The computer started making strange clicks upon boot, seemingly from the ATX power button area. Then it stopped working completely- that happened on a very hot day. I tried changing many components, but the power tested OK. Now the fans go on but there is no signal to the monitor from any of the graphic cards I tried. Could it be the cpu? Oh and while fiddling with it I forgot the MSI 533 heatsink unhooked and powered it. Could that have harmed the Mobo? Thanks.
Consider the location of the clicks you heard. The hard disk drive (s) are quit close to the power on button. These clicks could point to a bad hard disk drives spindle or a poor wire connection at the power button.
In either case the first question is did your hear your system P.O.S.T.?
Before you lost display! Normally, if the CPU gets too hot two things happen. 1st your hear what sound like a siren from the internal speaker & than the CPU will shut down the system so the CPU doesn't fry. If there is a problem with your power on button, AKA clicking. Check the wires from the button to the motherboard. Make sure their isn't a bad wire. There's only 5v DC running to the power on button. I doupt you'ed even hear a 5volt short.
If you have an OHM meter you can check the on button. You'll need someone to press the power button off & on. Do this with the power supply unpluged. Your checking ohms not volts. If possible check your drive (s) in another system.
The function of the 5volts supplied to the power on button completes the circuit when the power on/off is pressed. You completed the same by using a screw driver to complete the circuit to start up power to the motherboard. All front panel MB pins, HHD Led, Power On Led, Reset Led & speaker. Use 5volts to complete the circuit & supply light to the case Led's.
I have a few more suggestion for you to try. Pull your cmos battery & check the voltage. It should read 3volts DC. If it reads less than 3 volts replace the battery. The only way to check if your CPU is bad would be to replace it with a known good CPU. Lastly, you will most likely pull the MB from the case if all else fails. Test the mother board after removing from your case. Set a couple phone books onto a table & connect everything. Video, HDD, memory, & CD/DVD-ROM drive. Connect your PS to board & your monitor. Power up the MB. If your board does boot & you have display, chances are there was a short between MB & case.
Here is the link to your MSI MB;
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=downlo...
Mike
×
245 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Thanks map9966. I will check these things. What is the function of the 5 v. supply to the start-button assembly? That may be the key to the problem.
I checked the HD on another system it was fine. The fans started turning when I used a screwdriver to contact the pins directly on the motherboard, but still no video signal whatsoever. Assuming the various graphic cards I tested were OK would that indicate that the cpu or the motherboard (or both?)were beyond repair?
I checked the HD on another system it was fine. The fans started turning when I used a screwdriver to contact the pins directly on the motherboard, but still no video signal whatsoever. Assuming the various graphic cards I tested were OK would that indicate that the cpu or the motherboard (or both?)were beyond repair?
The cpu tested all-right on another motherboard- so my conclusion was that the MB has had its day, and I threw it away. RIP in silicon heaven.
×