Computer won't POST anymore. Used OV_DRAM switch on P7P55D PRO mobo, problem ensued.

anishinaabeg

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Computer has worked fine for years until recently when I was experiencing random hangs.

They'd happen for about a second at a time, and the sound would stutter/repeat the last sound that was playing. I suppose that could be a PSU, CPU, Mobo, RAM or GPU issue.

I couldn't find a way to fix this through the software, so I tried to find a hardware remedy, without having to replace anything.

I noticed the OV_DRAM light was switched to the left, and the red LED was on. I figured this meant that the RAM was being pushed harder. So I turned off the PC, switched it to the right, and rebooted. The GPU fan started spinning really fast, probably 100% speed. I tried rebooting it with the switch OV_DRAM switch set to both positions but the fan wouldn't stop spinning fast.

I left it on for a minute with the fan spinning fast and started to smell something that may have been some computer part frying, I assumed the GPU. Turned it off when I smelled that. Could have been just dust heating up from the fan spinning I suppose.

As far as I remember the computer wasn't POSTing after I first switched the OV_DRAM switch, which was the first time I've ever tried that.

What I mean by it won't POST is that the monitor doesn't register any signal at all.

I read up on possible issues, and some forum posts indicated it was probably the GPU that died. I used what little money I had available to get a new one, and I've tried it in two separate PCI-E slots, the monitor still shows nothing when I try to boot the PC.

I don't have any extra computer parts available for me to test with, or money to buy more parts atm, so I'm not sure what to do.

Recommendations for what to do should I get some money are welcome. I don't think I can return any parts under warranty.
 

CNCSIT

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Your assumption is correct the switch overvolts your RAM the LED is illuminated when power is being applied. When your start up does your motherboard beep? Many beeps is usually a bad thing.
 

anishinaabeg

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I don't know that it has the component necessary to beep, never heard anything, even tried starting it with no RAM installed, and with the two sticks placed in various spots. Also tried one stick in some spots I think.

Not sure if the OV_DRAM switch could have killed my RAM. The power supply always (for about 3 years) made some funny noises on and off, but it ran fine so I never bothered with it.

I've tried removing the CMOS battery and leaving it out for 3 minutes, and holding down the power button for 30 seconds with the PSU switched off, as suggested on some old forum posts.

I should mention the GPU fan stopped spinning fast I think right after the computer made that smell IIRC.

Oh and I'm not sure if it was always on or not, but the CPU_LED light is lit and doesn't turn off, when I turn on the computer.
 

chrisso

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It sounds to me like you destroyed the ram, tho if your Mboard makes no noises at all with or without ram its likely toast. Considering its age,
its probably best you start from scratch with a new mboard chip psu ram & gpu bundle and assume everything old is tainted. I wouldnt risk blowing up new parts with any of it. .
 

anishinaabeg

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Don't some mobos just not have a feature that makes them beep? Pretty sure I've had ones like that in older computers, which sucked when trying to troubleshoot issues I was having, but managed to fix.

This CPU_LED light sounds like it may be the culprit. Searched "cpu_led p7p55d pro" without quotes. Seems like it may be a common issue.

On this link the last post indicates it may be a motherboard issue: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/279865-30-asus-p7p55d-solid

Read elsewhere it might be the CPU.

I won't be able to buy all the replacement parts as you suggested, though I'd also like to avoid hurting other components in the process of trying to fix this, like you said.
 

CNCSIT

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All MOBO's should beep on post as far as i know. Of course the speaker could be damaged or not connected properly. If the CMOS LED is lit then its at least its getting power. Typically if you get no response from a mobo its usually toast if its another component you will get error beeps, but if as you say it has never beeped then we will have a tough time troubleshooting it.
Try these troubleshooting steps: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems
 

anishinaabeg

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Sent my PC in for a $60 diagnosis at a local Futureshop last Thursday.

Phoned in this Wednesday, they probably need until Thursday this week to see if there's anything else wrong, but so far say the power supply and motherboard appear to be faulty.

I was thinking of returning the graphics card I bought from NCIX to try and fix the problem. It's a R9 270x. Wouldn't mind keeping it since it comes bundled with Battlefield 4, which I've not claimed yet. It would be replacing my HD 5870 which may or may not have problems. I'm not sure how often the GPU's ram makes a difference, but the 270x has 2GB vs the 5870's 1GB.

In regards to returning it, I saw a sticker on the back of the card that I thought might cause problems with the card so I took it off (was hanging a bit loose) and put it on the plastic bag the card came in, will they not return it because of that?

Here's the card, it was on sale for about $200 when I bought it: http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=90959&vpn=R9%20270X%20GAMING%202G&manufacture=MSI&promoid=1470

I bought it online, not sure if NCIX accept a return in store for online items. I did try opening and installing it already obviously, not sure if they refund the full amount, or at all, in this case, if it's not faulty.

Was thinking of buying an antistatic wristband for installing parts more safely, and a system speaker to put on my motherboard so I can try and diagnose issues by myself in the future.

Found these two items, any good?

Belkin ANTI-STATIC Wrist Band for Computer Repair:
http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=57843&vpn=F8E093&manufacture=Belkin&promoid=1243

Found this by Googling "Motherboard Speaker" without quotes.
APEVIA CVTCSPK 2" Case speaker cable for computer cases that connects to the motherboard: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201032

Don't know if NCIX sells those speakers, or what the typical name is for that part to easily find it at stores online. Are they (and that model in particular) universally compatible with most/all recent motherboards?

Was also thinking of upgrading from 4GB RAM to 6 or 8 total some time soon. Not sure what the difference will be in games like Planetside 2, if any, but when I've 50 tabs open in Chrome the 4GB seems to be not quite enough.

Should it be the exact same model of RAM if I do get more, for best performance (matching new RAM with the old)? Might have to look at the sticks to find the exact model when I get the PC back. They're blue, but Newegg have a few that look similar.

Will list the parts I've now that may need replacing/upgrading. Adding the mobo model and cpu to make matching easier.
If I could get some recommendations on the PSU and Mobo they'd be the most important things right now, RAM is secondary.

Bought all original parts at Newegg.ca.

PSU:
Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2

Motherboard:
ASUS P7P55D PRO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU:
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor

RAM:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model