[xRicexCakex]

Hello everyone, I'm new in this forum. Let me just dish out thanks first to everyone who responds to this post.

Up until a couple of weeks ago I was using a computer that's about 2 years old that I built myself. It has an EVGA 780i SLi motherboard, an Intel Core2 Quad Q9550, an EVGA GeForce GTX 260, and a couple of Corsair XMS2 (the product page on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145194 )

The computer ran fine and smoothly without a problem for 2 years, then about a month ago the Blue Screen of Death appeared (I haven't seen that screen for 8 years, shocked me quite a bit). I ran a memory test and found out the RAMs weren't functioning well. I reseated them and to my relief, the computer ran fine again.

However, two weeks ago I had to move from IL to CA, and stupidly I used UPS to ship my computer (it was packed tightly with paper, though). After it arrived, the computer would turn on but nothing would display on the monitor. A single long beep could also be heard after turning it on. Since it was using an Award BIOS I found out that the beep could mean RAM failure.

Now, the failure of the RAM before strongly hints at the RAM being at fault this time as well. However, with the moving and all many things could have gone wrong. I checked all the connections and they were intact. No visible damage could be seen on any part of the computer. Is it possible that with the shaking and all the RAM sockets themselves have been damaged?

I reseated the RAMS, tried running the computer with each of them in different slots, but there's still no video and the beep persists. While it's possible both RAMs failed at the same time, but is it that likely? I just wish to make sure that this is indeed a RAM problem before I replace them. Is there anyway to be completely sure?

Thanks for your time.

 

[dai]

check the bios code here

www.bioscentral.com

for the ram run memtest on 1 stick at a time

http://www.memtest.org/

power supply

model
brand
wattage

 

[Wrench97]

Check the heatsink is tight to the CPU, especially if it's the pushpin type mounting.

 

[Tyree]

Check the heatsink is tight to the CPU, especially if it's the pushpin type mounting.

Great advice from wrench97.
What are the Error Codes on the BSOD?

 

[xRicexCakex]

Again, thanks for all the responses, but I may have found the answer to my own problem.

Since there's no video and I don't have another computer I can't test using memtest. The cpu fan looks fine too. I'm using a Zalman that's secured extremely tight onto the cpu. In fact when I installed it I was afraid I was going to damage some components. It left some cuts on my hand to boot with its sharp copper blades.

Anyway, it appears that I have been going at it in the wrong direction from the start. After testing another set of RAM sticks the problem persisted. The POST code actually was 2b, which pointed at video problems and would explain the lack of a screen. I guess it threw me off because the video card look undamaged, was hefty, and the gpu fan was working. Damage to the PCIe slot was ruled out as the computer turned on fine (with video) once I switched to an old gpu.

So the only possibilities left are a defective gpu or damage to the powersupply (as the old gpu I tested with required no power connections). Since there's power to the rest of the computer I assume the gpu has gone bad. A new card is on the way, so I'll find out then if it's the gpu or the power.

 

[dai]

power supply

model
brand
wattage

 

[xRicexCakex]

So it is indeed the problem with the power, but not as I thought. Often the simplest solution is the best solution and most often the most overlooked solution. In my case, the power socket in my room is at fault. It may not be providing enough electricity for some reason, and after I switched sockets the computer ran without a hitch. Before I switched and after putting in the new graphics card the computer either ran fine, got stuck at error code 25 (video problem) or stopped at error code C1 (memory problem) with tons of beeps. It's fortunate that I tested a different socket first instead of replacing the power supply. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[dai]

it would pay to get a electrician to check the wall socket for safety reasons