Monitor

Joe E. · 10-08-2006, 06:50 PM

I was given an old computer that didn't work,I installed a video card.When I turn on the monitor it shows a 'self test',says the monitor is working and to check my cords and computer.

**koala** · 10-08-2006, 08:13 PM

System specs?

Do you hear any noise from the PSU or hard drive when you switch on? Any beeps from the case?

As it's an old computer, have you checked inside to make sure all the connectors are firmly in place and no components are missing (eg. RAM, fans, cables)?

When you fitted the new graphics card, did you disable onboard in BIOS? Is the monitor plugged into the graphics card connector and not the onboard?

Joe E. · 10-10-2006, 09:01 PM

Everything is connected.The only place to plug in the monitor is the VGA video card.When I turn on the computer I hear one short beep (pause),three short beeps (pause),three short beeps (pause),and one short beep.It is a Gateway with a Pentium3 processor.

**koala** · 10-11-2006, 04:53 AM

Have you tried the video card in another computer, or another video card in this computer?

Check the motherboard to see the name on the BIOS chip (Award, Phoenix, etc) and then see if you can find the 1-3-3-1 BIOS beep code at http://bioscentral.com/

EDIT:
Phoenix BIOS code 1-3-3-1 .... "Autosize DRAM. System memory or motherboard."

Reseat the RAM and make sure the slot is free of dust. If there's more than one stick, try them one at a time in each slot.

Joe E. · 10-11-2006, 03:16 PM

I have a Phoenix BIIOS chip.I tried two video cards. I tried the RAM one stick at a time,now I get one long beep then two short beeps. Here's what it says when I looked it up: "1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA)"

**koala** · 10-11-2006, 03:27 PM

Do the two video cards work when you test them in another computer?

If they do and you're no longer getting the DRAM beep code, then it looks like the motherboard is at fault.

Joe E. · 10-14-2006, 05:06 PM

The video cards are good so I guess the mobo is bad. That's ok,I got a good case out of the deal. Thanks

10-08-2006, 06:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Joe E. Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 20 OS: XP Home	Monitor I was given an old computer that didn't work,I installed a video card.When I turn on the monitor it shows a 'self test',says the monitor is working and to check my cords and computer.

10-08-2006, 08:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,393 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	System specs? Do you hear any noise from the PSU or hard drive when you switch on? Any beeps from the case? As it's an old computer, have you checked inside to make sure all the connectors are firmly in place and no components are missing (eg. RAM, fans, cables)? When you fitted the new graphics card, did you disable onboard in BIOS? Is the monitor plugged into the graphics card connector and not the onboard? __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here Last edited by koala; 10-08-2006 at 08:16 PM.

10-11-2006, 04:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,393 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Have you tried the video card in another computer, or another video card in this computer? Check the motherboard to see the name on the BIOS chip (Award, Phoenix, etc) and then see if you can find the 1-3-3-1 BIOS beep code at http://bioscentral.com/ EDIT: Phoenix BIOS code 1-3-3-1 .... "Autosize DRAM. System memory or motherboard." Reseat the RAM and make sure the slot is free of dust. If there's more than one stick, try them one at a time in each slot. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here Last edited by koala; 10-11-2006 at 05:04 AM.

10-11-2006, 03:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,393 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Do the two video cards work when you test them in another computer? If they do and you're no longer getting the DRAM beep code, then it looks like the motherboard is at fault. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

10-10-2006, 09:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Joe E. Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 20 OS: XP Home	Everything is connected.The only place to plug in the monitor is the VGA video card.When I turn on the computer I hear one short beep (pause),three short beeps (pause),three short beeps (pause),and one short beep.It is a Gateway with a Pentium3 processor.

10-11-2006, 03:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
Joe E. Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 20 OS: XP Home	I have a Phoenix BIIOS chip.I tried two video cards. I tried the RAM one stick at a time,now I get one long beep then two short beeps. Here's what it says when I looked it up: "1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA)"

10-14-2006, 05:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
Joe E. Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 20 OS: XP Home	The video cards are good so I guess the mobo is bad. That's ok,I got a good case out of the deal. Thanks