So, I finally got a GOOD PC, amazing eh? Only problem is that it's giving me some problems. Therefore, I have a few questions. Sure, I know quite a bit of things about computer work, BUT, there are still a few things I need to learn.
Here I was, partitioning my HD and getting ready to install Win XP Pro. It was then that I noticed something weird happened, the screen started becoming distorted and all of the text was broken on the screen. I was not too happy to see this but I figured it could be some weird occurrence, so I shook it off. Fast forward to XP being completely installed and me downloading programs and installing games. It didn't take long until my PC froze again (except for my mouse) and the screen looked distorted / broken. Almost like someone spotted the screen with random white lines in numerous parts of the screen. I realized this would also occur when I GENTLY tap my case, the screen flips out and then it freezes.
I'm pretty frustrated considering I paid for this computer and it's something I've wanted, for a REALLY long time. I was able to play TF2 on it for a bit and it was SO fast and it looked SO good! Then TF2 crashed due to that popular memory error that still lingers.
I'm not sure what the problem is. I thought it was the video card considering the screen flips out, but it DOES function. I also thought it COULD be my motherboard? I'm not too sure. Considering I've never had a problem like this before. It's just weird that it randomly happens, but it ALSO happens if the case it barely tapped. Which makes me think it COULD be the motherboard?
I've booted the PC in safe mode and the problem still existed. I also opened the case and made sure the card was in the slot all the way and made sure no wires were loose or anything.
I'm not sure what it could be and honestly I want to get it fixed ASAP cause I'm SO excited to finally have a NEW PC. I have a few friends that could help out but they're usually busy majority of the time. On top of that I work from 10 - 10 Monday through Friday, so I'm hardly ever home. I just hope I can get this beast up and running sooner than later.
Also, here are my specs.
INTEL CORE 2 DUO E8500 3.16GHZ RET.
250GB SATA II 3.GB 7200RPM 8MB
160GB SATA-II 3GB/S 8MB 7200RPM HD
2G DDR2 PC6400 MEMORY
ASUS P5N-E SLI NFORCE 650I SLI MB
EVGA GEFORCE 8800GT 512MB PCI-E
I know I could post this in the forums, but I'd rather it be seen on the front page / in the c-blogs so maybe I can get an answer faster. Maybe someone knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Who knows. I appreciate anything and everything though.
One thing is for sure though. I don't think I'm ever ordering from CyberPower PC again, first order and a not so good experience. :(
That sounds like a video card error. Do you have the latest drivers? If so unplug the computer. Hold in the power button for 2 minutes to discharge the static. Then leave the computer on a table for about 15 minutes just to be safe. Then run your hand along the metal part of the case yo ground your hands. Then unscrew one side of the case. Look for the graphic card and make sure it is all the way in the pcie slot. Do not force it though. If the memory is your problem try switching the memory slots. If you have a freind good with computers get him to help you. Try calling tech support and see what they say. Good luck with your computer. These are just guesses. If you have a friend good with computers ask him for help he probably knows more than me.
Could be a lot of things, first thing I check would be the ram though :| Try memtest (it's free ;p) and if there's so much as a single error then somethings wrong with your RAM. A lot of RAM is DOA, it's a common problem :( Tapping on the case and it happens o_0 Sounds like somethings loose in there. Make sure all he connections are firm (power, and sata wires)
Argh. You have no idea to the degree I can feel your pain. So many nights spent trying to fix my formerly new computer, searching everywhere, calling every place, everyone! Only to be still left by my lonesome, in hopes of figuring out an issue that no one seems to know anything about. Sigh. I hope it gets fixed so you can be gaming soon. This is one reason why I prefer consoles the majority of the time. No constant issues.
Check the Ram
Flash the Bios (unless you have raid setup - might cause issues)
Update Bios
If you were having issues before XP installed this could be mother board / memory issues / if the distorted text is still lingering it could be video card issue as well however it could be the board it self not transferring the data correctly.
well I didn't mean for him to do that in any specific order ;p, that was just a list of things he should consider going through, ive heard of many issues with intel boards causing lock ups and issues before / during an os installation and bios usually turns out to be the issue.
miguel, when your video card flips out do you see graphic artifacts going haywire? In other words.. you see the game environment stretching into triangles and what not.. that generally relates to a graphic card / driver issue.
Also, is your computer reading the correct ammount of memory? I would recommend removing everything (minus the cpu - save that for absolute last - dont want to hassle with that mess just yet).
If the effect changes when you tap your case it's hardware. It sounds like your video card is loose or something between your monitor and the card itself is loose. Like everyone said, make sure everything is plugged in properly. I know you said you did, but do it again.
A basic troubleshooting step would be in install a different video card in the system (just a crap one) and see if you get the same problem using that. If so then you're working towards narrowing down the issue.
There are a lot of factors to consider with this info, I mean you got the system and then started tinkering with it (as you should), so it's hard to say right now if you caused it or it's fault hardware.
If bumping the case makes things bad, it's probably got something loose. Other than that, I've had similar problems like this in the past. Once it was my power supply causing system freezes, as it was dodgy and couldn't give the whole rig enough power, and when it did come back there were massive errors.
I knew you guys wouldn't let me down. :)
I figured it was probably something loose, but I'm really not sure. I'll go ahead and keep messing with it. I definitely did get the latest drivers for everything right off the bat, so in all honesty I bet it's a hardware issue or something in there just isn't making a connection. It's really annoying though, I think I'd almost want something to not work at all rather than doing something like this. It's such a tease! I'll try everything you guys said, I appreciate everything. :)
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about me
I'm Miguel.
Also known as AngelsDontBurn.
I'm from Houston, TX.
I'm also 25.
But I look like I'm 16!
http://www.myspace.com/ohdaesu713 This was an old band I did vocals in.
Check it out if you'd like.
Working on a new project now.
It's light years better. :)
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That sounds like a video card error. Do you have the latest drivers? If so unplug the computer. Hold in the power button for 2 minutes to discharge the static. Then leave the computer on a table for about 15 minutes just to be safe. Then run your hand along the metal part of the case yo ground your hands. Then unscrew one side of the case. Look for the graphic card and make sure it is all the way in the pcie slot. Do not force it though. If the memory is your problem try switching the memory slots. If you have a freind good with computers get him to help you. Try calling tech support and see what they say. Good luck with your computer. These are just guesses. If you have a friend good with computers ask him for help he probably knows more than me.
Check all component connections. It seems like something isn't fully connected to the board
Let me edit that. If you don't have the drivers install them and see what happens. If you do have them and the error persists try what i said.
Could be a lot of things, first thing I check would be the ram though :| Try memtest (it's free ;p) and if there's so much as a single error then somethings wrong with your RAM. A lot of RAM is DOA, it's a common problem :( Tapping on the case and it happens o_0 Sounds like somethings loose in there. Make sure all he connections are firm (power, and sata wires)
Argh. You have no idea to the degree I can feel your pain. So many nights spent trying to fix my formerly new computer, searching everywhere, calling every place, everyone! Only to be still left by my lonesome, in hopes of figuring out an issue that no one seems to know anything about. Sigh. I hope it gets fixed so you can be gaming soon. This is one reason why I prefer consoles the majority of the time. No constant issues.
Check the Ram
Flash the Bios (unless you have raid setup - might cause issues)
Update Bios
If you were having issues before XP installed this could be mother board / memory issues / if the distorted text is still lingering it could be video card issue as well however it could be the board it self not transferring the data correctly.
@ dyslixec - I wouldn't flash the bios so quickly... check everything else first and that last :|
Very very rarely would the bios ever be a problem and if it a restore usually does the trick....
Yea first get http://www.memtest86.com/ and check your ram.
How big is your power supply?
The easiest thing would be to start swapping out parts if you have any spares to do it with, anything old that you know works is fine.
well I didn't mean for him to do that in any specific order ;p, that was just a list of things he should consider going through, ive heard of many issues with intel boards causing lock ups and issues before / during an os installation and bios usually turns out to be the issue.
miguel, when your video card flips out do you see graphic artifacts going haywire? In other words.. you see the game environment stretching into triangles and what not.. that generally relates to a graphic card / driver issue.
Also, is your computer reading the correct ammount of memory? I would recommend removing everything (minus the cpu - save that for absolute last - dont want to hassle with that mess just yet).
sounds like a hardware problem, if available try swapping out parts and testing
throw it out. buy new one, pussy.
Call support?
lolololololol
If the effect changes when you tap your case it's hardware. It sounds like your video card is loose or something between your monitor and the card itself is loose. Like everyone said, make sure everything is plugged in properly. I know you said you did, but do it again.
A basic troubleshooting step would be in install a different video card in the system (just a crap one) and see if you get the same problem using that. If so then you're working towards narrowing down the issue.
There are a lot of factors to consider with this info, I mean you got the system and then started tinkering with it (as you should), so it's hard to say right now if you caused it or it's fault hardware.
If bumping the case makes things bad, it's probably got something loose. Other than that, I've had similar problems like this in the past. Once it was my power supply causing system freezes, as it was dodgy and couldn't give the whole rig enough power, and when it did come back there were massive errors.
I knew you guys wouldn't let me down. :)
I figured it was probably something loose, but I'm really not sure. I'll go ahead and keep messing with it. I definitely did get the latest drivers for everything right off the bat, so in all honesty I bet it's a hardware issue or something in there just isn't making a connection. It's really annoying though, I think I'd almost want something to not work at all rather than doing something like this. It's such a tease! I'll try everything you guys said, I appreciate everything. :)
Check if there is any compatibility issues between your video card and the motherboard and chipset.
havent read this yet, but have it open so i can...
also, is it still having trouble or have you figured it out by this point?