Any way, I really appreciate any help that anyone has to offer, I'm no genius with computers but I've built a couple in the past so hopefully I'll keep up.

Ben.

I always want to start by ensuring I got good power. If you have another PSU, I would try that.

Hi Digerati, I do still have the original octigen 400w psu yes. Is it safe to run the system as it is, with a 400w? I guess the gfx card won't draw too much power if its sitting idle right?

That PSU will be pushed, but it should hold up fine while testing. If concerned, you can disconnect any extra drives, extra RAM and even boot into Safe Mode.

Okay, well I have tried another PSU with same situation.

I then tried different ram in both slots, after cleaning both sticks, and the same effect.

I've now noticed that when I turn the computer on, it will either beep and receive signal to monitor, or I will get neither a post beep, nor signal to monitor. I have tried other monitors before so I know that this is isolated to the system itself.

I have also tried unplugging the hard drive etc with same effect.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

Well, you have tried a different video card, different PSU, different monitor, different RAM.

Assuming you have good front to back air flow, and your CPU temps are under control, that points to the either the CPU or motherboard. A single beep suggests it passed POST which suggests the CPU is fine. Unplugging components without properly powering down and unplugging from the wall may have damaged the motherboard. I don't know what else to suggest. You could reset the BIOS, but don't hold your breath.

Okay, so if the computer post beeps, even once in five times, does that still lean more towards a motherboard problem than cpu?

How do you reset the bios? I'm assuming thats not the same as accessing the bios on startup, and saving the settings?

Thanks again.

Well, my guess is the motherboard at this point.

You should check your manual for resetting the BIOS. But normally, it involved moving a jumper or pulling the battery. To pull the battery, unplug from the wall. Then touch bare metal of the case interior to discharge any static in your body. Then carefully remove the battery. It will be a wafer type, about an inch in diameter. Note the polarity. About a minute later, reinsert the battery, and connect the power cord. Upon first boot go directly into the BIOS Setup Menu to set date and time. Then Save and Exit to boot normally (hopefully).