Super strange boot issues

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simplemitch

Honorable
Jun 4, 2012
5
0
10,520
OK, I have a CRAZY computer problem:
A raccoon ate through some power lines nearby and the surge took out a PC. It’s an HP WX4400 workstation. On boot you get 5 beeps indicating a “pre-video memory error” then nothing. Here’s what I’ve done so far:
Remove all cards: Still 5 beeps
Remove all RAM chips: Still 5 beeps.
Unhook everything from motherboard except P-Supply: 5 beeps.
Installed new power supply: 5 beeps.

NOW…. Advanced troubleshooting:
Replaced the CPU (Intel E6600) with brand new Intel E7400. Attached HDD, new power supply, and installed different RAM. So essentially it’s a new PC with the original case and HDD: NO BEEPS, looks like its booting….but, no video.
Install new video card (no onboard video): No change.
Hmmmmm… Screw it. Ordered used/known good identical MOBO from Ebay.
New MOBO/original CPU, original RAM: 5 beeps.
New MOBO/original CPU, different RAM: 5 beeps
New MOBO/new CPU, same different RAM, new video card: NO BEEPS, looks like its booting….but, no video AGAIN.
New MOBO/new CPU, same different RAM, OLD video card: NO BEEPS, looks like its booting….but, no video AGAIN.

Reset CMOS: No change.

What in blue Hell am I missing here?!?!? This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.

Links to the PC/CPU specs and manuals:
Here is a link to the manual
Here is a link to the PC specs
Here is a link to the E6600 specs
Here is a link to the E7400 Specs
 
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junkeymonkey

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Nov 11, 2013
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some models of store bought computers [dell.hp,acer,ect..] may come with a ''locked'' bios and may not allow you to change certain hardware as a video card.. this is done to protect them from undue warranty claims and refunds .this is not done to hurt you but to protect them. you really need to see if that upgrade has been proven to work in your model first before you invest money in it .. there are a lot of these threads here at toms to look at some models will allow upgrades and some dont.. and a lot of guys here say ya ya ya when is really no no no...it would be sad you spent $200 on a card that wount post after you installed it as most find out. then get told its your psu and you spend more and end up right back where you are now, but its up to you good luck..


you got to know the the boards in these computers are not like the ones we use to do custom builds witch are open to upgrading with in the boards compatibly . the bios is custom made for there design and just for the parts they authorize to be used on there computers
 
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simplemitch

Honorable
Jun 4, 2012
5
0
10,520


It responds the same way with the old card or the new card. It's possible that you are correct* AND the old card took surge damage, too, but given the circumstances, I'm not thinking it to be likely.


*This is the reason I am trying to revive this PC and not build a new one. It runs a Scientific instrument that costs $100K and IS NOT compatible with any other PC.
 
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