Author Topic: AARGH Computer died!! (Read 367 times)

dhaus · « **on:** October 02, 2006, 06:57:37 PM »

May have to get a new computer. Mine won't even turn on. Gonna have an IT friend take a look, but in the meantime am starting to research so the shakes won't get too bad if I have to get a new one. Looking at $800 give or take (can get a Dell that should fit my needs for about $850.) Suggestions?

Schatzi · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2006, 07:05:08 PM »

This is what I got a few weeks ago:

AMD Athlon 64 3700 (2,2 GHz)
Asus A8N E Motherboard (939 socket)
2 x 1024 MB RAM
NVidia GeForce 7600GT - 256 MB (PCIe)

using onboard sound (Realtek AC97 Audio) without problem for now

Including HDD, DVD burner, power supply and a cheap case i looked at about 750 EUR.

(PS: running AH full detail and max res)

Irwink! · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2006, 07:11:15 PM »

Your busted machine could have a simple problem like a flaky power supply, in which case it can be repaired. But then that would negate a most excellent rationalization for buying a new box.

Not sure what $850 or so will get you right now. I'd like to think the Pentium machines should be getting cheaper now that the Core Two's are out. AMD stuff is good too. Just be careful if you plan to upgrade to Vista when it comes out next year. It'll really tax some hardware configurations that do well supporting XP. Dell's are decent machines, if you elect to go with one. If it were me, I'd try to fix the old box and save my $$$ for a machine that'll support the new OS if and when you're ever forced to make the move.

dhaus · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2006, 07:27:21 PM »

hoping for the fix. The Dell $850 has the pentium dual core, 1 gig of ram, a 256meg video card (Nvidea), on board sound (sigh) and XP Home, with a 17 inch flat panel monitor. REALLY don't want to buy a new one now. So, keep the ideas coming. Not sure I want to dive into a build your own, but am open to thoughts.

FBplmmr · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2006, 09:43:01 PM »

hurry back "D"

if your problem is that it doesnt even try to boot....
make sure squirrels (or rooks)havent chewed through your power cord

is it plugged into surge strip or battery backup? check to see if you have power at the receptacle

I would check the simple stuff like the power switch too

(all the boxes i ever had just requires the on button to complete a circuit real quick and then break again to cause the power up )

if it does turn out to be the power supply .. those can usally be had for less than 100$$
(im cheap and I bought a noname brand 500watt a few years ago for less than 50$ with no problems so far(i didnt know it colored LEDs on it and it scared the bejessus outta me when I fired up my box after install and saw the red and blue flash on) ,,, but most folks would reccomend a quality power supply like antec)

o ..just reread and see you got an IT buddy ..cool !!!

like I said good luck dhaus

dhaus · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2006, 07:34:39 PM »

My IT buddy agreed it is probably the power supply. Just ordered one from dell ($40 in the door.) Should be here next week. Checked around and discovered the retail store brands wouldn't fit in the case and didn't want to take a hack saw to it. With luck, will be up (and getting shot down) by the 14th.