Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Gregl on May 31, 2010, 08:10:00 PM
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I have been having some issues recently with my computer. At times my screen will have short green lines across it and the computer stops. It is not a full crash however, i can still here sounds on the computer but they are broken and choppy. The mouse works... but the rest of the screen is frozen. The computer is simply nonreactive. the lights on the keyboard freeze. pressing caps lock or numb lock do not change the lights. i suspect my motherboard is going but i haven't encountered this before so i do not know. Is this a hardware issue?
Specs
Athelon X2 dual core
Nforce4 M-A motherboard
2G ram
Gforce 8500 videocard
Windows Vista 32 bit
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Have you tried booting into safe mode? What happens then?
If its ok, its more than likely a software issue.
Did you install/configure/change anything prior to the problem starting?
This problem could be caused by many many things from a loose connection to a failed motherboard and so it'll be a matter of elimination to find the answer. The above questions will give some clues to a path we can follow.
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Hi Gregl
This type of problem in my experience is caused by the graphics card, or your RAM.
If it was your RAM however, i would expect your machine to crash completely on the event of an error.
So I am inclined to lean toward your graphics card's RAM. As it gets full during use, it is getting to a bad chip, and the graphics it is storing gets corrupted and output like that.
The only thing you can do for it is to replace the graphics card, unless it is still under warranty, send it back for replacement.
Lucky for you a 8500gt replacement card is only $39.99 US for a new card with free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141066&Tpk=8500gt (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141066&Tpk=8500gt)
I am assuming your board takes PCI-e because of the other specs and I am fairly certain that nVidia stopped producing AGP cards after the 7 series.
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Have you tried booting into safe mode? What happens then?
If its ok, its more than likely a software issue.
It is ok.. what do you recommend? try DL'ing new Bios? vid card drivers?
But, then again the Safe mode requires less video power. who is right here?
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Have you tried the simple things? connections, boards and chips seated etc?
Take a look at the 'events viewer' in 'administrative tools > computer management.
There you can take a look at your recent history by date and time for warnings and failures. Look for a 'trend' that will give a clue to the failure and report back.
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I've never heard of booting into safe mode causing any problems so it's the first thing you should try and see what happens.
Downloading a new BIOS is too drastic a step to do at this time.
My feeling also is that it your video card, but you need to take trouble shooting one step at a time.
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ok well thatk you all0 for the help. ill try these suggestions and see what happens.