Won't Post

[mike]

Howdy gang,

 

So...... if the pc won't POST.............. how do you know if it is the motherboard or processor or what else could it be.

 

I have two. Hate to order processors if that's not the problem.

 

What's the best way to find this out?

 

thanks in advance

[paultwang]

any beeps?

 

if not, check the capacitors on the board. they are usually the first to fail.

[TCH-JimE]

Hello Mike,

 

There should be some beeps as Paultwang says. Do you get any messages on the startup, how far does it get? E.g. showing bios, counting mem etc

 

Jimuni

[mike]

No beeps, nothing.

No messages.

 

how do you check capacitors?

Edited March 9, 2006 by mike

[TCH-JimE]

Hello Mike,

 

Its rather hard to check capicators unless your an engineer really.

 

So if it does not beep, no messages, check the following:

 

There is power to the computer and that turning it one does power fans/spin the hard drive etc.

 

Also locate the motherboard battery, take it out, and just replace it again

 

Do you have any other bits like a spare motherboard or cpu that you can try in place?

 

However, a lack of beeps or messages (does anything appear on the screen, even like the BIOS first part saying AWARD or something) does indicate a motherboard or power failure, but you will need to double check these first

 

JimE

[TCH-Tim]

Why do you suspect the capacitors?

 

If you don't get any beeps or lights on the board you might want to start with the obvious and check the power supply to make sure it's putting voltage out to the board. Also make sure your power button is actually connected to the motherboard (had that happen once when I was messing around in the case).

 

Just watch out for static electricity and don't get yourself electrocuted when you're messing with the power supply.

[mike]

thanks everyone.

I will try the battery thing and let you know.

[stevevan]

I'd go with timhodge's suggestion...The first thing I'd try is to make sure that you're getting the correct power out of the power supply. You may have to google the spec's for the particular power supply, but their pretty common voltage levels.

 

As he says also...be very careful when working around electricity!

[TCH-JimE]

Hello,

 

How can I forget the CPU. Doh. As above, be very very very careful when dealing with electricity.

 

Let us know how it goes

 

JimE