PowerSpec G420 won't boot properly

[phillpower2]

The power outage happened and they thought the problem may have been related to the PSU, so that was replaced while the computer was under warranty, but it only started the once randomly,

Too late now by the sound of it but if the computer only started the once after the PSU was replaced it would have been best to get the computer sorted while still under warranty.

and worked until a windows update restarted the computer,

If this had of been caused by a Windows update you would at least still get a BIOS screen so I do not feel that this is Windows related.

The heatsink is indeed still off the processor, and the system has been unplugged from the wall with the button cell battery removed since before I did that.

The CMOS battery must be in place at all times.

If the heatsink is still off the processor, you need to do the following very quickly so a second pair of hands may help, ground yourself by touching a bare metal part of the chassis or PSU, quickly power up and shut down the computer, remove the power cord from the wall socket then feel the top of the processor to see if it is hot, let us know the outcome.

[e31011]

Once the computer powered on it took a few seconds (5-10) for the cpu to become warm, but once it started warming up I turned the tower off.

Unfortunately the warranty expired right after the PSU was replaced, so we weren’t able to get any other service on it before that point.

[phillpower2]

Once the computer powered on it took a few seconds (5-10) for the cpu to become warm,

That suggests that the CPU may be ok and that it is not getting adequate voltage or the MBs thermal sensor is working and keeping the power down, in the past the CPU would have become too hot to touch within a nano second and doing so if working properly would have taken a layer or two of skin off

Would suggest that you invest in a MB BIOS speaker (see attachment) get the RAM tested or see if you can borrow some compatible RAM for testing purposes.

[georgeks]

That’s your system? http://powerspec.com/systems/system_...selection=G420
Even without a CPU a system will start its fans.
Did you use the O/B graphics or add-on cards? -Evan Omo suggested that already.

If the BIOS has been corrupted-and if you cannot use the system, try the reset jumper for the CMOS.

[veeg]

Any updates for us?

[e31011]

Sorry, life reared its ugly head for a couple days.

Did you use the O/B graphics or add-on cards? -Evan Omo suggested that already.

I tried the O/B graphics and both graphics cards in various configurations, as well as purchased a new graphics card for the express purpose of testing the graphics, as I’ve said throughout the thread.

If the BIOS has been corrupted-and if you cannot use the system, try the reset jumper for the CMOS.

Attempted, with no improvement, as I said earlier.

Would suggest that you invest in a MB BIOS speaker (see attachment) get the RAM tested or see if you can borrow some compatible RAM for testing purposes.

I’ve already tried both the sticks of RAM that came with the pc as well as some others I had leftover from my last pc (which I know work), jointly and individually in various slots.

Is it most probable at this point that the problem is with the motherboard, if the CPU doesn’t seem to be getting sufficient power?

[phillpower2]

Have you been able to make any progress with this e31011?

[phillpower2]

Any update for us e31011? If unreplied to within 48hrs this thread will be closed.

[e31011]

Took it to the shop. The mobo and cpu were both fried, and a short in the mobo fried half the rails in the PSU. I don’t think I would have been able to figure all of that out on my own, but I was at least able to narrow it down. Thanks for all the help, everyone.

[phillpower2]

Sorry to hear that it is not better news but thank you for the update e31011 (y)

Took it to the shop. The mobo and cpu were both fried, and a short in the mobo fried half the rails in the PSU.

Is this what the shop told you, that would be real weird on a computer that had been in use for some time, if a new build I could understand it, a stand off in the wrong place for example, not the case here so could only suspect that the original PSU damaged the board and then the board damaged the new PSU, as said real weird though as the MB should have been dead after the first episode

[Evan_Omo]

Thanks for letting us know the outcome.