PC not booting up, weird noises

MickyG

MickyG

Enthusiast
Hey all, basically my problem is that the family PC isn't working, this wasn't purchased from PCS and we've had it a good 5 years now. The computer doesn't start, it makes some weird noises and doesn't even get through to loading BIOS or Windows or anything. Unfortunately we got rid of the monitor that worked with the computer (an old monitor connected via the long purple slot, not the blue slot), so I can't actually see if there is any information being displayed. I've linked to a video I've just recorded showing the inside of the computer and the noise that it is making.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3JFFfzNRxU

Just hoping if anybody has any ideas what could be causing it and how to fix it.

Thanks in advance

G
 
R0B_

R0B_

Bronze Level Poster
Has anyone had the chance to move it or knock it about? I'd suggest checking everything is seated and fitted correctly on the mobo, but make sure you unplug the computer and earth yourself to it so as not to cause any accidental damage. This is done by making sure you wear shoes so that you don't cause to much rub on your carpet and with the power cable still attached to the computer, you touch the earth prong on your plug with your finger and press the power button (DO NOT CONNECT ANYTHING TO MAINS POWER WHILE YOU DO THIS! You may laugh, but I've seen people do some very strange things). Then start to tinker away.
 
MickyG

MickyG

Enthusiast
Nope, nobody has moved or knocked it, it's sat on a desk (I moved it off the desk so I could take the video, it had started doing the noises before). I'll give it a go though and let you know. I'd thought it may be something to do with the PSU

G
 
vanthus

vanthus

Member Resting in Peace
The main suspects for the noise would be the PSU or the hard drive,
these should easily be confirmed or eliminated with the PC open by holding your ear close to said components,
or use a non magnetic screwdriver,holding the handle to your ear & touching the psu or hard drive with the other end of the screwdriver,being very careful of course.
If no joy & the noise seems to be from the motherboard,try taking a ram module out one at a time,then restarting the PC,if you only have one module you will need to get hold of a replacement.
Failing that, it could be the GPU/PCU or a component in the the motherboard,most likely a capacitor.
I know this covers almost everything,but almost anything could cause this noise & like any other fault finding,it's a matter of elimination but eliminating in the right order is important,it saves you going round in circles.
As mentioned by ROB, taking electrostatic precautions is wise,the best & safest way to do this is with an anti static wristband,Ive never heard of the method ROB describes,speaking as an electrician,I think this could potentially lead to a very shocking experience.
 
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