My gaming computer at home, i built about 4 or 5 years ago, crashed several times last night.

My mouse froze on the screen and that was it. Nothing else could be done but a cold shut off.

Every time i shut my computer off manually, it doesn't come back on when I hit the button. I have to wait about 3 to 5 minutes then it will come on when i hit the button. (i've checked all the jumpers and everything)

When it finally does come on, it froze in several different spots during boot up (during windows log on screen, etc.) I could never get it booted back up to where i could use it again last night.

Ordering a new power supply since it really random things going on. If that doesn't fix it, new cpu/mobo build inc. Any other suggestions?

8/21/2009 8:06:34 AM

Good chance of it being the Video Card. I had similar problems. Was guessing power supply or video card. It was the Video Card. If you have a built in video on the mobo use that and see if problem goes away. of course disconnecting the card.



[Edited on August 21, 2009 at 9:23 AM. Reason : .]

8/21/2009 9:18:13 AM

I just got a refurb video card from new egg a few months ago (NVIDA GeForce 8800). I hope the refurb isn't kicking my ass. I'll try to pop in a spare and see if that fixes it.

8/21/2009 9:24:06 AM

I've never gotten to the point where I can place trust in a refurbished piece of electronics. I guess this is largely due to my experience with HP:

Bought a monitor. It died (completely) after about 2 weeks.
They replaced it with a refurbished unit, which had a permanent pink hue to it. No amount of adjusting RGB would get rid of it.
They sent another refurbished unit that also had problems.

There's someone at work that is constantly sending in their new laptop for repairs, repairs, and more repairs. Now I'm to the point where if there is any problem with a new piece of electronics the only acceptable solution is total replacement. I wouldn't even consider purchasing a refurbished unit from the get-go.

Maybe my (anecdotal) experience is a rare and unique case though.

[Edited on August 21, 2009 at 10:16 AM. Reason : -]

8/21/2009 10:02:35 AM

I have to say the exception (to me) on that has been with apple stuff

bought a refurb macbook pro from them in jan 2008 and never had a single problem with it.. i couldn't tell it wasn't new. same story from a few other ppl i know that have dealt with their refurb stuff

[Edited on August 21, 2009 at 10:07 AM. Reason : j]

8/21/2009 10:06:45 AM

Why not troubleshoot before spending money on new parts while just guessing at what's broken?

8/21/2009 11:31:02 AM

the 2 most used things in my techtoolbox at home. universal power adapters, and power supply tester.

if you plan on owning computers and the various crap that comes with them, you should look into some tools besides screwdrivers!

8/23/2009 9:09:37 PM