Re: [gentoo-user] motherboard died?

[Dan Cowsill]

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