computer crashed, and sound card doesn't work anymore

So one day I was on my computer, and it decided to take a nap and crash on me. "Fine then", I thought.... So then I gave it a reboot as usual...... and lo and behold, there is no sound.

Period.

I might go crazy without music to distract me.

I have a Soundblaster Audigy 2, with no previous problems. I uninstalled the driver and reinstalled it multiple times, and, nothing would help. I even installed the motherboard drivers again, (which oddly enough, I can't even run onboard sound off it either). The sound and audio configurations give nothing, it says nothing is installed.

My computer is about 3-4 years old..... sometimes it restarts on me, sometimes it hangs, whatever.

I'm running Windows XP SP2, with 1gb of ram (my 512mb stick got fried 1 year ago). I gave it a clean format and reinstall like 4 months ago as well.

With my computer deciding to fail on me, does this seem like a time to get a new computer?

And going back to my original question..... Does this mean my card is finished? Or is there a way to fix it?

Sound like a bios or mobo problem to me.

As you say, that you have tried both the on board sound and the Audigy card.

Btw, have you tried the Creative card in another PC? Just to make sure, it did'nt kicked the bucket when the mobo or whatever did?

But if a BIOS update does'nt fix it? I'll guess you are looking at getting another mobo.

Also those hang ups and restating, could be a sign of a faulty mobo. If not your RAM also is'nt healty that is?

Have you runned "Memtest" on the RAM lately?

This sounds like a similar problem to mee too! Today, after playing some games, my sound went beserks, so i decided to reboot. After rebooting i had got soooo many errors during the installation (thank god to back up), but once i reinstalled my drivers, and play some music agian, my sound wouldnt even respond. After this , I looked in the CREATIVE DRIVERS as analog output. If you have digital, speakers you should want to look if it is on analog or digital. Solved my problem .. after 5 hours of messing with my pc lol..

VerAx781.... I think my signal is analog, but unlike you who actually was able to reinstall my drivers... I can't get mine to work again.

goranpaa... I think you may be on the right track, what steps can I take to see what my motherboard status is? I think might be kinda screwy too, since I've went through hard drives and memory before, and I have a surge protector, so it can't be power spikes.

also, how would I check my bios? could you give me a list of steps and links to help me solve this problem? I would appreciate it very much!

I will run memtest and give a status after I run it. Thanks for the input guys.

update: ran a memtest....... zero errors........ i assume it's the mobo or bios then

Well, there are some small experiments you could try.

(First a couple of maybe silly questions?

Have you checked the speaker connectors?
All the settings for sound in Windows control panel and in Creative software?
Checked if the Audigy and onboard sound is listed in the device manager?)

1. Listen for any kind of bios beeps, when booting. And tell us here what kind of beeps you get? example: 1-2-1
2. Head into bios and check the settings for the sound.
3. Check the mobo for leaking capasitators or burnt areas.
4. Pull the mobo battery for 30 minutes. This will reset bios.
5. Go to your motherboard manufacturers home and get a bios update. Just make very sure you download the correct bios!

If this is a prebuildt machine? And you dont know what mobo this is? Download "Everest Home". It will tell you all about your hardware.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...-Edition.shtml

Also check out at the mobo manufacturers home, if there is a bios flash tool availiable?
That is if you dont have any mobo cd with a flash tool included?

If nothing of the above helps?

Kinda last resort before you starting to look for a new mobo:

Try a repair installation of your Windows XP:

Guide here :

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

This wont remove anything you have installed, except the Windows updates and SP2.

Also, if you have a non WHQL signed videocard driver? Uninstall it to avoid trouble during the repair installation.

If you dont know? Type, dxdiag in "run"



Try this, and we will see what happends?

So I have a normal beep.... when I turn on the computer, the beeeeeeeep.

So then I opened up the lid, and wow, guess what I found, two burst capacitors! (I presume)..... It is circled in RED in the picture.

So I haven't really done anything else yet, except install Everest. And I saw something peculiar...

My AMD 2500+ (give or take 200) Barton, was apparently 2.2 ghz..... and now Everest, and system information says' it's 1.1 GHZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can that even happen?!?!? Weird...

So what happens when the capacitors are blown? Thanks guys.

Should I still proceed w/ the bios update etc?

O.k. You have a cooked mobo. That's also probably why your cpu readings are so strange.

No need continueing with the updates etc. This is a mobo pushing up the daisys. it have ceased to be, it's an ex mobo. As John Cleese would have said.

I think that you could go 2 ways now, Either get a new socket A mobo.
Btw. is your mobo a full ATX mobo? 12.0" x 9.6" or Micro ATX 9.6" x 9.6"?

Or you can jump over to PCI Express. By buying a AMD socket 939 mobo and AMD 3700+ cpu and a decent 7600GS PCI E videocard. For about 290 bucks.



The latter is probably the best idea, as you will be able to run Windows Vista and upgrade to a Direct X10 videocard later on.

Just does'nt hope you say you have a Dell, Compaq or HP PC? Then it will be tuff to find a suitable mobo.

By looking at one of the labels in the photo you provided. I belive you have a Asus A7N8X mobo? Wich is a very good socket A mobo.

The worst thing is, that the very few socket A mobos that you can find today. Is'nt as good as the one you got.

I'd suggest borrowing a circuit tester to test your PSU (and ask someone on OTS or a friend who knows what they are doing what they should be) for spikes in voltage before you reconnect it to a replacement motherboard. If the capacitors are blown then the PSU should be suspect. After all, the mobo passed the inspection before it left the plant so it's unlikely that any other parts on the board or the capacitors themselves were placed backwards. It was fun to watch boards explode on the test rigs at the circuit board plant I worked at when something was placed wrong on the boards, but it cost $100 or more a board when it happened!

Yes, I do have a Asus A7N8X, built at a local computer shop.

Honestly, other than the basic hardware guts of the computer, I am *very* unfamiliar with hardware terms and meanings when it comes to computers.

What does Full ATX, Socket A, PCI express, and PSU mean? How do you check for voltage spikes (I thought I had a power surge power bar which apparently prevents surges?)?

When mobo shopping.... what important stuff should I look for?

Thanks for the input again guys!

Originally Posted by feeman_4_life

Yes, I do have a Asus A7N8X, built at a local computer shop.

Honestly, other than the basic hardware guts of the computer, I am *very* unfamiliar with hardware terms and meanings when it comes to computers.

What does Full ATX, Socket A, PCI express, and PSU mean? How do you check for voltage spikes (I thought I had a power surge power bar which apparently prevents surges?)?

When mobo shopping.... what important stuff should I look for?

Thanks for the input again guys!

First, sorry for the computer geek language. It's so easy to forget, that not all people visiting this forum is familiar with terms like ATX etc.


pdnielsen, is correct. you should have the powersupply (psu) examined by some one who knows about powersupplys and can handle a Volt meter.

Cuz just as he said. There probably have been some kind of power spike from the powersupply to the motherboard (mobo). that deep fried the capasitators on the mobo.
Indicating somethings wrong with your powersupply.

As for "ATX" size on a motherboard. The motherbords, comes in a couple of different sizes. the form factor is called "ATX" or Micro ATX form factor.

And if you have a small form factor pc case, like a "Mini ATX" case. You cant fit anormal sized (ATX) motherboard (mobo) into such a case.

The standard size for a mobo, is ATX = 12.0" x 9.6".

Your present motherboard is the older AGP standard motherboard.

"AGP", stands for "Accelerated Grapics Port". And this graphics sytem is AGP videocard compatible only. You cant fit a PCI Express ( i.e = "Peripheral Component Interconnect Express") Videocard into a AGP motherboard.

PCI E is just another word for PCI Express. Wich is the latest graphics interface system for videocards. And the corresponding graphic slot on a modern motherboard.

AGP videocards and motherboards are fast dissapearing now, since the arrival of the PCI E system, and not least the new DirectX 10 supported videocards. Direct X, is the part of Windows operative systems, that handles everything related to graphics in Windows itself and other softwares , like games for ex. ( simple explanation). And the 2 mayor videocard manufacturers and developers ATI (Radeon videocards) And Nvidia (Geforce videocards) have said that they wont release any new AGP videocards in the future. Just PCI Express cards.

Now, with the arrival of Windows Vista. Microsoft developed a new Direct X (Direct X10.) Or simply DX10) Wich will further improve the graphics. But as the architechture of DX10 is quite different from the older "DirectX 9.0". Wich is the Direct X version that have been the common direct X up til the release of Vista.

Because the DX 10 is so much different from DX 9.0. The videocard manufactureres ATI and Nvidia. Had to make new videocards adapted for this Direct X 10.

Now, Microsoft, also have included a support for the older Direct X9.0 cards , called Direct X 9.0 L.

So even if you own a direct X 9.0 videocard. You can run Windows Vista. But you cant take full advantage of all the nice graphics a DX10 videocard / software, is able to display.

The upcoming games, will have a much better image quality to them, because they will use this new Direct X10.

But the game manufacturers, will release either DX 9.0 compatiblle games along side with the dX 10 dito. Or some kind of compability patch, that will allow DX 9.0 videocard owners to be able to play the upcoming games. But as said, without the full image quality of a Direct X 10 game.

So basicly, what I suggested before. Whas to get a PCI E compatible motherboard, a socket 939 AMD processor, that can handle this new Windows Vista and a PCI E videocard. Because your AGP motherboard is of an 4 generations old version of AMD processors. With a processor socket (CPU socket) called "socket A". Or Socket 462. All different processors and motherboard versions have different sockets that is'nt compatible with older or newer systems.

Therefore you must buy a processor with the corresponding socket to a corrresponding motherboard. Just like you must buy a PCI E videocard for a motherboard that have a PCI E graphics slot. The same goes for AGP by the way.

There are no such AMD socket A, PCI Express motherboards. And have never been. The oldest AMD processor socket, you can fin PCI E compatible motherboards is AMD socket 754. But there are just 3 or 4 motherboard manufacturers that have released such PCI E, socket 754 motherboards in a small scale.

But the mobo and cpu I suggested is of the 2 generations old socket 939.

This, because they are cheap by now. Both PCI E and Windows Vista compatible.
And still competitive.

But the best system for the moment is Intels, Core Duo Cpu's and compatible motherboards. even called "Conroe". But they are pretty expensive for the moment.


So this is the AMD processor, compatible motherboard of a good brand and a PCI E videocard I suggested before.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813127225

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103622

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814122007

And it seens, like your case can use a normal ATX motherboard. As this Asus motherboard you have is ATX.

I guess, that it's best to suggest a powersupply also.
If it shows your previous psu is damaged and are giving out spikes?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817101520

Now, the main power connector is 20 pin on this psu I suggested. And is adaped for Intel systems So you will also need this, 20 pin psu to 24 pin motherboard main power connector converter cable. For the socket 939 AMD motherboard.

And if you have any questions regarding how to mount this stuff into your PC? dont hesitate to ask.


Hope I have clarified some of the computer geek mumbo jumbo terms we use?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812145002

Goranpaa, VERY comprehensive information! More than I ever hoped for, Thanks for all the info!!!

You did a great job of clarifying the hardware terminology. I will definitely take a look.

However, since it looks like I basically need a new computer, does the motherboard you recommend support dual core processing? I'm very much into photography (raw files take such a long time on my current system) and video editing and the occasional game, and I would like a system with a bit more oomph, without going bankrupt.

It seems that the Athlon 64 3700+ is 64 bit @ 2.2ghz.... and the video card is 256mb @ 128bits... so by your recommendation, do you think I should stick around what you recommended or try for dual core (or better yet, quad core, but I think my finances right now will not allow me since I'm a student =/) and more powerful card? Is there a bit difference in performance?

I think I may up my ram from 1gb (right now), to at least 2gb, and probably change my case as well since it's a rather poor case (poor ventilation).

I suspect my overall budget is about $1000 canadian (about $850 USD)

Thanks.

Well, as you are into photo. A dual core AMD X2. socket 939 cpu will definite be the better choise.
And a better videocard will of coarce be in order. But why is choosed a s.c "midrange videocard" for you. Is that soon the cheaper DX10 Geforce videocards 8600GT and 8600Ultra will be released in the next couple of months about. They will cost about 130 and 190 USD. And as I did'nt know how big a hurry you where in replacing the stuff? I thought you could start out with a decent dx 9.0 videocard and then go to a DX10 card when they where out.


There are a couple of top DX 10 Geforce cards out allready. 8800GTS and 8800GTX. But they cost horrible 450 and 550 bucks about. (But are extremely powerful). And I did'nt know if you where prepaired for such a cost just for the videocard?

ATI (Radeon) will soon release their line of DX10 videocards too. And I'm waiting to be able to swap my dx 9.0 card for a Radeon dx10 card. Or one of the Geforce midrange dx 10 cards. Just wanna wait and see what the review sites on the net have to say about their performance first.

But below, I have listed a suitable X2 AMD socket 939 processor, CPU cooler , case and RAM. That suits the motherboard and psu I listed before.

Case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129018

This is one of the most quiet cases you can find. Here are a suitable 92mm intake fan for this case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835119073

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103045

cpu cooler and thermal paste:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185125

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100009

RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231047


EDIT. Why I listed a full 2 gig RAM kit? This is, because the socket 939 motherboards can use "Dual channel" RAM setup. That will double the RAM's bandwith and boost the performance some. But this Dual channel, requiers identical RAM sticks (Speed and size).

As I dont know if Newegg have started to deliver to Canadian customers yet? Or if you can find the stuff I listed in canada for a resonable price?

I found this stuff at Tiger Direct. That I know deliver to Canada for ex.


Case:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...938&CatId=1509

This is what people call a "gamers case" As you can see, it have LED lights window and stuff. I dont know if you like this kind of cases?

But the NZXT Apollo, is a good case, have silent fans and good airflow.

PSU: Enermax is a reknown and very good psu brand.

Psu:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...498&CatId=1079

Psu main power converter 20 to 24 pin:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...facture=Others

Mobo:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Tab=11&NoMapp=

CPU:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=1526470

This whas the only s. 939. AMD X2 Tiger Direct had. But later on, you can always get a better cooler than the included and some better thermal paste. And over clock this cpu to a higher speed, if you feel the need that is?

RAM: Tiger direct, did'nt have any good RAM for the mobo. So Buy some nice Corsair XMS, G.Skill or Kingston Hyper X. 2 gig kit PC 3200 184 pin RAM in Canada instead.


Videocard: This is a very good price for a 7600GT, wich is the big brother of 7600GS.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...950&CatId=1560


Total of 485 USD.

Then count in about 200 - 250 bucks for the 2 gig a kit of good DDR PC 3200 RAM.

So with an 850 USD max budget. You can buy one of the Geforce 8600 DX 10 videocards when theire out. And keep the 7600gt as a reserve and trouble shooting card.