What to do when no one can figure out what is why a computer doesn't work?

Francesca Marie · Dec 2, 2013

Hi all, I just posted a few moments ago about buying a new PC. However, what I would much rather do is fix my current PC and be able to keep upgrading that. I bought this CyberPower PC 3 years ago: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229137

It worked for maybe a month, then the memory went, which I replaced, then it was great for another year, when it started to blue screen. It's been to a few repair places - one couldn't find anything wrong at all and said that I could try replacing the hard drive, which I did. Didn't help. Another thought it could be a ghost virus which I didn't even understand.

We tried Cyberpower support, did the memory tests, the stress tests, posted our minidumps on forums, updated drivers, clean installed, etc., nothing. It will occasionally work for maybe an hour or so, and everything looks normal. Then BSOD. We get all different codes... I just... I've got nothing.

I'm really just.. frustrated and sad and rather reluctant to even buy a new PC since I'm paranoid the same thing will happen. I would love to just find out what's wrong so I can either replace it, or just accept that maybe I have to sell it for parts, though, would anyone actually buy any of that when something unknown is wrong? My fiance suggested we just start replacing parts one at a time until something fixes the problem. But I have no idea if that's any kind of valid suggestion. Is there something that a PC repair shop wouldn't really investigate, that maybe they're missing? Any thoughts at all on any of this would be greatly appreciated.

rgd1101 · Dec 2, 2013

if you going for prebuild, make sure it have a quality psu

dish_moose · Dec 2, 2013

I`m guessing a bad mother board - likely not what you want to hear.
-Bruce

Eximo · Dec 2, 2013

Try a new powersupply. I don't like to say it, but that is generally where boutique builders and OEMs really cheap out.

Given that the picture shows a paper label slapped onto the side of the power supply that I can't read I would start there.

What is the model of that power supply. Probably not rated at temperature and if you've been running the computer a lot, probably not rated for the hours either.

USAFRet · Dec 2, 2013

New RAM, new hard drive, fresh install.....indications are starting to point to the motherboard.

Francesca Marie · Dec 2, 2013

Eximo :

Ok, power supply info - its Xtreme Gear, 700W ATX Power Supply. Model PSAZ-CP700.
Is there a way to check if its the power supply or would I just buy a new one and try it out?

Francesca Marie · Dec 2, 2013

USAFRet :

And if it is the motherboard...would I be correct in assuming that it's the end of the computer? Or can it be replaced?

JMR120600 · Dec 2, 2013

yep, i would say mobo too, as it wouldnt boot at all with a dodgy cpu, or not very often, do you know your MOBO model and your PSU Model?

JMR120600 · Dec 2, 2013

No, not at all the end, ill look for a suitable replacement, presuming youre willing to repalce it yourself.

JMR120600 · Dec 2, 2013

Take a look at this.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131935

Francesca Marie · Dec 2, 2013

JMR120600 :

Motherboard is Gigabyte and I believe it's GA-MA770T-UD3P - definitely up to GA-MA770T is right... last 4 might be iffy.

Francesca Marie · Dec 2, 2013

JMR120600 :

If by "replace it yourself", you mean, find a repair shop and pay them to replace it, then yes.

I've replaced memory and the hard drive myself. Looking at the motherboard.... it looks a little beyond me. And it would be just my luck to buy a new one and mess up the whole thing by replacing it incorrectly. And in response also, to your question about the PSU - Xtreme Gear, 700W ATX Power Supply. Model PSAZ-CP700.

bankarin · Dec 2, 2013

3 things to try that might help. First, you need to check your power supply. If it's giving fluctuating power then that would explain everything and can kill or damage your motherboard. Second, since you've had the computer for 3 years I'd say it's time to have someone re-apply your thermal grease and heat sink on your processor. Third, as mentioned above, your motherboard could have just died. Given that you've said it's random errors each time it does sound more like a power supply problem. You mentioned that you've tried stress testing, memory tests, etc., right? How long does the computer last doing the stress test? If you can run prime95 for several hours without a crash then there is just something completely off with your computer causing it to crash under other circumstances. If it's your power supply or your motherboard, those are fairly inexpensive fixes.

Francesca Marie · Dec 2, 2013

bankarin :

The thing that always confused me - it always makes it through the stress test - I want to say it was like 4 hours or something.

To clarify - it makes it through the standard testing programs that are run - One shop gave me like a 5 page report of everything, and nothing was there. If it only crashed during gaming, I might understand that. But it crashes when it's doing nothing. I could just never come up with an idea of why it behaved for them and as soon as the pc comes home, it's back to blue screens. It's like a kid at grandma's house.

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What to do when no one can figure out what is why a computer doesn't work?

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