My desktop computer shit the bed. It's a 3 year old eMachines 3400 with a 200 GB HD. It had been freezing up, so I did a destructive recovery. Even after that, it would occasionally freeze, so I did some research and realized it was dirty as hell. I never opened it and cleaned it, so imagine the inside of King Tut's pyramid, that's what the inside looked like. I hit it with the can of duster, got all the dirt out, did another destructive recovery, reloaded all my apps, and it was running great. Then, bam! I try to start it, and after 30 seconds, I get the blinking blue power button of death.

Ideas? Remedies? Can I rebuild it? Should I bother?

It isn't worth it... if you want the best bang for buck, I can put you one together... Or show you the parts to order and help you do it.

Did you try re-booting it?

i paid $500 bucks for my 64 x2 AMD 4800+, 2.51ghz, 4 gb ram, gforce 8400, so on and so forth. i guess what im saying....go upgrade. they cheapy.

It isn't worth it... if you want the best bang for buck, I can put you one together... Or show you the parts to order and help you do it.

Teach me, Obi Wan. Or, tell me what you can do. Or both.

Teach me, Obi Wan. Or, tell me what you can do. Or both.

I'll PM you tomorrow, what's your budget? You can get in a nice core2quad for $600 or so... XP pro of course, stay away from Vista.

I'll PM you tomorrow, what's your budget? You can get in a nice core2quad for $600 or so... XP pro of course, stay away from Vista.

My laptop is Vista, I don't have any real complaints.

Budget is $500-$600, because that's what I figure I'd pay to replace just the computer... I have a nice flat screen monitor, 2 printers (got one free with my laptop...) and all that, so all I really need is the computer itself.

The only thing I'd like is a shitload of HD... I download a lot of music and movies, and would love to have space dedicated for that away from the OS and all. You know what I mean? Before my destructive recovery, I had 150 GB of movies, music and pictures of the kids... I burned all the kids pics to DVD (because those obviously are irreplaceable), but lost all the movies and music, which sucked.

The current computer has a 200GB hard drive. Is it salvageable for the new setup?? It has XP, MS Office Blue Edition, and some other programs on it.

ETA: I'm assuming I could reuse the eMachines case, but I would want all new fans and shit, right?

try reformatting. If that isn't it, then it's the hd, or a shotty mobo connection. After that, new comp time. Let Zero build you one, don't ever get "big name" computers again.

try reformatting. If that isn't it, then it's the hd, or a shotty mobo connection.

I can't get it to stay running long enough to try.

SATA storage is cheap... I've always used WD at home, but I've had good luck with these seagate barracuda drives at work... pretty reliable and fast, wont break the bank either... and that's what I go for... bang for buck

Where should I order the stuff from, Fry's or something?

What do you think we could do for $500-$600??

Where should I order the stuff from, Fry's or something?

What do you think we could do for $500-$600??

That's 2 hours worth of Craigslist hookers...think this through carefully.

might be overheating. Make sure the fans on your processors are running.

That's 2 hours worth of Craigslist hookers...think this through carefully.

I don't need hookers, I live with a nymphomaniac.

might be overheating. Make sure the fans on your processors are running.

I think it was before, when it would freeze. But now, it runs for 10 seconds and shuts right off, and the fans do run. I think it's fuxxored.

newegg.com, I'll put you together a shopping cart... PM me your e-mail address.

might be overheating. Make sure the fans on your processors are running.

The way I read it he said "I tried to start it, 30 seconds later it fails"... if it were offer, 30 seconds of non-processor intensive (loading the operating system) couldn't do the heat... it'd be more of an everytime deal to usually if that were happening.

then again, computers are disposable in the age of $400 new machines that leave two year old machines for dead

I heard somewhere that every computer you can buy right now at any computer store is already beyond obsolete because of the leaps and bounds of technology.

I heard somewhere that every computer you can buy right now at any computer store is already beyond obsolete because of the leaps and bounds of technology.

The big names really ass-rape you. The biggest drawback is that you don't get a plain copy of the operating system, you get it loaded with lots of bullshit that never makes it run as good as equivalent hardware with a copy of the operating system from the manufactuer.

The big names really ass-rape you. The biggest drawback is that you don't get a plain copy of the operating system, you get it loaded with lots of bullshit that never makes it run as good as equivalent hardware with a copy of the operating system from the manufactuer.

No kidding. That's the one thing I hate about the desktop, it comes with shit I never use (AOL, McAfee, etc), and it automatically starts all of it.. It's all built in... the McAfee window pops up all the fucking time asking me to renew, it annoys the piss out of me. I want something fast with a shitload of memory and HD space so I can burn DVDs, CDs, and edit pictures and all that, and I need to run MS Office 2007. I don't want any of that other shit.

Norton and AVG. The computer came with Norton built in, and I added AVG on top of it.

First of all, it's an "emachine". They're disposable computers.

Yank the HD, pick up an external enclosure. Sell the parts on craigslist.

Put together a system from newegg/tigerdirect. If a part goes bad, you don't have to pay some big-name lots of $ for a regular power supply with their own special connector on it.

+1 on the newegg...

Emachine is not worth upgrading/repairing.

Cut your losses and get a new box. You should be able to get a nice system for 3-400 bucks since you dont need a monitor or printer etc.. Or an expensive graphics card for that matter(assuming you won't be gaming)

Zero, post the specs once you've got the cart put together will ya?

I dont use shit for anti-virus software, never have. That shit slows you the fuck down. Use a better browser than IE and you dont have problems.

I dont use shit for anti-virus software, never have. That shit slows you the fuck down. Use a better browser than IE and you dont have problems.

I have a really cool video to send you then, it's called AwesomeMovie.exe

I have a really cool video to send you then, it's called AwesomeMovie.exe

ZOMG!!! Trojan detected!

AOL gives users McAfee for free...

I don't trust it.

Newegg's setup has changed... I can't seem to link to a cart, so here goes. The motherboard sold out in the middle of getting this quote together, but they're usually back in stock within 3 days. This is NOT a top of the line gaming PC for all of you that wish to get into pissing contests. This will handle most any game just fine, any application just fine, and wipe your ass while doing all of it. Is there better systems? Yes, but not for this money. This is a great bang for buck setup--there is better hardware, but again, I stress, this is with a budget in mind.

Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHZ Q6600 - $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

Gigabyte Motherboard - $84.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337

(2) 2x1gb DDR1066 RAM - Total of 4gb - $87.98
(you must order a quantity of TWO to get 4gb)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144

Decent case, and a ps that will do the job with this hardware - $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147010

DVD/CD - Burner - $23.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106263

Seagate Barracuda SATA drive 400GB - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148138

MSI 512MB PCIx16 Video card - $38.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127366

XP Pro - $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515

Power Adapters 2 for $2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119024
(only 1 is needed as the ps has 1 sata connector, but he may run more than 1 hard drive, and these are easily breakable, an extra is a good idea)

$100t2 also requested additional case fans: These are not $3 fans... they are much quieter and worth the money in the long run. $32 for 2.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835191006


Grand Total: About $679 + shipping. Some things can be adjusted to get it under $600--2 gb of memory instead of 4, less hard drive space, cheaper or no case fans, etc. This is a really good baseline though.


Please keep the following comments out:
-My gaming pc is better than this--and yes, you paid for it.
-My video card has HDMI out--he never mentioned wanting this, DVI can provide a great picture on an LCD anyway.
-You need an aftermarket cpu cooler for OC'ing--I highly doubt he wants to overclock this, it'll run great as is.
-That memory sucks. I've ordered 30+ sets of this brand of memory in the past 2 years, had 1 DOA, and 2 go bad out of all these.
-That power supply isn't big enough, you need 600watts! And this is how you know you don't know what you're talking about. Don't even have this argument with me, I see people ranting about high wattage power supplies so much--They will do a lot more safely than you think.

Shipping to me for everything was $31.34... just as a reference... you can't beat this site.

might want to go with more than 350W, that's a little low. Especially if you're adding extra fans, they can pull up to half an amp @ 12vs. Other than that, that's a solid build. Also, when the computer dies, are you in windows, or is it loading windows? When you reformat, you boot off the windows CD, and if it still crashes when you're doing that, then it's not the hd. If it's not doing that, though, then it could still just be the HD.

It won't do anything anymore. I'm only using my laptop now.

You gonna get it? I'll help you either on AIM or phone through the build... In all honesty, it'd take me less than 20 minutes to get it all together and hit the power button.... gonna take you a bit longer, but I can probably walk you through doing it in an hour or so.

sounds like it's more work than it's worth. Here's a revision to Zero's build, it needed a few things. Quadcore+xp= waste of money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118012
$23.99-dvd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
$170-E8400 cpu(xp won't make use of more than 2 cores very well. Quite a noticable difference between XP n Vista)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148138
400GB drive-same one as before

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128337
Gigabyte Motherboard - $84.99

4X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104012
88-Kinston RAM. good stuff

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129121
$20-low end gfx card. If you plan on gaming, consider getting something better.

XP Pro - $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116515


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115
$40-case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256032
$30-psu

I definately wouldn't trust a $30 case/psu combo. PSU's are one of the most likely things to die, over time. I've seen cheap bridges actually explode inside. This psu/case setup is 40 bucks for more a reliable brands(ones that aren't exclusive with newegg). You save 20 on the gfx card(I'm assuming you aren't playing CoD4 or anything), and 20 on the CPU, and you gain 500MHz clock speed. If Zero says he's had good luck with that brand of RAM, that's cool, but I've never even heard of it, and Kingston comes with a lifetime warantee.
*zips up* lol. Good luck with the build.

sounds like it's more work than it's worth. Here's a revision to Zero's build, it needed a few things. Quadcore+xp= waste of money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118012
$23.99-dvd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
$170-E8400 cpu(xp won't make use of more than 2 cores very well. Quite a noticable difference between XP n Vista)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148138
400GB drive-same one as before

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128337
Gigabyte Motherboard - $84.99

4X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104012
88-Kinston RAM. good stuff

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129121
$20-low end gfx card. If you plan on gaming, consider getting something better.

XP Pro - $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116515


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115
$40-case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256032
$30-psu

I definately wouldn't trust a $30 case/psu combo. PSU's are one of the most likely things to die, over time. I've seen cheap bridges actually explode inside. This psu/case setup is 40 bucks for more a reliable brands(ones that aren't exclusive with newegg). You save 20 on the gfx card(I'm assuming you aren't playing CoD4 or anything), and 20 on the CPU, and you gain 500MHz clock speed. If Zero says he's had good luck with that brand of RAM, that's cool, but I've never even heard of it, and Kingston comes with a lifetime warantee.
*zips up* lol. Good luck with the build.
How many computers have you built within the last year? I've built 30+ on the same platform with nearly all the same hardware. Don't tell me about what this hardware will do, won't do, or what it will and won't handle... I know what the fuck I'm talking about.

Your power supply concern is an example of your knowledge.

Bye. :wave:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
$170-E8400 cpu(xp won't make use of more than 2 cores very well. Quite a noticable difference between XP n Vista)

I tend to agree. I have to manually switch off a chip (set affinity) for certain programs to function normally.

oh yeah, psu will die but they are cheap to replace. but over time, maybe best to get a well engineered psu.

How many computers have you built within the last year? I've built 30+ on the same platform with nearly all the same hardware. Don't tell me about what this hardware will do, won't do, or what it will and won't handle... I know what the fuck I'm talking about.

Your power supply concern is an example of your knowledge.

Bye. :wave:

ZOMG 30!? I work for IBM lol. I couldn't count the # of PC's I've fixed/built. Ever built a PSU? I have, so I know how easily they can die. For the sake of 40 dollars, why wouldn't you get some extra current capacity(which translates in to longevity, under less usage), and a recognized brand? And If he could save 20 bucks on a CPU, and get better performance, why not. With the Q6600, you'd be dropping the bus/multiplier speed more than necessary, which is where the real performance is. Don't get all butthurt on me, I thought it was a good build. Just needed a few things.

ZOMG 30!? I work for IBM lol. I couldn't count the # of PC's I've fixed/built. Ever built a PSU? I have, so I know how easily they can die. For the sake of 40 dollars, why wouldn't you get some extra current capacity(which translates in to longevity, under less usage), and a recognized brand? And If he could save 20 bucks on a CPU, and get better performance, why not. With the Q6600, you'd be dropping the bus/multiplier speed more than necessary, which is where the real performance is. Don't get all butthurt on me, I thought it was a good build. Just needed a few things.

Not really.

Agreed That Zero Is Butthurt

czar got it right

OK, my wife took the computer down to a repair shop. It needs a motherboard. Everything else is apparently fine.

Can I keep most of the hardware, and just replace the motherboard/processor? I want to do this on the real cheap.

Yes. If the new MoBo/Proc is compatible with your other outdated crap.

How will I know that?

Well, your machine is only 3 years old, so you shouldn't have issues with the drives or power supply (AT vs ATX, got enough power for your CPU? etc), but RAM has changed since then - you might want to get new RAM anyway to take advantage of today's faster bus speeds (get at least 2GB IMO).

Also card slots for your video card, make sure they're compatable (AGP 8X?)

you can look up the supported features of the new motherboard on the manufacturer's website.

you may not even need to replace the processor.

we could walk you through the parts comparison (post your current specs), or even the actual work process.

Haha, you're right: I got so much computer crap at work, I could just video the whole process

The main thing I want to keep is the HD because it already has a bunch of stuff on it. If I take it all apart and give you guys pictures, would that help?

Probably. Posting specs too.

How do I get the specs?

one way would be to look up the specs of the computer model you bought, assuming your computer didn't have any variations from that prebuilt model.

for hard drive, it's quite simple. there's only two real formats out there commonly used... SATA and IDE. most motherboards have support for both, although a few of the newer ones do SATA only. figure out what kind of hard drive you have and make sure the motherboard supports it. if its IDE it'll have a big ribbon coming out of it. if it's sata it'll be a more standard looking cable with an L shaped plug.

you can search on google images for "sata cable" and "ide cable" to get a firm idea of what they look like. then just pop open your case and take a look.

Probably won't be worth it. Drop $600 on a new system.

IDE = looks like a flat "ribbon" cable, more than likely gray with 1 of the wires being red.
SATA = more the size of a usb, has a little "clip."

I'll guarantee it's IDE.

once you've used Vista long enough to get xp out of your head its all good

once you've used Vista long enough to get xp out of your head its all good

Once you've been punched in the face by Microsoft long enough to get NOT being punched in the face by Microsoft out of your head, it's all good :bigthumb: