Question

Down to motherboard, CPU and PSU---still no joy

Asked by: mainmimi

Received this computer for repair (free of course).  When you power on, the fans (3) begin a few seconds later, and then 2-3 seconds later, they stop spinning.  I disconnected everything except PSU, CPU and motherboard.  Very dirty inside, so I cleaned and thinking the compound on the heatsink might be degraded, removed, cleaned and replaced it.  Removed battery and cmos overnight. Still no change.  I connected brand-new psu with twice the power, no change.  My next step will be to order a new motherboard. (should I replace or upgrade? If I should upgrade, how do I find what will be sure to be compatible?)  Can anyone suggest something else I've overlooked?  I haven't removed the mobo from the case, so I guess it could be a short of some sort.

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Asked On
2007-10-27 at 16:17:49ID22922492
Tags

motherboard

Topics

Miscellaneous Hardware

,

General Computer Systems

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Personal Computers

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Answers

 

by: CallandorPosted on 2007-10-27 at 16:46:48ID: 20163225

Check to see if the cpu fan is connected to the cpu fan header on the motherboard, and if the fan is spinning up when you power on.

As to what kind of motherboard would be compatible, the simplest solution is to replace it with an identical one.  There is usually some white lettering on one of the sides of the motherboard that indicates what model it is.  Otherwise, it is necessary that you identify what cpu you have, down to the speed.  There may be some writing on the cpu itself that identifies it.

 

by: mainmimiPosted on 2007-10-27 at 17:04:35ID: 20163244

Thank you so much.  Yes, the fan is connected to the mobo but only spins for a second or 2.  I've been trying to find a mobo, but only identifyer I can find is D33007 VG31.  I know it is a Pentium 4 cpu, but sure do want to be sure about the mobo before I buy because the ONLY place I'm finding one is on EBay.

 

by: souseranPosted on 2007-10-27 at 17:33:03ID: 20163284

That would be an FIC VG31 D33007 motherboard. This Google search shows that there are plenty of them available:

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=ibG&q=%22FIC+VG31+D33007%22&btnG=Search

Unfortunately, I can't get into the FIC web site at the moment. It's here:

http://www.fic.com.tw/

 

by: souseranPosted on 2007-10-27 at 17:41:17ID: 20163296

Here are HP's Product Specifications for the Compaq Presario 6370US Desktop PC:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?docname=c00009613&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

by: SnowguyPosted on 2007-10-27 at 19:42:45ID: 20163514

You may just have a bad power button.(stuck on)
You can check it by disconecting it from the motherboard
Then short the pins on the motherboard with a screwdriver or a coin just for a second then remove.

 

by: mainmimiPosted on 2007-10-27 at 19:46:52ID: 20163524

No, not the power button, but thanks.

Ms. Mimi

 

by: coral47Posted on 2007-10-27 at 21:28:06ID: 20163710

Did you check the ram yet?

 

by: CallandorPosted on 2007-10-27 at 21:34:17ID: 20163719

You may need to start removing things to see what is causing this - it could be the motherboard, power supply, video card, or a short on the case.  If you have extra parts, try starting up the system with as few things connected as possible - power supply, video card, and one stick of RAM.  If it still doesn't boot, swap out one of the components and see what happens.

 

by: mainmimiPosted on 2007-10-27 at 22:06:52ID: 20163756

I've tried it with and WITHOUT ram.  Same result.  It isn't the video card---I removed it.  I suppose it could be a short in the case, as I haven't taken the mobo out of the case.  

It never reaches the point to need the ram or the video.  I turn it on--a few seconds pass--the fans begin to spin---the fans begin to stop before they truly get started.  The End.  Nothing else happens, so I unplug the power again.

My next step I guess will be to replace the mobo----agree or disagree??


 

by: souseranPosted on 2007-10-27 at 22:16:16ID: 20163778

Mobo replacement? Agreed a few posts ago. :-)

 

by: coral47Posted on 2007-10-27 at 22:20:38ID: 20163782

Not yet. Could still be cpu or ram.
You need to take it out of the case and put it on something non-conductive (like newspaper).
You need at least one stick of ram installed, or it will never start.

Does it give any beeps when you try to start it?
Any way to test the ram and cpu in another system?

 

by: coral47Posted on 2007-10-27 at 22:25:02ID: 20163786

Forgot:
Odds are it is probably the mother board, but you should try to make sure before you get one, if possible.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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