Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot?

mercy · 09-17-2007, 06:47 PM

OK, guys, I'm new at this and desperately need help!! Computer was working fine one day and I get a blank monitor the next day!! I've put in a new power supply and power cord. I checked the monitor on another computer and it works. I also tried the video card and HD on another computer and they both work fine. So, monitor, HD and video card are all OK. I've doubled checked that the memory is in right and that all ribbons are connected well. I'm actually down to either the AGP slot went bad (can they do that with no warning at all??) or something is wrong with the motherboard. The reason I mention the AGP slot is that I took the video card from my computer (the one I'm working on right now) and tried it on the problem computer and I get nothing. So, next question is how do I determine if it's the AGP slot or the motherboard? I'm not too computer savvy so the next statement may sound dumb (sorry!) but FYI the motherboard's little green light is on (if that means anything) and when I turn the power on the CPU green & red lights come on and so does the DVD light. Not sure if those being on has anything to do with the motherboard. Sorry if I can't explain myself better. The computer worked fine one day and just decided not to go on the next with no warning or beeps whatsoever so I am completely lost. Thanks for any help or suggestions. The motherboard is an ASUS P4SDX.

**TheMatt** · 09-17-2007, 07:27 PM

It sounds like you have ruled it down to the motherboard. If it is the AGP slot or anything integrated on the motherboard you will end up replacing the whole motherboard unless its something you can replace with an expansion card.

mercy · 09-25-2007, 01:40 AM

Thanks TheMatt. It pretty much looks like the motherboard is the problem. I can't think of anything else it could be but just in case listed below is all that's been checked/replaced. FYI we have 2 identical computers (one working perfectly) so switching things between them has been an easy task. So far I've replaced all these in the bad computer - one at a time, of course! When I've put the item from the good computer into the bad one nothing happens yet when I put the item from the bad one into the good computer that one works fine leading me to believe that there is no problem with any of these items - the only think that's left, I think, is the motherboard. Through the years I've replaced many things in our computers but I've never tackled a motherboard so I think I'd leave that to the professionals.

Replaced:
1) HD
2) PSU
3) power cord
4) monitor
5) monitor power cord
6) video card (tried both AGP & PCI)
7) memory
8) CPU
9) heat sink
10) all cables
11) battery

If anyone can think of anything I haven't tried please let me know. Also, let me know if you agree that it is time for a motherboard replacement. Thanks so much for your help!!

**TheMatt** · 09-25-2007, 11:16 AM

Good troubleshooting. You will need a new motherboard. It is pretty simple, you just unscrew the screws holding it to the standoffs and remove it. You should see four screws, one in each of the corners, as well as some in the middle. You will need a philips-head screwdriver to remove the screws which are the same size as those used to hold the hard disk in. Remember, never use a flat-head screwdriver when working with computers.

Once all the screws are out, remove the board by simply lifting it up. Do this in reverse with the new board. You have worked with other hardware before so it sounds like you are experienced in working with computer components.

For the motherboard replacement, you have to consider your budget and the fact that you will likely end up replacing things like the RAM and CPU as well because you are doing an entire platform upgrade.

mercy · 09-26-2007, 09:05 PM

Matt, first I want to thank you very much for all the advice you've given me! You make replacing the MB sound like not too difficult a task and I'd love to learn to replace it (might as well since I've done everything else!). I'll let you know how it goes. I do have a couple of questions: First, you've peaked my interest - no one ever told me before never to use a flat-head screwdriver when working on the computer - I never have, but ... how come? Second, do you have any suggestions (preferences) as to MB type? I've always used Asus but I'm not too crazy about their customer support and this is the 2nd time this board has to be replaced (first time it was under warranty) - although I'll admit we have another Asus that has never given us any trouble. There are so many manufacturers out there now that it's quite confusing narrowing it down (at the time I bought, Asus and Abit were highly recommended). I don't do games so I don't need anything too fancy. I figured I'd have to replace the CPU (currently Intel P4 2.4Ghz) and the memory (currently PC2700 1536MB) but I should be able to use everything else. Don't want to pin you down to a specific board, just a good manufacturer will do but any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

**TheMatt** · 09-26-2007, 10:07 PM

1. The reason you don't use flat head screwdrivers is because it is easier to damage the PCB of a motherboard or video card. The more wedge-like design is more harmful to components. Data from Intel showed that screwdriver accidents were either the leading cause or the second leading cause (I forget which) of artificial motherboard failure. There is a reason all your chassis screws are philips screws.

2. If you are going to be upgrading everything else I would go post in the Building forum.

mercy · 09-27-2007, 01:47 AM

Thanks, Matt, I learn something new every day - had no idea about the flat heads. I'll post in Building re the motherboard. You've been really helpful and I really appreciate it.

Rootrick · 10-02-2007, 11:44 AM

Check if all the transistors are good around the CPU Socket. that happend a lot with motherboards

**TheMatt** · 10-02-2007, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootrick

Check if all the transistors are good around the CPU Socket. that happend a lot with motherboards

The MOSFETS in the voltage regulator module (VRM) usually aren't a problem, but the capacitors in the VRM sometimes do fail.

Hasselhoff1 · 04-20-2009, 11:54 PM

hey just curious , i have a gateway gm5626, and it also died on me, When I hit the power button the fan comes on for about a second, but the computer does not boot. And the little green light on the motherboard is on. I'm guessing I fried my motherboard but not exactly sure how!? Since I haven't messed around with anything inside the computer. Very odd. It's only a year old computer as well.

09-17-2007, 06:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
mercy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5 OS: WinXP	Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? OK, guys, I'm new at this and desperately need help!! Computer was working fine one day and I get a blank monitor the next day!! I've put in a new power supply and power cord. I checked the monitor on another computer and it works. I also tried the video card and HD on another computer and they both work fine. So, monitor, HD and video card are all OK. I've doubled checked that the memory is in right and that all ribbons are connected well. I'm actually down to either the AGP slot went bad (can they do that with no warning at all??) or something is wrong with the motherboard. The reason I mention the AGP slot is that I took the video card from my computer (the one I'm working on right now) and tried it on the problem computer and I get nothing. So, next question is how do I determine if it's the AGP slot or the motherboard? I'm not too computer savvy so the next statement may sound dumb (sorry!) but FYI the motherboard's little green light is on (if that means anything) and when I turn the power on the CPU green & red lights come on and so does the DVD light. Not sure if those being on has anything to do with the motherboard. Sorry if I can't explain myself better. The computer worked fine one day and just decided not to go on the next with no warning or beeps whatsoever so I am completely lost. Thanks for any help or suggestions. The motherboard is an ASUS P4SDX.

09-17-2007, 07:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,702 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? It sounds like you have ruled it down to the motherboard. If it is the AGP slot or anything integrated on the motherboard you will end up replacing the whole motherboard unless its something you can replace with an expansion card. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

09-25-2007, 01:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
mercy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5 OS: WinXP	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? Thanks TheMatt. It pretty much looks like the motherboard is the problem. I can't think of anything else it could be but just in case listed below is all that's been checked/replaced. FYI we have 2 identical computers (one working perfectly) so switching things between them has been an easy task. So far I've replaced all these in the bad computer - one at a time, of course! When I've put the item from the good computer into the bad one nothing happens yet when I put the item from the bad one into the good computer that one works fine leading me to believe that there is no problem with any of these items - the only think that's left, I think, is the motherboard. Through the years I've replaced many things in our computers but I've never tackled a motherboard so I think I'd leave that to the professionals. Replaced: 1) HD 2) PSU 3) power cord 4) monitor 5) monitor power cord 6) video card (tried both AGP & PCI) 7) memory 8) CPU 9) heat sink 10) all cables 11) battery If anyone can think of anything I haven't tried please let me know. Also, let me know if you agree that it is time for a motherboard replacement. Thanks so much for your help!!

09-25-2007, 11:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,702 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? Good troubleshooting. You will need a new motherboard. It is pretty simple, you just unscrew the screws holding it to the standoffs and remove it. You should see four screws, one in each of the corners, as well as some in the middle. You will need a philips-head screwdriver to remove the screws which are the same size as those used to hold the hard disk in. Remember, never use a flat-head screwdriver when working with computers. Once all the screws are out, remove the board by simply lifting it up. Do this in reverse with the new board. You have worked with other hardware before so it sounds like you are experienced in working with computer components. For the motherboard replacement, you have to consider your budget and the fact that you will likely end up replacing things like the RAM and CPU as well because you are doing an entire platform upgrade. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides Last edited by TheMatt; 09-25-2007 at 11:17 AM.

09-26-2007, 09:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
mercy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5 OS: WinXP	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? Matt, first I want to thank you very much for all the advice you've given me! You make replacing the MB sound like not too difficult a task and I'd love to learn to replace it (might as well since I've done everything else!). I'll let you know how it goes. I do have a couple of questions: First, you've peaked my interest - no one ever told me before never to use a flat-head screwdriver when working on the computer - I never have, but ... how come? Second, do you have any suggestions (preferences) as to MB type? I've always used Asus but I'm not too crazy about their customer support and this is the 2nd time this board has to be replaced (first time it was under warranty) - although I'll admit we have another Asus that has never given us any trouble. There are so many manufacturers out there now that it's quite confusing narrowing it down (at the time I bought, Asus and Abit were highly recommended). I don't do games so I don't need anything too fancy. I figured I'd have to replace the CPU (currently Intel P4 2.4Ghz) and the memory (currently PC2700 1536MB) but I should be able to use everything else. Don't want to pin you down to a specific board, just a good manufacturer will do but any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

09-26-2007, 10:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,702 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? 1. The reason you don't use flat head screwdrivers is because it is easier to damage the PCB of a motherboard or video card. The more wedge-like design is more harmful to components. Data from Intel showed that screwdriver accidents were either the leading cause or the second leading cause (I forget which) of artificial motherboard failure. There is a reason all your chassis screws are philips screws. 2. If you are going to be upgrading everything else I would go post in the Building forum. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

09-27-2007, 01:47 AM	#7 (permalink)
mercy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5 OS: WinXP	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? Thanks, Matt, I learn something new every day - had no idea about the flat heads. I'll post in Building re the motherboard. You've been really helpful and I really appreciate it.

10-02-2007, 11:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
Rootrick Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Arlington Posts: 7 OS: Windows Xp Sp2	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? Check if all the transistors are good around the CPU Socket. that happend a lot with motherboards Last edited by Rootrick; 10-02-2007 at 11:45 AM.

04-20-2009, 11:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
Hasselhoff1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1 OS: Vista.	Re: Bad motherboard or bad AGP slot? hey just curious , i have a gateway gm5626, and it also died on me, When I hit the power button the fan comes on for about a second, but the computer does not boot. And the little green light on the motherboard is on. I'm guessing I fried my motherboard but not exactly sure how!? Since I haven't messed around with anything inside the computer. Very odd. It's only a year old computer as well.