Motherboard or RAM fried? Pc won't start. HELP

Pacha

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Mar 19, 2014
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In the control panel, it said I only had 4gb of ram when I had 8. I opened my pc up to make sure both sticks were inserted correctly, but forgot to unplug it. After that, it would work for a couple seconds when I tries to boot it, but then die and automatically try again, and repeat until I turned the power strip off. I went to radioshack for some advice, and they said that either the motherboard or ram were fried, most likely the motherboard. Is there a way to determine which? I don't want to buy a new motherboard only to find out the ram is the issue, or vice versa. I'm also open to other possibilities besides something being fried, if you have any ideas.

Also, t's worthy of note that I did this on a carpet (I forgot I'm not supposed to, I'm very novice at pc builds). And I didn't hear or feel any shock. I don't know if that means anything, just want to get as much info out there for the best possible advice.
 
pull one stick of ram and try to start it. if no start try just the other stick. IF by chance you have extra compatible ram kicking around or a friend does try one of those sticks to be sure it is not a ram issue. I would be more inclined to say it is a ram issue from what you describe.
 

Pacha

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Mar 19, 2014
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I already tried pretty much every possible combination of ram sticks in the slots, with no luck. Also, what exactly are bios? Again, I'm extremely novice at this
 



as long as you touch the case, metal part of the case, you will discharge your self of static.

 
I would leave the bios alone though if you do not know what you are doing as you can do more harm than good,
I would suggest trying a single stick of ram from elsewhere if you can get one cheaply or borrow one from a friend to see if your pc will boot ,
that will be cheaper than replacing the motherboard if that is not the problem.
it is important to know what ram will work natively with your motherboard ie-1066mhz or 1333mhz or 1600mhz etc and the type of ram it takes , ddr1 or ddr2 or ddr3 etc
if all of this is confusing then let me know the make and model of your motherboard and i will be able to tell you
 

Pacha

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Mar 19, 2014
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It doesn't get to bios. The fans start running and then it dies, but nothing ever shows up on the screen. Because of this, I can5 try safe-mode either.
 

aratelad

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Mar 19, 2014
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Does anything light up before it shuts off? Any beeps at all?

Also, this tool might be helpful to determine if your mobo is shot: http://www.amazon.com/Gino-Computer-Board-Diagnostic-Analyzer/dp/B005EJMO56/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395284650&sr=8-4&keywords=pc+motherboard+tester/
 
Do you have a case speaker connected to the motherboard?
The case speaker is a 2 wire speaker that has a 4 pin connector. It is not built into your motherboard so you would have to attach it yourself. From the pics it looks like it would connect just under the bottom PCI slot labeled PCI_1. "ABOUT" the middle of the slot is where it is looks like it is located. This would be what gives the trouble code beeps to help trouble shoot bad components. The beeps would happen right after pushing the power button and would restart after playing them.

EDIT: this is an average looking case speaker. Some have longer wires, others look like tiny little speakers about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201032
 

Pacha

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Mar 19, 2014
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As it turns out, I'm a complete moron. The ram wasn't all the way in. It works fine now, and recognizes all 8 gb. Thank you to anyone who tried to help, and sorry for wasting your time.