Posts Tagged ‘Ram Power’

Diagnosing Computer Hardware Faults

When your PC goes wrong and you have lost all hope the normal final stage is to reformat your computer and start afresh. This will most likely resolve any software issues, remove viruses or any other nasties and give you a clean start. But what happens if you have already reformatted and the problem still exists?

This means, most likely, you have a hardware fault. This is where problems can start.

Diagnosing a computer hardware fault can be a right pain as any of the computer components could the cause. Unless you are intending to replace the entire machine you need to carefully diagnose with what components the fault lies with.

I would advise you look at the computer into these main areas to analyse.

Memory / RAM

Power Supply

Hard Disk

Motherboard

This isn’t a complete definitive list, obviously depending on your issue ie if your issue is that you don’t get sound then it could be a sound card issue, similarly if you don’t get a display then graphics could be the culprit. If it is a random fault then either of the above could be the cause.

Memory – this is fortunately quite easy to diagnose. Search the Internet for a memory tester. Generally these can be put onto a CD (or Floppy if you are stuck in the past!!), boot up from the CD which then enters the memory test. This will constantly cycle through, testing the memory for errors. It is wise to leave this on for several hours or even better over night. It will advise you if the memory fails.

Power Supply – this can be a strange one. People generally assume that if the power supply does fail then you would get no life from you computer at all. This sometimes is not true. I have had computers that turn off at random times, computers that have the power light on, but do not start up etc and it has turned out to be the supply – I would advise this should be one of the first things to test as can be a problematic area. Testing it can be difficult without the right equipment. Really the only way is to get a volt tester and check the voltage and current coming out.

Hard Disk – this can be one of the worst problems to have as if your hard disk does fail, unless you have been sensible and done regular backups of your most valuable data, you stand to lose it all. Hard disks can go at any time and usually you will hear a harsh sounding clicking noise that is coming from your computer. If this is the case you need to probably replace the hard disk. Get someone who then knows what they are doing here to try and recover your old data for you.

If none of the above solves your problem then you could possibly be looking at the fault being with the motherboard or any other plug in cards or devices you have. Remove everything to leave only the very basics. Take out all sound cards etc and any other PCI devices that are not essential. If you have more than one stick of ram then leave in only one and see if the problem resolves.

Really, solving hardware issues comes down to a case of trial and error here so take the time to test everything out. Bear in mind that even if your keyboard or mouse is faulty, very strange things can happen to a computer, so if you can, try to remove and test every single item.

JBO Solutions supplies the UK with Server Backup drives, Computer Components and accessories such as TFT Monitors.

Author: Olly Fallon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Buy electrical pressure cooker

PC Hardware Information

Before starting with your personal computer make sure that you have a good knowledge base of computer hardware. So if you know a lot on the subject you’ll be able to pick and choose the right pieces of hardware for the job and save yourself some money at the same time, especially if you’re comfortable going for brands you aren’t familiar with.

The most simple types of desktop hardware are you monitor/screen, keyboard and mouse. Computers need great hardware in order to work properly. Hardware aside, you’re also going to require some software, name an operating system. The basic components of computer hardware include:

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit: This relates to the “motherboard,” the body of the computer. The CPU needs a a heat sink and fan; the chip set which is responsible for bridging the CPU to other components of the system to perform its functions as the brain of the computer. Responsible for running processes and applications is the memory or the RAM. Power management and boot firmware are included on the BIOS. The operating system drivers is handled by the Basic Input Output System.

Your power supply: The computer depends on your power supply to power everything in your computer. The cooling fan, switch, and power cord all make up the computer’s power supply.

The video controller is attached to the motherboard and relates to the graphic card operations.

A removable media device is your computers storage. General removable media thing – which is OK for data and sound on PC’s – including the floppy disk; the larger Zip drive, CD-ROM, high-capacity CD – ROM drive reads data , the CD writer to read and write data on CD-ROM, CD-ROM discs which is a higher-memory type of DVD – ROM drive, DVD burner, the DVD – RAM drives expression of reading and writing; of the Blue for high-density optical data storage and high-definition video Blu-ray; of BD – ROM drive, BD writers, as well as USB flash drive, Flash memory devices for data storage use, large capacity.

Ian Wright can help you with your computer needs if you visit cheap used laptops and laptop computer manufacturers.

Author: Ian E. Wright
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing