My proc kept overheating, so i pulled out the motherboard to install a new heatsink. Got everything back together, PC won't boot. Power turns on, fans are spinning, I hear the hard drive briefly, but there's no video output...and i know its not booting into Windows without me seeing it because I can't hear the hard drive chunking data.

To get the computer working again I have to pull the CMOS battery, and leave it out for around an hour, pop it back in and the system will boot. Then the system will work for a matter of hours to a day, then it seems to freeze, input devices stop working, optical lights on the mouse and keyboard (fingerprint reader) go dark. I try to turn off and restart, but the no-video non-booting thing happens and the cycle continues.

I don't think its a video problem as its not booting into Windows, I think this is maybe motherboard related, I dunno. I have loaded the most recent BIOS but can't think of anything else. Its an Intel D945Psn board and a Pentium D820 Proc.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Edited on March 17, 2006 at 6:02 PM. Reason : ]

3/17/2006 5:40:47 PM

Loose screw somewhere shorting out the board? Or if it's a Dell MB, reseat is maybe?

3/17/2006 6:07:44 PM

^I'll look around but I don't think so. Everythings secure. Its not a Dell, I built it.

3/17/2006 6:15:02 PM

bttt

3/18/2006 1:23:11 PM

Overheating? Make sure the chip is seated well and the heatsink is on top well too. usually it's hard to not be.

Also check the temperature of your case and make sure you have a speaker hooked up to the computer for beep alerts.

I've seen computers where people put in custom heatsinks that aren't enough and don't have the speaker hooked up.

Also try updating the bios. Could be a conflict that doesn't always happen but once it does it won't self correct.

If you give up go to Mitsuba Intl (829-0294) ask for Mr Yang. He's awesome.

3/18/2006 1:34:59 PM

^terrible advice other than the beep codes.

If you aren't getting diagnostic codes when it's not booting, the motherboard is done for.

Go over to tigerdirect and pick up a board to test it, you'll know for sure in a matter of minutes.

3/18/2006 6:23:21 PM

Quote :

"Go over to tigerdirect and pick up a board to test it, you'll know for sure in a matter of minutes. "

only problem is i dont want a new board...mines under warranty.

3/18/2006 9:06:24 PM

right, buy, test and immediately return

3/18/2006 9:25:55 PM

yeah sounds like motherboard. And like Noen, said no beep codes means it's for sure the mobo.

3/19/2006 1:38:14 PM

yep, it was a mobo. somehow fried my PS in the process too. good thing it was under warranty

3/25/2006 12:10:18 AM