AsRock P4VT8+: no video

[Eric]

Hi,

My computer died this weekend suddenly. This is what happened:
the computer was running a CPU intensive program. CPU usage was at 100% for
quite some time. I went to another room to prepare a drink, but when I came
back, the computer wasn't running anymore. Only the power on led was still
burning. But no fans, nothing was running anymore. In order to turn the
computer off, I had to pull the plug out of wall-socket.

I then checked the psu by disconnecting it from the motherboard. I could
measure 5 V, 3.3 V at various points of the psu connector. I concluded the
psu was probably fine (although I did not check it thoroughly) and
reconnected it to the motherboard. And guess what, fans, harddisks and
DVD-players were spinning again!
But unfortunately, the monitor of the computer wasn't turned on by the
motherboard. I replaced the videocard by another one that is known to be
good. Still no picture on the monitor with that videocard, so the videocard
isn't the cause.
Now the question: what could be the cause? Is the motherboard, cpu or a
(partially damaged) psu?

BTW, here's the configuration:
- Motherboard AsRock P4VT8+ 3.4 Ghz, arctic cooler
- Videocard Nvidea 7600 GS
- psu Seasonic 450 Watt.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eric]

Now the question: what could be the cause? Is the motherboard,

Maybe.


There is no way to tell, unless you have access to the same
diagnostic equipment as the manufacturers, except to swap in Known
Good components until you find the culprit(s).

The power supply is easiest. Then the processor, then the
motherboard.

I got myself a psu that is known to be good. Unfortunately, still no video
after connecting that psu. So it's got to be the cpu or the motherboard.

It's probably a good time to think about upgrading.

That's the thing I'll do! I already had trouble playing 1080p movies on this
computer. So that's another reason to upgrade.
I think I'll keep the Antec P150 case, because it's very silent. But most
other components will be replaced.