# Ready to throw PC out window **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 26, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644 "2014-03-26T23:01:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/1 "2014-03-26T23:01:33Z")
I’m so flipping frustrated right now I could just scream. Long story short my PC has been out of commission since Feb 7th. Randomly shut off and never turned back on. Since it was under warranty (through the worst company ever apparently), I’ve been trying to get it fixed. At this point I’ve replaced the motherboard, the cpu, and the power supply. When I turn the computer on, I get only the fans turning on. Nothing else. No bios on the screen, no movement by the hard drive, nothing. I’ve tested the ram sticks to make sure they’re not bad. When I call the company, they finally just said to send the entire computer in. Which, of course, I have to pay for. Is there ANYTHING I can try to get this thing working? I don’t even know what else they could possibly replace. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/2 "2014-03-26T23:23:24Z")
The annoying part is that most modern ready-built computers do away with the motherboard speaker/buzzer for some reason. When you have a problem before any BIOS prompt, typically the MB sends signals to that speaker to tell you exactly what the problem is (provided you have the manual to interpret the beeps and boops). Without that bit of data, it’s hard to diagnose what the exact problem is. If you have the manual for your MB (both to learn where the speaker port is, and what the beeps mean) and an old speaker lying around somewhere, that’s where I would start. ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/3 "2014-03-26T23:33:37Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > The annoying part is that most modern ready-built computers do away with the motherboard speaker/buzzer for some reason. When you have a problem before any BIOS prompt, typically the MB sends signals to that speaker to tell you exactly what the problem is (provided you have the manual to interpret the beeps and boops). Without that bit of data, it’s hard to diagnose what the exact problem is. If you have the manual for your MB (both to learn where the speaker port is, and what the beeps mean) and an old speaker lying around somewhere, that’s where I would start. I plugged the speakers into the computer in the speaker port and turned them up max and listened but nothing. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/4 "2014-03-27T00:10:52Z")
If the machine does not display any initial “splash screen” It is hardware, period. I had a very frustrating couple months which turned out to be part of a crap batch of power supplies. I have seen a couple machines with weird issues like case shorts that I was unable to track down. > **[Really weird PC hardware issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=445271)** > > I have a machine in my shop with an epic stumper of a problem. Dell desktop, came in with a cooked power supply. We replaced PSU, fires up fine, only one small problem. It only works laying on its side, if you try to tip it up into a proper... ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/5 "2014-03-27T00:15:34Z")
Well, on the computer I just fixed, it turned out to be RAM. I think you should start by taking out everything and slowly adding them back. Try just the motherboard and PSU first, no drives, cards or RAM. Are you comfortable with disassembling your computer? ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/6 "2014-03-27T00:34:41Z")
Not an actual set of speakers, a “case speaker” - [APEVIA CVTCSPK 2 in. Case speaker cable for computer cases that connects to the motherboard - Newegg.com](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201032) Hooks up to a specific 4-pin header off the motherboard, and basically does nothing but beep once or twice during normal startup, or beep a whole lot if there are issues. Pro tip, unless the CPU is part of a brand new build or you tried to take the CPU out and damaged it, the CPU is basically never bad. Power supplies, Motherboard, RAM, some kind of short/bad insertion in something else, are the most likely in that order on a no-start IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/7 "2014-03-27T03:30:44Z")
Well, I ordered one of the speakers. It should be here sometime next week. I’ve tried putting everything back together again, checked for anything that might be causing a short. I did notice that it sounds like the hard drive is being accessed, so I’m not sure if that’s a good sign or a bad sign. I guess I’ll have to wait for the speaker. I’m just so frustrated with everything. This company has provided THE worst customer service/technical support I’ve ever experienced. EVER. It’s horrendous. ---
**Author:** ![Ornery\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/da6949/32.png) [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/8 "2014-03-27T04:28:39Z")
Here’s a good step by step procedure to pretty much check everything. [How To Fix a Computer That Turns On But Displays Nothing](http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/ht/nothingonscreen.htm) ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/9 "2014-03-27T04:47:26Z")
Er… have you tried a different monitor? The HD is being accessed? Does the monitor do ANYTHING? ---
**Author:** ![Carl\_Pham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@Carl\_Pham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carl_Pham)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/10 "2014-03-27T05:19:29Z")
What you might want, if you can borrow or purchase them quickly and cheaply enough to matter, is a power supply tester and a POST card: > **[POST card](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POST_card)** > > In computing, a POST card is a plug-in diagnostic interface card that displays progress and error codes generated during power-on self-test (POST) of a computer. It is used to troubleshoot computers that do not start up. > At a minimum, if the CPU, BIOS, and the I/O interface upon which the POST card relies on are all working, a POST card can be used to monitor the system's Power-On Self Test (POST), or to diagnose problems with it. The system introduced on IBM PC computers sends 8-bit byte codes ... Old joke: Q: how many tries does it take an IBM field support team to replace a malfunctioning disk drive? A: it depends on how many defective disk drives they’ve brought with them. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/11 "2014-03-27T13:35:16Z")
Is this normal in the USA? The OP bought a new computer which turned out faulty. ._Ok stuff happens_ He contacts the supplier and they say send it back - _but you pay the shipping._ _ **Really** _? Then, to avoid paying shipping, he starts rooting about inside. _Would this not void the warranty?_ Now, instead of taking it to someone who knows about this stuff, and has the tools and equipment to diagnose it, he is setting about it with a screwdriver. ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/12 "2014-03-27T19:02:32Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > Is this normal in the USA? > > The OP bought a new computer which turned out faulty. ._Ok stuff happens_ > He contacts the supplier and they say send it back - _but you pay the shipping._ _ **Really** _? > Then, to avoid paying shipping, he starts rooting about inside. _Would this not void the warranty?_ > Now, instead of taking it to someone who knows about this stuff, and has the tools and equipment to diagnose it, he is setting about it with a screwdriver. Indeed! I bought a Zoostrorm\* desktop PC just over a year ago (the one I’m using now). After a couple of months it started misbehaving, looked like RAM failure. Ran MEMTEST86 that confirmed. Emailed them with the info, computer was collected (FOC) the following day and returned fixed 48 hours later - Zoostorm is a couple of hundred miles from me. \*I had never heard of Zoostorm when I bought it. It has been perfect since the repair. ---
**Author:** ![Blakeyrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blakeyrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blakeyrat)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/13 "2014-03-27T19:42:18Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > Is this normal in the USA? I always hate generalizations about “the USA” because a lot of people just don’t realize how huge “the USA” is. For one thing, we have thousands of companies that assemble and sell computers. For what it’s worth, I bought my computer from a company called iBuyPower and my experience was excellent. The 120mm fan in the back stopped running, out of warranty, I called them up and they offered to send replacement fans if I was comfortable installing it myself, then they sent the _entire set of fans in the machine_, just in case another one failed I’d have spares. iBuyPower isn’t even very expensive, either. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/14 "2014-03-27T19:53:59Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > Is this normal in the USA? Don’t assume that the company the OP got their computer from is in the USA. ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/15 "2014-03-27T23:11:55Z")
**bob++** , I’m trying to fix it myself because I am just DONE with this company. They’re awful and given how long it’s taken to get this far, I’d be lucky to get my computer back in 2 months if I sent it out. > [@Blakeyrat](#): > > For what it’s worth, I bought my computer from a company called iBuyPower and my experience was excellent. The 120mm fan in the back stopped running, out of warranty, I called them up and they offered to send replacement fans if I was comfortable installing it myself, then they sent the _entire set of fans in the machine_, just in case another one failed I’d have spares. > > iBuyPower isn’t even very expensive, either. Funny enough that’s the exact company I’m dealing with. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Habeed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a587f6/32.png) [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2014, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/16 "2014-03-28T04:01:36Z")
I’m thinking it might be video card (or motherboard if onboard). This is because of the symptom “hard drive clicking”. You might be mistaken, though, hard drives can make noise even if they are not being accessed. Desktop computers are, relatively speaking, easy and cheap to fix. But what you really need to diagnose the problems quickly are two tools, one of which you don’t have. A phillips screwdriver _Another_ desktop computer of a similar vintage that works. With the second computer, diagnosis is trivial. Just start yanking parts from the broken machine and plugging them into the working one. You’ll find the problem the moment you plug in a part and the second machine fails to work. Then you just send that part back to the manufacturer (if under warranty) or to the garbage if not. Good parts have a 3 year warranty, so either the replacement just costs shipping, or it’s out of warranty and it’s probably cheap. This is a heckuva lot easier than repairing your car -\> but you do need some tools and a little experience. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2014, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/17 "2014-03-28T07:09:09Z")
Could it be something as simple as a bad power switch? ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2014, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/18 "2014-04-01T21:21:04Z")
Update. Got the speaker for the mb. Nothing. No beeps. Was able to access the hard drive with another computer, so it doesn’t seem to be the problem. I just don’t know what else to do ☹ ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2014, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/19 "2014-04-01T21:26:21Z")
You said you replaced the CPU. Are you _sure_ that the CPU is in the socket correctly (with no bent pins)? ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2014, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644/20 "2014-04-01T21:48:39Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > You said you replaced the CPU. > Are you _sure_ that the CPU is in the socket correctly (with no bent pins)? Yes I’ve triple checked that. Made sure the arrows match. I just removed the mb from the case just to see if there was a short somewhere. Fans spun, no beeps though. Even without any ram. Thought maybe my PSU was bad after all. Tried an alternate. Fan spun for a sec then stopped. Now plugging in the first psu, fan won’t spin at all. FML. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ready-to-throw-pc-out-window/684644.md?page=2)