Hardware problem: Dead desktop

[declan]

I'd suggest that you check the CPU fan.  Check that its seated properly
on the motherboard.  Then ensure that its spinning freely.

On Sat, 2007-11-10 at 13:40 +1000, martin fricke wrote:
> On Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:19:20 +1000, Leslie Gossner  
> <clownius at gossner.id.au> wrote:
> 
> > Mark M Lambert wrote:
> >> Hi Leslie, thanks for your reply. The computer is about 3 years old,
> >> assembled by myself from bits and pieces so no warranty (didn't keep
> >> receipts). I don't have a spare video card, foolishly threw away when I
> >> moved house 2 months ago! I live in St Peters, about 10 mins from the
> >> Sydney CBD.
> >> Specs:
> >> Intel PEntium 4 2.4GHz
> >> 512Mb DDR RAM (one stick)
> >> Gigabyte GA-8S648FX mobo
> >> Unknown brand low-end Nvidia card near-new
> >> Samsung DVD burner
> >> Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 hard drive
> >>  .. and i've just noticed a bad burning smell coming from the CPU...
> >> :(
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ----- Original message -----
> >> From: "Leslie Gossner" <clownius at gossner.id.au>
> >> To: "Mark M Lambert" <mark+linux.ubuntu at marklambert.net>
> >> Cc: "Ubuntu" <ubuntu-au at lists.ubuntu.com> Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007
> >>     11:41:17 +1100 Subject: Re: Hardware problem: Dead desktop
> >>
> >> Hi Mark Depends where in Sydney you are and how comfortable you are
> >> opening your computer up. Firstly is it under warranty?  If its not
> >> heres what i would check out. Quick and easy check is the Video card. If
> >> you have a spare or can borrow one try swapping it.  Most of all it
> >> sounds like a dead Motherboard (how old is the machine?) They can die
> >> due to power issues (like storms).  I know a great place in the Blue
> >> Mountains and if your in western Sydney i could even pop over and have a
> >> look myself if you need the help. Give some more details on the specs of
> >> the machine and where in Sydney you are and we can work it out from
> >> there. Good Luck Leslie Gossner
> >>
> >>
> > Doesn't sound good at all.  Id say its a dead mobo or CPU.  If its a
> > socket 775 board its easy enough to get a replacement.  But 478's are
> > hard to come by.  I highly doubt just the CPU would go without taking
> > the board with it but for a cheap option go for  Pentium E2140 or a Core
> > 2 Duo E4500.  Both are very low priced dual cores and the E4500 is a
> > very solid performer that would give you a great speed increase.
> > As for mobo check out AsRock boards (Dirt cheap) and some will support
> > both DDR and DDR2. (ASRock 4CoreDX90).  Or if you like high end gear the
> > ASUS P5K-E is very nice but then you gonna need to go a big upgrade.
> > eg. DDR2.
> > I do know a make is selling one of the AsRocks and an E2160 with a Gig
> > of DDR (2*512) for $200 bucks if you need to get it up and running again
> > on the cheap.  Give us a yell if you want if not i think ill add it to
> > my collection anyway.
> > Not familiar with the PC stores in that area but someone down there
> > would be or would be willing to help out im certain.
> > Good Luck
> > Leslie
> 
> For parts at cheap prices you could also try MSY at Ultimo. Check out  
> their prices here http://msy.com.au/Parts/PARTS.pdf .
>