Solved Monitor display suddenly turns off, can't get the display back

[Windidugo]

Tonight I was playing a good old game. I minimized to my desktop while the game was running and pulled open Windows calculator, did some calculator stuff, but then the computer goes into a blue error screen and then restarts. A few moments later, the display on my monitor suddenly turns off as if it were put to sleep. And even if I turn it off cold and restart the computer, nothing appears on the display at all, not even a BIOS logo screen. So weird.

System specs:
AMD E-350 Processor x2 (1.6Ghz)
4GB RAM (upgraded from OEM default 2GB)
500GB Hard Drive
GRAPHICS: AMD Radeon HD 6310
Acer (eMachines)-EL1360G UW12P
bundled with eMachines brand monitor/speakers

 

[GokAy]

You can try:

- Remove the power cord of monitor and PC for a minute. Not just shut down.
- Clear CMOS if you don't mind reconfiguring the BIOS

 

[alphanumeric]

Laptop? Unplug the power pack, remove the battery, press and hold the power button for say 10 seconds. Now plug the power pack and battery back in and press the power button. Oh, and cross your fingers.

 

[Windidugo]

Also, the computer doesn't make the startup 'beep' sound, it just turns on.

 

[GokAy]

Alright but did you try what was suggested?

 

[Windidugo]

I will do that later.

 

[Windidugo]

Alright I tried the unplug and plug back in but it's still doing three strange thing.

 

[alphanumeric]

It's sounding like a hardware failure, GPU or monitor maybe. Try connecting an external monitor. If its not finishing the POST its not a software/Windows issue, its a hardware fault.

 

[Windidugo]

I have no extra monitors. I'm afraid I'm going to need to spend money on a brand new one.

 

[GokAy]

You can just pick the PC up and take to a friend/ neighbor or hook it up to your LCD TV! Before you pay for a monitor you are not even sure is the problem.

 

[Windidugo]

Sorry I mean brand new PC.

 

[Windidugo]

Also I took out the RAM stick, plug back in and turn on, then when i turn it on with no RAM, the motherboard beeps continuously.

 

[alphanumeric]

Also I took out the RAM stick, plug back in and turn on, then when i turn it on with no RAM, the motherboard beeps continuously.

That's normal, no RAM gets you a BIOS error beep code as part of the POST. Power On Self Test. A single Beep means everything is OK. On a desktop PC anyway. My laptop doesn't Beep unless there is an error. My desktop PC gives the one beep every time I boot it up.

 

[alphanumeric]

I think you've had either a GPU or CPU failure, maybe an overheat. Diagnosing and proving it is very hard. No BIOS on screen means its not finishing the POST. It's a hardware issue. It could even be a motherboard fault. No BIOS error Beep code doesn't help. My guess is its failing very early in the POST. Wish I could be more help. If it's the onboard graphics that have failed you may be able to put in a dedicated card and get it working again. No guaranties though. If you can borrow a compatible graphics card for your system it may be worth trying it. Otherwise, your likely looking at taking the PC somewhere to be repaired.

 

[Windidugo]

After tinkering with the CMOS for days, only to figure out that my upgraded memory became defected. I saved the original OEM ram stick. Bad news, it's half my upgraded ram (2gb) and my memory seems to hover at 90% usage after 15 minutes of uptime. :/

 

[AddRAM]

are you sure ?

Where are you getting that figure from ?

Post a snip.

You need at least 4 GB with Windows 7 and I recommend at least 8.

2 GB is not enough at all.

Return the defective memory.

 

[alphanumeric]

Good tinkering. Get some new new RAM and you should be back in business.

 

[Windidugo]

8GB? With my processor, won't that be a bit overkill?

 

[alphanumeric]

What does the CPU have to do with how much RAM you have and use? I run 8 gig in my laptop and desktop PC.