Computer Hard Freezing, Even in BIOS

[Williamtell13]

My computer keeps hard freezing, even in the BIOS. I bought 2 new sticks of RAM and it still freezes. I've taken out the video card and the sound card and it still freezes. I've tried taking out the CMOS battery and it still freezes. It's not an overheating problem, the CPU stays at around 130 F consistently. The only thing I can think is that it's the motherboard finally dying. The computer doesn't stay loaded in Windows for longer than 15 minutes without freezing, but usually it is about 5 minutes or less, even in the BIOS. This is my motherboard...

TA780G M2+ :: Motherboard :: BIOSTAR

I feel like I've tried everything but if anyone has any suggestions, I'll gladly accept them. Thanks in advance.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Power Supply?

Maybe the power supply is overheating or has some other fault (e.g. bad soldering).

Do you have access to another power supply?

Remember to exercise extreme caution if you replace the power supply.

 

[Williamtell13]

I built the computer about 6 years ago, so the power supply would be about that old. I don't have access to another power supply unfortunately. I could just buy one from Best Buy and just return it if it doesn't fix it. When it freezes it does just that: freezes in place, whether it's on the BIOS splash screen, in the BIOS, or in Windows, and I have to physically hit the power button on the power supply to turn it off

 

[Berton]

I've seen a number of computers that fit that description and of ages from about 5 years ago and back to the late '90s and all turned out to be bulged and/or leaking capacitors. I lost my first WinXP computer that way, actually only the motherboard. And the problem was not relegated to just one brand, mine was a Custom. It was like 'the lights are on but no one is home', never any error message. It also happened to a couple of power supplies I replaced, one of the 2 large capacitors actually blew up.

 

[townsbg]

I would do as Berton suggests and check the motherboard for burst or leaking capacitors. To be through you might want to take it completely out. The power supply is also something to check but when mine went out my system would shut down erratically and not freeze. As for the temperature that isn't bad for a running system but it is a bit high for a cold boot unless you keep your house that hot.

 

[Williamtell13]

Thanks for the replies I will check out the capacitors. If I do find that one of them is busted does that mean the whole motherboard is kicked?

 

[Berton]

For older computers it may not be possible to locate a replacement motherboard, sometimes might find one on eBay but be sure there's a warranty. If replacing with a newer model board consider that you probably will need a new CPU/Central Processing Unit and RAM/Random Access Memory. Also involved is re-activating Windows due to the hardware change, may even have to re-install Windows.

 

[Williamtell13]

So I just took a look at the motherboard and it looks like one or two of the capacitors are slightly bulged up. They're not totally flat on top. So is it time to build a new computer?

 

[Berton]

I would, and did.

 

[townsbg]

The only alternative would be to find an exact replacement for the bad capacitors and replace them; Replacing the MB would be easier. Keep in mind though that windows should be reinstalled unless you find a similar model and that an OEM copy will not carry over to the new system. You will have to obtain another license for Windows.

 

[lehnerus2000]

You may have other components, which have also been damaged.

I tried replacing a busted capacitor on a motherboard ~2 years ago.
I thought it was worth a shot, as a couple of capacitors of the required type only cost a few dollars.
It didn't fix the motherboard.

I didn't have the equipment or documentation necessary to find other faults on such a complicated board.

 

[Berton]

I've considered replacing the capacitors but a decent solder-sucking device for use in removing the old unit would be needed. I also think the cost of a shop doing it may be more than a new board.

 

[Williamtell13]

I've been wanting to build a new computer for awhile now, so I'm just gonna go ahead and take this as the opportunity to do so. If the motherboard wasn't like 6 years old, I would totally just buy the same motherboard and throw it in, but I doubt I'm going to be able to find the same motherboard and have it be reliable, so I'm just going to start from scratch.

 

[Berton]

Sounds like a plan to me, it's what I did and relegated the old computer to recycle.