Mobo no beeps.

[Mr. Murphy]

Update: I am now in the 'buying video cards' stage of things, looking for advice in that department.

Specs:
Intel Desktop Board D875PBZ
e-GeForce 7600 GT, 512 mb DDR2 AGP
Pentium 4 3.2 gig
Power supply is a Gateway 350 Watt Power Supply, Delta Model: GPS-350AB-200 E, Gateway P/N: 6500844


Yesterday my computer stopped outputting video in the middle of a game, and for the rest of the night, whenever I launched a game it would begin to start up, and then the video would cut out while the rest of the computer kept running. I figured maybe the video card was overheating, so I opened it up this morning and - lo and behold - the thing had gotten much dustier than I would have suspected.

So I pulled out the video card and the heat sink over the processor, cleaned out all of my fans, cleaned up any dust I could find, put it all carefully back together and - no beeps. When I power it on, all the fans run - video card, heat sink, rear exhaust - and I get a brief red light and a solid green light on the mobo, as well as a solid red and green light on the front, but no beeps and no video out to my screen.

Where should I be looking? What did I miss?

[Mr. Murphy]

I've discovered that if I remove the video card entirely, I get four beeps - long, short, short - pause - short.

When I plug the video card back in, no beeps.

I removed the fan on th video card again and reseated it, still no beeps. Is this a surefire sign that my video card is dead? I've only had it for a year...

[Alkanos]

Check to see if the Video Card is seated right, and also double check that the RAM is as well. The RAM is sometimes a pain to get fully in the slot, and the computer won't boot without it.

[Wraith]

What motherboard and video card?

Did you re-connect the video card's power cable (if it uses one)?

I'm assuming you don't have onboard video or a second graphics card to fall back on?

[Mr. Murphy]

Specs:
Intel Desktop Board D875PBZ
e-GeForce 7600 GT, 512 mb DDR2 AGP
Pentium 4 3.2 gig
Power supply is a Gateway 350 Watt Power Supply, Delta Model: GPS-350AB-200 E, Gateway P/N: 6500844

I never removed the RAM, so I'd be surprised if that was the issue, and yes, I had the power supply plugged into the video card. I am away from all of my friends with spare PC parts, so I have no parts I can swap out.

[Mr. Murphy]

I just tried it again, same result. Video card plugged in, the fan on the card spins, but no beeps and no output. Video card unplugged, I get long, short short for beeps, which means video card problem (since it's not plugged in) and then a pause, and then one short beep and all fans stop spinning, altho the machine stays on.

I have a little digital video camera here we got for Christmas, if a short video of what I am doing would help.

[Mr. Murphy]

So it started as a video card problem, and ever since I removed and re-seated the video card, I get no video card action at all, so I think I somehow finished the job of destroying it when I pulled it out.

If I have to buy a new video card, what is the best way to determine the best possible video card that my mobo/processor combo can handle?

[fitbabits]

First of all, if you're using a dedicated graphic solution, you may still be able to get video from the mobos onboard graphics - check for a second VGA port.

Actually, scratch that - just checked the specs for your mobo and it doesn't have an onboard VGA port. Also, it's AGP only as far as video cards are concerned. Keep that in mind. Plus, your power supply isn't the greatest, so...

Depending on what you use your computer for, here's a list of AGP cards at New Egg (http://tinyurl.com/agpcards).

[Mr. Murphy]

After a little research, it looks like the only factors that effect what video card my PC could handle is whether it's AGP and how much power it needs... is that correct?

[fitbabits]

After a little research, it looks like the only factors that effect what video card my PC could handle is whether it's AGP and how much power it needs... is that correct?
Correct. Check my post above yours.

[Mr. Murphy]

First of all, if you're using a dedicated graphic solution, you may still be able to get video from the mobos onboard graphics - check for a second VGA port.

Actually, scratch that - just checked the specs for your mobo and it doesn't have an onboard VGA port. Also, it's AGP only as far as video cards are concerned. Keep that in mind. Plus, your power supply isn't the greatest, so...

Depending on what you use your computer for, here's a list of AGP cards at New Egg (http://tinyurl.com/agpcards).

Thanks, I was just looking there myself. I use my computer for everything - it is literally my media center. TV, movies, music and games. I'm only able to come on CoG to talk about it through the use of my girlfriends crappy-ass old laptop - losing our PC is basically like losing cable, the radio and the internet all at once.

It looks like it might be time to upgrade both my video card and my power supply. Are there limits to what power supply my motherboard can handle, or is it just determined by the size of the PSU? In other words, is it possible to get a PSU with too high of a power output?

[fitbabits]

Thanks, I was just looking there myself. I use my computer for everything - it is literally my media center. TV, movies, music and games. I'm only able to come on CoG to talk about it through the use of my girlfriends crappy-ass old laptop - losing our PC is basically like losing cable, the radio and the internet all at once.

It looks like it might be time to upgrade both my video card and my power supply. Are there limits to what power supply my motherboard can handle, or is it just determined by the size of the PSU? In other words, is it possible to get a PSU with too high of a power output?
I need more info before I can recommend anything (make and model of yoru computer, unless you built it yourself). Some off-the-shelf computers have proprietary PSUs and motherboards - Dell and Gateway, for example.

One thing to keep in mind - some video cards need their own power supply, in which case the card should ship with its own 4-pin molex connector.

[biosc1]

Remove and reseat all the PSU cables to all the components. Sometimes you unseat some of them when you muck around in the case. Make sure everything that needs it has a well seated power cable attached.

ftp://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d875pbz/bz_English.pdf
The BIOS beep codes are listed in Table 37. The BIOS also issues a beep code (one long tone
followed by two short tones) during POST if the video configuration fails (a faulty video card or no
card installed) or if an external ROM module does not properly checksum to zero.
Table 37. Beep Codes
Number of Beeps Description
1 Refresh failure
2 Parity cannot be reset
3 First 64 K memory failure
4 Timer not operational
5 Processor failure (Reserved; not used)
6 8042 GateA20 cannot be toggled (memory failure or not present)
7 Exception interrupt error
8 Display memory R/W error
9 (Reserved; not used)
10 CMOS Shutdown register test error
11 Invalid BIOS (such as, POST module not found)

[Mr. Murphy]

I need more info before I can recommend anything (make and model of yoru computer, unless you built it yourself). Some off-the-shelf computers have proprietary PSUs and motherboards - Dell and Gateway, for example.

One thing to keep in mind - some video cards need their own power supply, in which case the card should ship with its own 4-pin molex connector.

I bought it from NewEgg and it shipped put together. I've pulled these specs so far, what more would help?

Specs:
Intel Desktop Board D875PBZ
e-GeForce 7600 GT, 512 mb DDR2 AGP
Pentium 4 3.2 gig
Power supply is a Gateway 350 Watt Power Supply, Delta Model: GPS-350AB-200 E, Gateway P/N: 6500844

[Mr. Murphy]

Remove and reseat all the PSU cables to all the components. Sometimes you unseat some of them when you muck around in the case. Make sure everything that needs it has a well seated power cable attached.


I have triple and quadruple checked the cables, but I just went and did it again. Same response - no beeps if the video card is in, 'bad video' beeps without the card, followed by a single beep and the fans stopping.

Ram is seated correctly, heat sink has been reseated a few times, and I can't find any loose cables that seem like they should be plugged in anywhere.

[fitbabits]

I bought it from NewEgg and it shipped put together. I've pulled these specs so far, what more would help?

Specs:
Intel Desktop Board D875PBZ
e-GeForce 7600 GT, 512 mb DDR2 AGP
Pentium 4 3.2 gig
Power supply is a Gateway 350 Watt Power Supply, Delta Model: GPS-350AB-200 E, Gateway P/N: 6500844
Looks like you're good to go with any PSU that's compliant with the ATX12V standard.

Here's what's available at New Egg. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=ATX12V+PSU&x=0&y=0)

[Mr. Murphy]

I realize these might be some stupid questions, but how can I tell how much power a video card needs? I can't seem to find that info on NewEgg - do I have to Google each individual card to find out?

If a video card at NewEgg says it's DirectX 10, does that mean it does not do DirectX 9? (Since I am only running Windows XP, I don't have DirectX 10, right?)

Is DVI out the thing I need to hook it up to my TV via HDMI cable? That's the only monitor option I have at the moment.

[Stmfuller]

I realize these might be some stupid questions, but how can I tell how much power a video card needs? I can't seem to find that info on NewEgg - do I have to Google each individual card to find out?

If a video card at NewEgg says it's DirectX 10, does that mean it does not do DirectX 9? (Since I am only running Windows XP, I don't have DirectX 10, right?)

Is DVI out the thing I need to hook it up to my TV via HDMI cable? That's the only monitor option I have at the moment.

only if the DVI output comes with a DVI->HDMI port adapter.
my general guess is that you should probably look at a PS of 600w or higher.

[fitbabits]

I realize these might be some stupid questions, but how can I tell how much power a video card needs? I can't seem to find that info on NewEgg - do I have to Google each individual card to find out?

If a video card at NewEgg says it's DirectX 10, does that mean it does not do DirectX 9? (Since I am only running Windows XP, I don't have DirectX 10, right?)

Is DVI out the thing I need to hook it up to my TV via HDMI cable? That's the only monitor option I have at the moment.
Power shouldn't be of too much concern if you get a new PSU that's around (or greater than) 550 watts.

You can get DX 10 to work on XP, but it's a little finicky.

New Egg (I swear I'm not on commission) sells DVI-to-HDMI cables (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=dvi+hdmi&x=0&y=0).

[biosc1]

I realize these might be some stupid questions, but how can I tell how much power a video card needs? I can't seem to find that info on NewEgg - do I have to Google each individual card to find out?


Yah...though there should be a website that puts all that info together for you somewhere. The newer cards require 500W+...there is actually a good power consumption web page out there that lets you input your components and it gives you a good "guestimate".


If a video card at NewEgg says it's DirectX 10, does that mean it does not do DirectX 9? (Since I am only running Windows XP, I don't have DirectX 10, right?)


Not an issue. Think of a Dx10 card as being able to handle everything up to Dx10. It can run Dx9 stuff...and Dx8 stuff...and Dx7 stuff, etc...etc...just not Dx11 stuff ;)

[Mr. Murphy]

Not an issue. Think of a Dx10 card as being able to handle everything up to Dx10. It can run Dx9 stuff...and Dx8 stuff...and Dx7 stuff, etc...etc...just not Dx11 stuff ;)

You can get DX 10 to work on XP, but it's a little finicky.

So I shouldn't be afraid of DX10? I do a lot of older gaming, so if backwards compatability is an issue with DX10 I might be better off stickin to DX9... if it's just a matter of finding the right drivers, I should be able to do that.


New Egg (I swear I'm not on commission) sells DVI-to-HDMI cables (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=dvi+hdmi&x=0&y=0).

Now that I think about it, that's the cable I have, so DVI out should be fine.

Also, NewEgg is where I do all my computer part shopping, so you're not doing anything wrong by linking to them in my book.

[fitbabits]

So I shouldn't be afraid of DX10? I do a lot of older gaming, so if backwards compatability is an issue with DX10 I might be better off stickin to DX9... if it's just a matter of finding the right drivers, I should be able to do that.




Now that I think about it, that's the cable I have, so DVI out should be fine.

Also, NewEgg is where I do all my computer part shopping, so you're not doing anything wrong by linking to them in my book.
Again, a DX 10 card is fine, but DX 9 cards are cheaper and will work just swimmingly with the setup you have.

[Mr. Murphy]

Again, a DX 10 card is fine, but DX 9 cards are cheaper and will work just swimmingly with the setup you have.

Okay, good to know, price is definitely a factor in this case. In fact, if NewEgg just had another 7600 GT sitting around, I'd probably just get the same card again and not bother upgrading my PSU - unless my PSU was too low all along and that's why the card died on me (I've only had it for about a year).

Right now we're in a situation where it's rent first, then new glasses for the girlfriend (she lost hers last night), then maybe a new video card in a couple of weeks. Maybe.

This sucks. I guess it forces me to spend some time catching up on my back catalog of console games. It's funny how in the space of a year I went from a good job and great paycheck to struggling to pay our bills - if nothing else, this has taught me the value of a savings account. I really should have put some money away last spring when things were going well, instead of buying a nice new TV/Monitor and a PS3. Now I have all sorts of shiny hi-tech stuff that I can't even use, in the middle of my tiny craphole apartment.

Oh well. Lesson learned.

[Mr. Murphy]

Well, the time has come to actually make the purchase. This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161225) is the one I am looking at, but I have to admit, I'm basically operating on the concept that some of the numbers are higher than the GeForce 7600GT 512 I was using before. Does anyone have an opinion on this card, and whether or not I'll see an improvement over the old one?

Also, the user reviews mention that it gets rather hot. How do I deal with that?

[Mr. Murphy]

Also I will need a new power supply, as I am reading that this card requires at least 450W. The price differences on the power supplies listed here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=ATX12V+PSU&x=0&y=0) are pretty drastic - one 550W is 22$, another is $120. With cables, the price is no signifier as to the quality of the cable, but I don't know how it works with PSUs. Does anybody know if a cheap PSU is automatically crappier than an expensive one?

[fitbabits]

Also I will need a new power supply, as I am reading that this card requires at least 450W. The price differences on the power supplies listed here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=ATX12V+PSU&x=0&y=0) are pretty drastic - one 550W is 22$, another is $120. With cables, the price is no signifier as to the quality of the cable, but I don't know how it works with PSUs. Does anybody know if a cheap PSU is automatically crappier than an expensive one?
Speaking as someone who has experience with replacing PSUs, etc., I'll say that you get what you pay for. It's one of the few occasions that the premium for a brand name is worth the investment.

[fitbabits]

Well, the time has come to actually make the purchase. This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161225) is the one I am looking at, but I have to admit, I'm basically operating on the concept that some of the numbers are higher than the GeForce 7600GT 512 I was using before. Does anyone have an opinion on this card, and whether or not I'll see an improvement over the old one?

Also, the user reviews mention that it gets rather hot. How do I deal with that?
Looking around, it seems like the 3850 is a step up from the Geforce 7600 - here's some comparable benchmarks (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ati-agp-3850-agp,1939-4.html).

[Mr. Murphy]

Speaking as someone who has experience with replacing PSUs, etc., I'll say that you get what you pay for. It's one of the few occasions that the premium for a brand name is worth the investment.

I really appreciate all your help. Googling the Radeon for power supply recommendations gave me the following info:

"When it comes to power supply requirements keep in mind that you will need a 450 Watt or greater power supply with 75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express power connector as that is the recommended requirements for a single card system."

Now, even tho my mobo doesn't have PCI Express, I can still plug in a PSU that has PCI-E power connectors, correct? I'm looking at this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104954) since I will only be using a single card setup, and that PSU has 450W and 1 PCI-E connector.

Is it a bad idea to only meet the recommended requirement? Do I want to drop the extra $50 on a 550W?

I think, if that PSU/card combo doesn't have some flaw or problem that you can tell me about, that this will be my order and I'll be able to get this thing up and running again for less than $200, which isn't bad at all.

[fitbabits]

I really appreciate all your help. Googling the Radeon for power supply recommendations gave me the following info:

"When it comes to power supply requirements keep in mind that you will need a 450 Watt or greater power supply with 75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express power connector as that is the recommended requirements for a single card system."

Now, even tho my mobo doesn't have PCI Express, I can still plug in a PSU that has PCI-E power connectors, correct? I'm looking at this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104954) since I will only be using a single card setup, and that PSU has 450W and 1 PCI-E connector.

Is it a bad idea to only meet the recommended requirement? Do I want to drop the extra $50 on a 550W?

I think, if that PSU/card combo doesn't have some flaw or problem that you can tell me about, that this will be my order and I'll be able to get this thing up and running again for less than $200, which isn't bad at all.
Yes, you can install a PSU that has PCIe connectors on a motherboard that doesn't have a PCIe slot.

If I were you, I would go with this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182030) - very well reviewed, it has two 6-pin PCIe connectors (always handy in the event that one fails down the road), it's plenty powerful for what you have in mind

[Mr. Murphy]

Yes, you can install a PSU that has PCIe connectors on a motherboard that doesn't have a PCIe slot.

If I were you, I would go with this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182030) - very well reviewed, it has two 6-pin PCIe connectors (always handy in the event that one fails down the road), it's plenty powerful for what you have in mind

Well thanks much! That's a comparable enough price that it's definitely worth it for the added voltage.

You don't think I need to worry about the reviews that said the Radeon gets pretty hot, do you? My case has pretty good ventilation all over...

I'm placing the orders now. Thanks a lot, Fits. And everyone who took the time to try and help me out!

[fitbabits]

Well thanks much! That's a comparable enough price that it's definitely worth it for the added voltage.

You don't think I need to worry about the reviews that said the Radeon gets pretty hot, do you? My case has pretty good ventilation all over...

I'm placing the orders now. Thanks a lot, Fits. And everyone who took the time to try and help me out!
All components will get hot over time - the key to keeping them cool is making sure there's plenty of ventilation and that the insides of the case don't resemble some sort of dust bunny graveyard.

As to the specific card getting hot? I wouldn't worry too much about it. Some people think that hot-to-touch is too hot. :)

[Mr. Murphy]

All components will get hot over time - the key to keeping them cool is making sure there's plenty of ventilation and that the insides of the case don't resemble some sort of dust bunny graveyard.

As to the specific card getting hot? I wouldn't worry too much about it. Some people think that hot-to-touch is too hot. :)

Good deal. The dust bunny graveyard is actually what started this whole mess - I keep the basic mobo area pretty clean, but I had no idea how filthy the fans themselves and other little areas were getting. From now on, I'll be going through my machine with canned air like once a month.

[fitbabits]

Good deal. The dust bunny graveyard is actually what started this whole mess - I keep the basic mobo area pretty clean, but I had no idea how filthy the fans themselves and other little areas were getting. From now on, I'll be going through my machine with canned air like once a month.
Good call. I do the same. Just make sure you keep the compressed air can upright and that your computer is turned off and unplugged before you start spraying. I've had to repair many, many PCs that were hosed due to the user holding the compressed air can upside down and spraying liberally while the computer was turned on.

Oh, and good luck with everything.

[Mr. Murphy]

Good call. I do the same. Just make sure you keep the compressed air can upright and that your computer is turned off and unplugged before you start spraying. I've had to repair many, many PCs that were hosed due to the user holding the compressed air can upside down and spraying liberally while the computer was turned on.

Oh, and good luck with everything.

Doesn't upside down canned air spray out some sort of liquid?

[fitbabits]

Doesn't upside down canned air spray out some sort of liquid?
That it does. Any kind of liquid + electrical components = badness.

[Mr. Murphy]

So, I came home yesterday to find the card and PSU sitting on my doorstep. Went to install them this morning and discovered that the card requires an 8-pin PCI-E adapter, and the 550w model of that PSU only supplies a 6-Pin PCI-E adapter. I need the 600w model.

Frustrating. Have to get the whole thing boxed up and ship it back to NewEgg. Hopefully they'll let me do an exchange.

Edit: Well, it looks like you can find 6 Pin to 8 Pin adapters out there, maybe I can find one at RadioShack this afternoon or something.

[biosc1]

Yah...or for the adapter, just go to a local computer store. They are a pretty common adapter that you can get for less than $5. I ran into the same issue a while back as well.

It is annoying though, when you think you are all ready to go, but you need some cheap little converter.

[Mr. Murphy]

Yah...or for the adapter, just go to a local computer store. They are a pretty common adapter that you can get for less than $5. I ran into the same issue a while back as well.

It is annoying though, when you think you are all ready to go, but you need some cheap little converter.

Really? Because I'm having a bitch of a time finding a place around here (Providence, RI) that has them in stock. I'm about ready to order one and wait another week, which would obviously suck.

[fitbabits]

Really? Because I'm having a bitch of a time finding a place around here (Providence, RI) that has them in stock. I'm about ready to order one and wait another week, which would obviously suck.
I've seen these adapter cables in both Office Depot and Office Max here in Denver. Have you tried there?

[Mr. Murphy]

I've seen these adapter cables in both Office Depot and Office Max here in Denver. Have you tried there?

Nope! Thanks. I had been trying places that were within a 3 mile radius so that I could walk there, since my ladyfriend has the car for the day. Unfortunately, all the local places are also smaller places, and none of them had one in stock - all five were very eager to order it for me, though, which was nice of them.