Display suddenly stopped working

tagme · 09-15-2009, 02:12 AM

Hi. I've been using my computer for about 6 months now, and I've had a few problems here and there, but this is the first time I've come across a possible hardware-related problem like this.

Today, I was using my computer like normal and all of a sudden everything freezes -- I manually switch my computer off, and when I turn it back on, I get nothing.

After waiting for a bit, I can tell that my computer is 100% functional due to the keyboard and mouse responding; however, after my monitor does not detect ANY signal from my computer at all. I tried a spare monitor I had and it gave me the same problem.

After looking up a bit of information online, I've come to a conclusion that this may be a Video Card related problem.

I checked my video card on my motherboard and the fan still works while my computer is turned on. I don't have much experience with taking computers apart, so I haven't taken the video card out yet.

This is a troubling situation, and I'm glad my computer still works, but it's near useless if the display doesn't show up at all...

Can anyone help me with my situation? Thank you!

**manic** · 09-15-2009, 02:27 AM

Post all hardware specs, including power supply wattage and brand.

tagme · 09-15-2009, 02:47 AM

I think this is the computer I have:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...930&CatId=3702

It's an HP.

Operating Systems: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Processor Brand: AMD
Processor Class: Phenom
Processor Number: 9550
Processor Speed: 2.20GHz
Processor Interface: AM2+
Memory Type: DDR2
Memory Size: 1x2GB & 3x1GB
Total Memory: 5.0GB
Memory Speed: DDR2 800 (PC2-6400)
Graphics Description: PCI-Express Video Card
GPU/VPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9300 GE
Video Memory: 256MB Memory
Video Interface: DVI
HDMI
Power: 350 Watt

**manic** · 09-15-2009, 05:11 AM

From a first look I would say your underpowered. You need to be using
a 500watt plus power supply. A quality unit, not a cheapo. You need
26amps on the 12volt rail in order to run a pci-e vid card. Look for
a corsair, or seasonic power supply, dont get sucked into a $25.00
piece of scrap..

tagme · 09-15-2009, 07:01 PM

thanks for the advice, I'll go shopping for one this weekend!

09-15-2009, 02:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
tagme Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 OS: Vista	Display suddenly stopped working Hi. I've been using my computer for about 6 months now, and I've had a few problems here and there, but this is the first time I've come across a possible hardware-related problem like this. Today, I was using my computer like normal and all of a sudden everything freezes -- I manually switch my computer off, and when I turn it back on, I get nothing. After waiting for a bit, I can tell that my computer is 100% functional due to the keyboard and mouse responding; however, after my monitor does not detect ANY signal from my computer at all. I tried a spare monitor I had and it gave me the same problem. After looking up a bit of information online, I've come to a conclusion that this may be a Video Card related problem. I checked my video card on my motherboard and the fan still works while my computer is turned on. I don't have much experience with taking computers apart, so I haven't taken the video card out yet. This is a troubling situation, and I'm glad my computer still works, but it's near useless if the display doesn't show up at all... Can anyone help me with my situation? Thank you!

09-15-2009, 02:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 5,257 OS: xp	Re: Display suddenly stopped working Post all hardware specs, including power supply wattage and brand. __________________

09-15-2009, 02:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
tagme Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 OS: Vista	Re: Display suddenly stopped working I think this is the computer I have: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...930&CatId=3702 It's an HP. Operating Systems: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Processor Brand: AMD Processor Class: Phenom Processor Number: 9550 Processor Speed: 2.20GHz Processor Interface: AM2+ Memory Type: DDR2 Memory Size: 1x2GB & 3x1GB Total Memory: 5.0GB Memory Speed: DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) Graphics Description: PCI-Express Video Card GPU/VPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9300 GE Video Memory: 256MB Memory Video Interface: DVI HDMI Power: 350 Watt

09-15-2009, 05:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 5,257 OS: xp	Re: Display suddenly stopped working From a first look I would say your underpowered. You need to be using a 500watt plus power supply. A quality unit, not a cheapo. You need 26amps on the 12volt rail in order to run a pci-e vid card. Look for a corsair, or seasonic power supply, dont get sucked into a $25.00 piece of scrap.. __________________

09-15-2009, 07:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
tagme Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 OS: Vista	Re: Display suddenly stopped working thanks for the advice, I'll go shopping for one this weekend!