Need computer help ASAP

[RAF74_Bimmer]

Hey, guys - I know we've got a few very computer-savvy people here, so maybe you can help. I turned on my desktop this morning, or rather tried to, as it will not boot. It is a Gateway FX4710 running Vista, bone stock except for a couple of fans. It has been running flawlessly to this point.

When I hit the switch, the machine powers up - fans, drives, etc. - and issues its standard single beep, but that's it. No BIOS, no screen output, nothing. Just keeps spinning the fans and humming along, but nothing happens. I've tried reseating the RAM and the video card, unplugging and replugging all the drive cables, the MB cable, and all the external cables to no avail. I don't have another SATA-capable machine to test the HD on. I'm at a bit of a loss at this point.

Any assistance you might be able to offer would be very much appreciated. I've got a lot of stuff on that machine that I use every day for work, so I need to get it up and running as soon as I can. Thanks again.

[RAF74 LoyalNine]

Have you tried plugging into a different LCD screen maybe? Possible your screen LCD is toast?

Kind of odd to have the standard single beep but nothing up on the screen at all.

[RAF74_Bimmer]

OK, problem identified. On a whim, I decided to pull out the video card and see if I could get it to boot using the onboard video capability. Sure enough, after Vista went through its "Your system was unable to boot" routine, which turned up no system errors, we're back in business. Off to Newegg to find a new video card.

Loyal, I knew the LCD was OK because it was giving me the usual "Analog/digital" test graphic and the "No signal" graphic when I unplugged the cable. Thanks for your input.

[RAF74_Bimmer]

OK, opinions please:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121337

or:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130469

Other suggestions welcome. I'm only looking at nVidia options, BTW. Never had much luck with ATI.

[RAF74 LoyalNine]

I have had really good luck with EVGA products. I currently have an 8800GTS and I gae one up to my fathers rig and they are both running without a hitch. My understanding is they have excellent customer service. I would go with the EVGA for that reason alone.

FWIW - I too have been an NVIDEA diehard. The last ATI card I had was a 9600 - but this new 5850 and 5870 are pretty much blowing everything out of the water right now. (The 5850 for price/performance) and the 5870 for sheer power) plus they offer Eyefinity capability with 3 monitors currently.

The 5850 is pushing better numbers than the GeForce GTX 285. So I forsee it having some long legs too going into SOW:BOB. I think I am going to pick up and EVGA 5850 at some point when I can stealth the purchase by the wife...

Review here: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/09/30/amds_ati_radeon_hd_5850_video_card_review/1

[RAF74_Bimmer]

The performance of those ATI cards looks good, but I'm not willing to spend the kind of money they want for the 5850/5870 at this point. I'm trying to keep this under the $150 mark or thereabouts. Plus most of the new ATI cards don't seem to be available yet, and I need this ASAP.

[RAF74_Dharmaboy]

EVGA all the way. Thats all I will every buy. Plus if you ever want to OC, it won't void the warranty.

[RAF74_Bimmer]

OK, so EVGA it is. Now, is the 260GTX worth the extra $50 over the 250GTS?

EDIT: Oh joy. I see that I'm going to have to upgrade my power supply to work with any of these cards. I think that means I'll be getting the 250GTS just to keep the total outlay somewhat reasonable.

[RAF74_SnakeEyes]

The gts benchmarked at 1,719 and the gts at 1,118 but if this interests you take into account you get the nvidia stereo 3d glasses with the gts and not with the gtx . I have used that type of 3d glasses and they are cool but I wouldent use them all the time.

[RAF74_Bimmer]

EVGA 250GTS w/1GB VRAM and a 550W PS (I forget the brand - it was highly rated and popular) from Newegg on the way for just shy of $200 out the door. The GTX would have been nice, but this is not a budgeted-for upgrade, so cheap is important. Not sure I'll have much use for the 3D glasses, but one never knows. Barring further difficulties, I hope to be flying again by the end of the week.

[RAF74_Stew]

Good show, Bimmer. Hope you are back up and running soon.

Pretty impressive response fellas. In 12 hours Bimmer went from being dead in the water to having parts ordered. I sure have appreciated in the past that when I have an issue you guys are so quick to jump in and help. Glad to have mates who are willing to jump in and offer advice!

As a point of reference, I have found a good website that offers optimal hardware solutions based on various price points. They change their recommendations weekly and offer good advice. Check it out: http://www.pcper.com/hwlb.php?guide3=y&guide2=y#guide3