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Boots only when cold but MB temps OK
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Posted by: hcethatsme
This is a Gateway E4600, granted from the Gates Foundation (I work at a public library) but out of warrantee of course... It started freezing intermittently and now will only boot when stone cold (off for at least 15-30 minutes). It runs fine for about 10-15 minutes then hangs. Video displays a frozen screen for a bit, then goes black. Then when trying to boot, no post/no video, but fans and lights.
PSU seems fine--it has one of those test switches. RAM is good (I swapped it out). Unplugging/removing peripherals and cards does nothing. HOWEVER, when RAM is removed or video card is out, it DOES give the proper warning beeps on boot.
I downloaded Intel's neat little utility that monitors board & processor temps & fan RPM. All green right up until freeze. Nothing feels hot inside except the video card (nVIDIA gforce 2MX 200), and that's normal, right?
Does it sound like a bad motherboard? I have identical machines but haven't tried swapping anything but RAM. I could try swapping the processor, I just always worry about bending a pin etc. Any other ideas?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Hilary
Posted by: uh...ok
I would almost certainly pin it on the motherboard or PSU - and since PSUs fail more frequently than motherboards, I'd look there first. If you're certain your PSU is working fine (do you have a spare lying around that you could test with?) then it sounds like your mobo's the likely culprit. Are there any fans on the motherboard and, if so, are they all spinning properly when the power is on?
Posted by: hcethatsme
Thanks uhok, I did swap out the PSU and it still happens. Just ordered a new motherboard on eBay for cheap, so I'll give that a shot! I'll keep you posted. (There are no fans on the MB, but the processor fan does spin).
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