CPU/Motherboard Issue

[PerfectFlaw]

Hey

Problem
My PC was running fine up until recently when on boot it caked itself before reaching login. What happens now is when i start it up, it doesnt reach bios or load in any form.

My Specs
Intell P4 2.53
1024MB DDR400
Gigabyte SIS655 Socket 478 AGP8x (GA-8SQ800)
WD EIDE Cavair SE (8mb cache ATA\100)

My troubleshooting
At fist i thought it was a graphics issue either with the monitor or the card as i was getting the "no signal" or the monitor would shortly switch to standby, So i tried an alternate monitor and graghics card, neither made any change.

Secondly (perhaps illogically) i suspected the HD, i swapped the HD into another computer, it didnt work. I purchased a new one (same specs but higher volume) It did not work in the computer with the issue but did in another. The old HD worked this time when i tried it in a different computer.

Through a series of queries i think its either the Motherboard or CPU:

There is an amber/orange solid light on the Motherboard.
All fans are working.
All cards have been removed and re-inserted.
Booting without ram alters no symptoms
On load the hard drive lights flicker still.


Any help or further trouble shooting anyone can offer is much appreicaited

Thank you

Charlie

 

[Mr_Threepwood]

Check your motherboard manual for what the lights mean usually there are 4 lights that go on during the boot, you say that there is one light and I think that means CPU or Motherboard error, check Mobo manual it may tell you.

 

[PerfectFlaw]

Thanks for the reply

The manual said the light was the ram LED but that was all, no troubleshooting

I tried using other ram to no avail

Are there any unique symptoms (in this scenario) that may be able to tell me if this is a CPU issue or a motherboard issue?


Thanks

Charlie

 

[Nitestick]

it is most likely a ram issue or a blown dimm slot (memory slot) on the motherboard. booting without ram won't work anyway.

 

[PerfectFlaw]

Thanks for the reply

I was hoping for a different error or a change in what was happening by starting without ram.

I tried new ram and it didnt work, so it maybe the slots which means a new board.

I ordered a new motherboard and processor today

Thanks Mr_Threepwood and nitestick.