Hello, I have a question about my computer GPU

[half]

Hello. I think my GPU is busted. I copy pasted this from another post I made in another tech support forum, that's why it has "edit" in it.

I suspect it's the GPU as the fan had been making some noises. My specs are:

Lenovo Thinkcenter M92p Tower

Nvidia Geforce 8800m (I think. It was only on Directx 10 or 11)

Intel i5 or i3 (can't check as PC isn't working) quad core at 3.2 Ghz

Windows 10

Anyway, I restarted it for some reason, and it came back on with no picture. I used a DVI to HDMI cable for this PC, and the other port had the same result. Tried a different TV too. Bought a new cable on top of that, still nothing. It turns on and stays on, but unsure about booting. After a second or two I hear the "beep beep", which if I call correctly is normal before going to Grubs and booting windows after 10 seconds. I had no password or code, and I plugged the USB speakers in and didn't hear the windows startup sounds, but I may have had it muted when it went out or the sound card may have been part of the GPU (I know things from past tech support, but I'm no expert) so I don't know. Just thought I'd ask before buying a new GPU.


edit: I left it on for a bit and I hear the Sata drive, so I take it that means it's just the GPU causing no sound/picture? Assuming it's not muted.


edit 2: Okay, I just plugged in the keyboard and speakers, booted, then there was no beep, but after a few moments, the lights on the keyboard and the speakers went out for about a second. Sooooo, this boots and it's the GPU, right?

[Bennett 🚀]

If you take the GPU out of the tower (disconnecting it from the motherboard and any power supply connections responsibly while the computer is completely disconnected from power) and use onboard video instead, does it still give a black screen?
If it doesn't, then it most likely is your graphics card. Otherwise, it's your motherboard that's busted most likely if it's a sudden change in its operation.

[half]

Dec 22, 2020 13:06:36 GMT -8 Bennett 🚀 said:

If you take the GPU out of the tower (disconnecting it from the motherboard and any power supply connections responsibly while the computer is completely disconnected from power) and use onboard video instead, does it still give a black screen?
If it doesn't, then it most likely is your graphics card. Otherwise, it's your motherboard that's busted most likely if it's a sudden change in its operation.

Ooooh, crap. I'm unable to do that at the moment. I was planning to upgrade the card anyway, so I can just order a new MB (should be cheap considering older model) when I do that if that's what it is. GPU is the one that's extremely static sensitive, isn't it?

[Bennett 🚀]

Dec 22, 2020 13:12:00 GMT -8 half said:

Dec 22, 2020 13:06:36 GMT -8 Bennett 🚀 said:

If you take the GPU out of the tower (disconnecting it from the motherboard and any power supply connections responsibly while the computer is completely disconnected from power) and use onboard video instead, does it still give a black screen?
If it doesn't, then it most likely is your graphics card. Otherwise, it's your motherboard that's busted most likely if it's a sudden change in its operation.

Ooooh, crap. I'm unable to do that at the moment. I was planning to upgrade the card anyway, so I can just order a new MB (should be cheap considering older model) when I do that if that's what it is. GPU is the one that's extremely static sensitive, isn't it?

Of all the components that are perhaps sensitive to static, it would be the motherboard. Larger GPUs have more things to keep static from interacting with any metallic parts, but if you have a smaller "card" GPU that doesn't have fans or what-have-you it may be more susceptible. 

Keep in mind you'll have to find a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU (you said an i3 or i5). It will be important to make sure that it's the correct form factor (ATX vs mini ATX etc) and is the correct socket type (generally Intel are on LGA115x at this point). Use a part picker service like PC Part Picker to find your existing parts and look for a new motherboard that is compatible with those other components.

[half]

Dec 22, 2020 13:17:24 GMT -8 Bennett 🚀 said:

Dec 22, 2020 13:12:00 GMT -8 half said:

Ooooh, crap. I'm unable to do that at the moment. I was planning to upgrade the card anyway, so I can just order a new MB (should be cheap considering older model) when I do that if that's what it is. GPU is the one that's extremely static sensitive, isn't it?

Of all the components that are perhaps sensitive to static, it would be the motherboard. Larger GPUs have more things to keep static from interacting with any metallic parts, but if you have a smaller "card" GPU that doesn't have fans or what-have-you it may be more susceptible. 

Keep in mind you'll have to find a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU (you said an i3 or i5). It will be important to make sure that it's the correct form factor (ATX vs mini ATX etc) and is the correct socket type (generally Intel are on LGA115x at this point). Use a part picker service like PC Part Picker to find your existing parts and look for a new motherboard that is compatible with those other components.

Thank you for the advice. I'll likely just get the same one as I had to avoid any mistakes. It's a small case, I don't think it was really meant to be customized all that much. UV kills static, so when the sun comes back out, I'll go outside with a blanket and take the GPU out. I was gonna have to anyway, and if the CPU runs it, that's idea. It's what I did when I put the hard drive from my old computer in it.

Do you think the odds are good since the keyboard and speaker lights went out for a second as if it were booting? I've replaced a PSU, swapped a hard drive, reset the BIOS by removing cmos, and installed RAM, this is a whole new level for me. The thought of doing the whole motherboard makes me anxious.

[Bennett 🚀]

Dec 22, 2020 13:48:01 GMT -8 half said:

Dec 22, 2020 13:17:24 GMT -8 Bennett 🚀 said:

Of all the components that are perhaps sensitive to static, it would be the motherboard. Larger GPUs have more things to keep static from interacting with any metallic parts, but if you have a smaller "card" GPU that doesn't have fans or what-have-you it may be more susceptible. 

Keep in mind you'll have to find a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU (you said an i3 or i5). It will be important to make sure that it's the correct form factor (ATX vs mini ATX etc) and is the correct socket type (generally Intel are on LGA115x at this point). Use a part picker service like PC Part Picker to find your existing parts and look for a new motherboard that is compatible with those other components.

Thank you for the advice. I'll likely just get the same one as I had to avoid any mistakes. It's a small case, I don't think it was really meant to be customized all that much. UV kills static, so when the sun comes back out, I'll go outside with a blanket and take the GPU out. I was gonna have to anyway, and if the CPU runs it, that's idea. It's what I did when I put the hard drive from my old computer in it.

Do you think the odds are good since the keyboard and speaker lights went out for a second as if it were booting? I've replaced a PSU, swapped a hard drive, reset the BIOS by removing cmos, and installed RAM, this is a whole new level for me. The thought of doing the whole motherboard makes me anxious.

If it goes on for just a second, it might be that your power supply is not high enough wattage. If you can't turn on the computer with the GPU not seated in the motherboard, then it could also be that the power supply is faulty / not enough wattage as well. Lots of variables to try to isolate, definitely try turning on without the GPU first.

[half]

Dec 22, 2020 13:55:48 GMT -8 Bennett 🚀 said:

Dec 22, 2020 13:48:01 GMT -8 half said:

Thank you for the advice. I'll likely just get the same one as I had to avoid any mistakes. It's a small case, I don't think it was really meant to be customized all that much. UV kills static, so when the sun comes back out, I'll go outside with a blanket and take the GPU out. I was gonna have to anyway, and if the CPU runs it, that's idea. It's what I did when I put the hard drive from my old computer in it.

Do you think the odds are good since the keyboard and speaker lights went out for a second as if it were booting? I've replaced a PSU, swapped a hard drive, reset the BIOS by removing cmos, and installed RAM, this is a whole new level for me. The thought of doing the whole motherboard makes me anxious.

If it goes on for just a second, it might be that your power supply is not high enough wattage. If you can't turn on the computer with the GPU not seated in the motherboard, then it could also be that the power supply is faulty / not enough wattage as well. Lots of variables to try to isolate, definitely try turning on without the GPU first.

I actually have a 500w supply, assuming it fits this case. Anyway, thank you for the advice, I will try it.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

I'd just like to add pcpartpicker is a great website to know what's compatible or not before buying. pcpartpicker.com/

And if it's new LinusTechTips probably already has a video about it.

[nero1]

I'm just gonna leave the video... 

[half]

Dec 22, 2020 14:29:11 GMT -8 User 180565 is taking donation said:

I'd just like to add pcpartpicker is a great website to know what's compatible or not before buying. pcpartpicker.com/

And if it's new LinusTechTips probably already has a video about it.

I appreciate it. I'll check it out when I'm ready to order.

Dec 22, 2020 17:49:35 GMT -8 nero1 said:

I'm just gonna leave the video... 

I appreciate the video, but the support ended on the card I have long ago. I believe this one is 12 years old. Like even the Nvidia Control panel and Geforce Experience are incompatible with it.

[half]

Okay, so I removed the GPU only to realize I was mistaken. There is no DVI port on the CPU output, only the typical blue monitor output (I'm sure you know it). I'm gonna order the GPU (as I was gonna upgrade regardless) and if there's a problem I'll take it to the local repair place as I've had them plug a thing into a monitor for me before. If push comes to shove, maybe they can keep it in and diagnose it.