[SOLVED] Odd video problem, though probably pretty easy to diagnose...

Joey Link · 01-29-2008, 05:09 PM

I have what I believe is a problem with the onboard video/motherboard of this system, a Gateway MX6448. The symptom is an intermittent video signal. After the system has sat for a while it'll usually start up to the windows screen, then the display goes black. I hooked it up to an external monitor and the video signal stops at the same time, so I'm quite confident it's not a problem with the LCD/inverter. I have a feeling the on board video has failed, which means the motherboard will have to be replaced. What do you guys think?

powerpack · 01-29-2008, 06:27 PM

If this is a black screen for a flash then all is normal as long as in use (not comming out of sleep/hibernate) then a common situation not a problem. It has to do with dual monitor support. It can be corrected but then dual monitor must be manualy applied. If you think this might be what you describe I will dig and get the fix if you want. If you are still uncertain of what I am saying is your problem, let me explain. You start your computer, your desktop is showing, bam! screen goes black for a second or two. If this is what is happening then it is of what I speak, not a hardware (MoBo) problem.

craigwatanabe · 01-29-2008, 07:43 PM

check your memory. Reseat first then reboot. Remember in some laptops the DIMM 1 slot is located inside the computer typically accessed by removing the keyboard.

Joey Link · 01-30-2008, 01:39 AM

Thanks for your feedback guys, I really appreciate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigwatanabe

check your memory. Reseat first then reboot. Remember in some laptops the DIMM 1 slot is located inside the computer typically accessed by removing the keyboard.

Sure enough, I reseated both DIMM's and it fired right up

01-29-2008, 05:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Joey Link Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7 OS: XP Pro	[SOLVED] Odd video problem, though probably pretty easy to diagnose... I have what I believe is a problem with the onboard video/motherboard of this system, a Gateway MX6448. The symptom is an intermittent video signal. After the system has sat for a while it'll usually start up to the windows screen, then the display goes black. I hooked it up to an external monitor and the video signal stops at the same time, so I'm quite confident it's not a problem with the LCD/inverter. I have a feeling the on board video has failed, which means the motherboard will have to be replaced. What do you guys think?

01-29-2008, 06:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
powerpack Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 25 OS: XP MCE	Re: Odd video problem, though probably pretty easy to diagnose... If this is a black screen for a flash then all is normal as long as in use (not comming out of sleep/hibernate) then a common situation not a problem. It has to do with dual monitor support. It can be corrected but then dual monitor must be manualy applied. If you think this might be what you describe I will dig and get the fix if you want. If you are still uncertain of what I am saying is your problem, let me explain. You start your computer, your desktop is showing, bam! screen goes black for a second or two. If this is what is happening then it is of what I speak, not a hardware (MoBo) problem.

01-29-2008, 07:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
craigwatanabe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 299 OS: xp	Re: Odd video problem, though probably pretty easy to diagnose... check your memory. Reseat first then reboot. Remember in some laptops the DIMM 1 slot is located inside the computer typically accessed by removing the keyboard. __________________ A computer is only as powerful as it's user so build wisely.