I recently got a job to recover a computer. By the way, they asked me to upgrade the video card so that it will handle 3D graphics rather well. I don’t have to install the best video card out there, just a pretty decent one. The problem with that is that the computer comes with a 200W power supply. So, I found a suitable 400W replacement and installed it today. I thought maybe the computer had boot up issues because of the power supply not providing enough juice to power up all the devices. It turns out not to be the case. I stripped computer down to bare essentials and it still hangs on boot up. I’ve tried a different drive with the same problem, so it’s not a software issue. I don’t have the diagnostic tools or another computer to check if the CPU or the motherboard is having problems. I did clean out the computer, it was filthy. Maybe it overheated at some point and is suffering the consequences. The owner told me that he would have to restart it several times before it would boot up completely.
The big issue here is that if I get a barebones system, I can no longer use the recovery CD. I’d have to get another copy of Windows. So, we are looking at an expense of several hundred dollars to replace a system that probably cost as much. As far as gaming and configuration, a custom box is ideal, but pricier. I need to talk to the owner tomorrow and discuss options.
UPDATE:
I have since researched the problem further. I went to HP.com to find out the specs on the computer. It turns out that the motherboard is a FIC AM37. I Googled for similar issues during POST. It turns out to be a known issue. The good news is that there are replacement FIC AM37 boards available on eBay. I called the owner, and he seems more partial to getting a new computer. I suggested replacing the mobo as the least expensive option, followed by ordering a barebones system and transplanting parts, and the most expensive option being a new PC. He’ll talk to his dad and call me back.
Shaine 