Big problems with old computer.

colin2238

New Member
Hey everyone.
Im having a issue with my brothers old computer. Im gonna list off the specs so we all know with what we are dealing with.
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8ghz HT
Mobo: MSI Neo 2 platinum 800fsb
RAM: 1gig (2x 512mb) Mushkin Enhanced DDR400 dual channel
Video card: ATI X1600pro 512mb AGP
Harddrive: Seagate 80 gig 7200rpm
Powersupply: 420w (came with case)
OS: Windows XP sp2
Age: 4yrs old except video card which is only about a yr old


Over the last 2 weeks ive been having a issue where the computer wont boot up. Lights and fans come on and even a mobo beep but no video or sign of windows booting. Usually on the 6-10 try the computer will fully boot with no issue. About 2 days ago i would be using the computer and then the screen would go black with a lil red box in the middle saying something about frequency settings (this part my brother experienced and explained to me so sorry if im lacking exact details.) I had him set all bios to default to try and save it. After that the computer wont boot at all and not even a mobo beep. The only noise it makes is a wierd clicking sound inside the tower. Still lights and fans come on but no mobo beep. I dont know what else to do. Any help would be appreciated.
 
I'd probably try another PSU first. Could be a few things but they die so frequently and it does resemble a power problem...
 
I had a feeling it might be power supply.... My brother just called and told me that he tried turning it on and it wouldnt boot but left it running anyway. He comes back from putting groceries away (approx 15min) and the computer had booted up windows. He is able to surf the internet and use normal windows applications but the minute he trys to game with it it crashes and freezes. What does this mean?
 
Hmmm well if the psu came with the case then its most likely going to be poor - if it only has one 12V rail - most likely 18 A then i would say this is the problem. As with my old PSU whenever i tried to run a game i would get a system crash - chnaged PSU to a more powerfull one and it works perfectly now. I reckon this is the problem
 
Ok im trying to look into a replacement psu for his computer but cant find out what kind of psu would work with it... Its a MSI 865pe Neo 2 board and a ATX case
 
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