Hi,

My computer died this weekend suddenly. This is what happened:
the computer was running a CPU intensive program. CPU usage was at 100% for
quite some time. I went to another room to prepare a drink, but when I came
back, the computer wasn't running anymore. Only the power on led was still
burning. But no fans, nothing was running anymore. In order to turn the
computer off, I had to pull the plug out of wall-socket.

I then checked the psu by disconnecting it from the motherboard. I could
measure 5 V, 3.3 V at various points of the psu connector. I concluded the
psu was probably fine (although I did not check it thoroughly) and
reconnected it to the motherboard. And guess what, fans, harddisks and
DVD-players were spinning again!
But unfortunately, the monitor of the computer wasn't turned on by the
motherboard. I replaced the videocard by another one that is known to be
good. Still no picture on the monitor with that videocard, so the videocard
isn't the cause.
Now the question: what could be the cause? Is the motherboard, cpu or a
(partially damaged) psu?

BTW, here's the configuration:
- Motherboard AsRock P4VT8+ 3.4 Ghz, arctic cooler
- Videocard Nvidea 7600 GS
- psu Seasonic 450 Watt.

Thanks in advance!

> > Now the question: what could be the cause? Is the motherboard,
>
> Maybe.
>
> > cpu
>
> Maybe.
>
> > or a
> > (partially damaged) psu?
>
> Maybe.
> >
> > BTW, here's the configuration:
> > - Motherboard AsRock P4VT8+ 3.4 Ghz, arctic cooler
> > - Videocard Nvidea 7600 GS
> > - psu Seasonic 450 Watt.
> >
> > Thanks in advance!
> >
>
> There is no way to tell, unless you have access to the same
> diagnostic equipment as the manufacturers, except to swap in Known
> Good components until you find the culprit(s).
>
> The power supply is easiest. Then the processor, then the
> motherboard.

I got myself a psu that is known to be good. Unfortunately, still no video
after connecting that psu. So it's got to be the cpu or the motherboard.

>
> It's probably a good time to think about upgrading.
>
>
That's the thing I'll do! I already had trouble playing 1080p movies on this
computer. So that's another reason to upgrade.
I think I'll keep the Antec P150 case, because it's very silent. But most
other components will be replaced.