Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Matt Harrison]

Dan Cowsill wrote:
> On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 4:32 AM, Matt Harrison
> <iwasinnamuknow@×××××××××.com> wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> A few weeks ago there was a discussion about audio interference when running
>> 3d applications.
>>
>> Well mine kept getting worse (it didn't to it at all a month ago) until I
>> got fed up. I opened the side and (gently!) moved some of the power cables
>> away from the data cables to see if that was a cause of interference.
>>
>> Well I did manage to reduce the noise by moving cables around but a couple
>> of minutes later the machine bombed out with a big oops that I can't produce
>> now.
>>
>> I didn't think it was a big problem, I thought I had just pulled an hdd
>> cable a bit too hard or something.
>>
>> Now however, the machine won't post or even power up. It is an Asus
>> Crosshair SKT AM2 nForce 590 SLI DDR2 which has a debug display on the back
>> panel.
>>
>> As soon as you turn on the power to the motherboard, it displays "CPU INIT"
>> which is the very first stage. Now trying to turn on the machine yields
>> absolutely nothing, it just doesn't do a thing.
>>
>> I have removed all additional devices, just leaving 1 hdd. I've also
>> reseated the CPU, RAM and all cables.
>>
>> I can't see how I could have properly killed some hardware just by moving a
>> cable an inch to one side.
>>
>> If anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful, I really don't want to have to
>> return parts, I should be working on stuff right now :(
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Matt
>>
>>
>
> Hi Matt,
>
> My first guess would be that the audio interference would be a symptom
> of a bigger problem with the hardware.  It is possible that static
> discharge or a loose connection could manifest these symptoms as well.
>  I would start by verifying that everything is properly and securely
> plugged into the motherboard.  After that, make a complete visual
> inspection of the board looking for capacitors that are bubbling or
> distorting outwards on the top (capacitors are the cylindrical
> components on the board, usually with two leads anchoring it to the
> PCB).  From there, you should find some way of testing your power
> supply.  Either find another machine into which you can plug the PSU
> to see if it posts the board, or take it to your local computer repair
> shop, as they should have a device to test it.  If your power supply
> tests alright, begin removing components from the board to see if you
> can get it to post.  Remove PCI cards, sticks of RAM, IDE/SATA
> connectors, front panel and USB connectors.  Everything.
>
> If you reach the end of this diagnostic process without a single post,
> chances are your board is FUBAR and you should replace it.
>
> Cheers,
> D
>

Thanks for the detailed information. I have some news, but it requires 
me to put on my embarrassed face. The machine wouldn't turn on 
because...wait for it....I'd pulled out the front panel connector block 
:P It was difficult to notice until I removed the graphics card because 
it completely hides it. I know I should have thought to check it.

Now, on the subject of the audio problem, I am talking with Asus staff 
who believe it's (wouldn't you believe it) interference. They're smart 
cookies.

Anyway, thanks for all the tips, I will be examining the board closely 
to find the source, but at least I can get my uni assignments in now :)

Cheers

Matt